App Design Concept: NatureBox Mobile Pantry
A few shots of my latest side project. Rather than redesigning or adding conceptual features to an app I use, I decided to create an app concept for a service I love that doesn't have an app. I have been a NatureBox subscriber for a little over two years now and I have to say, I love the service. I began the service in full-on snack roulette mode: every item in every box was a surprise. As my family caught on and began enjoying the service, we have begun curating what we receive every month (what NatureBox calls your "pantry"). You can manage your pantry through a responsive website, but I created this concept imagining what a native app would look like.
My design inspiration was the NatureBox bag and the sun logo.
Taking inspiration from this, I created the login screen that should look somewhat familiar:
The main intention of this app is to enable a user to manage their "pantry". After login, you are taken directly to the pantry section of the app. As with the NatureBox website, the pantry lists the first five items (my next order) with an option to buy it now.
The main interactions on the pantry are to organize and/or remove items. I envision something like a list of index cards in a stack, so the organization UX will simulate pulling a card out from one position and inserting into a new position. To remove an item, simply swipe right (standard iOS convention.
Next up is the catalog of items. NatureBox takes some wonderful photos of their items, so that is the focus of the catalog. Each item can also be ranked, so I have included a visual of the rank and an easy button to add to my pantry. The catalog view will also allow you to search by name, ingredient, flavor, etc.
Tapping on an item will take you to the detail view of the item. This would also be the screen that load if you tap on an item from the pantry. This screen allows you to rate an item, read a richer description, and swipe to view nutrition information, ingredients, and NatureBox's "Snack Specs".
On the bottom toolbar of the app, I have included icons for the catalog and the pantry (green focal point). I have also included (but not mocked up) history and account options. This should eliminate the need for a hamburger button.
I have also added a item for a blacklist. This isn't a feature that exists with NatureBox today, but as I envision it, I would like to add either items or ingredients (e.g. peanuts), that will never be shipped to me. NatureBox has the notion of "surprise" items. The blacklist would allow me to receive surprise items while ensuring that I won't receive items that I'm allergic to or know that I don't like.