In April 2022, as the CEO of CODE LEAP, I spearheaded the HeYo project, a design initiative for a startup focusing on the increasing demand for vending machine accessibility influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. My role in the project was not only consultant but the design lead. Together with my colleague we designed every aspect of this application.

Collaborative Design and Research

‍The project kicked off with client workshops, where we delved into the target user demographics and their needs. Our analysis revealed a significant uptick in vending machine usage, prompting the need for a comprehensive locator system.

Development and Design Execution

We opted for a mobile web application to ensure rapid deployment and broad accessibility. The design was centered around a playful and inviting aesthetic, incorporating cheerful illustrations to engage users. A lightweight design system, inspired by Material Design, was utilized to keep the interface clean yet functional.

Interactive Features and Stretch Goals

The core feature was a dynamic map view that not only displayed nearby vending machines but also allowed users to contribute by adding new locations. This community-driven approach was fundamental in keeping the app's database rich and up-to-date. While our immediate goal was to launch the web app, we also prepared for a potential future upgrade to a native app with integrated payment functionalities.

Project Outcome and Impact

The project was completed in just five months, from conception through to the final launch in September 2022. The HeYo app successfully enhanced user interactions with vending machines by simplifying location discovery and inventory checks, setting a solid foundation for future expansions including direct payment options. Unfortunately our client was not able to convince enough vending machine providers to participate in providing data for this service. This lead to the service shutting down just a few months after creation.

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