A Cooking Tutorial Platform

Snapshot

Who is CookBook?

CookBook is a user-friendly website designed for discovering and viewing cooking tutorials. Users can easily filter recipes based on their preferences, including cooking time, skill level, dietary restrictions, calories, and cuisine type. The platform aims to simplify the recipe search experience, making it more accessible for anyone looking to explore new dishes.

My Contribution:

As the UX designer, I led the design process from ideation to the development of an interactive prototype. My responsibilities included user research, wireframing, prototyping, usability testing, and iterating on designs to ensure an intuitive and engaging user experience.

Role:

UX/UI design process and research

Duration:

8 weeks

Team:

Solo Project

S/W Used:

Figma, Google Suites, Zoom

Documents linked to this case study:

Project Overview

01
  • PROBLEM

    Finding the right recipe can be overwhelming, as cooking tutorials are scattered across multiple websites, making it difficult to organize and revisit them. Users often have specific preferences—such as quick meals, low-calorie options, or skill-based recipes—but lack a centralized platform that offers tailored recipe recommendations with easy filtering options.

  • SOLUTION

    The goal of CookBook is to create an intuitive platform where users can search for recipes using filters that match their needs. Users can save recipes for future reference, view ratings, and read feedback from other users to make informed cooking decisions.

Understanding the user

02

To design an intuitive and user-friendly recipe discovery platform, I conducted interviews and created empathy maps to gain insights into user needs and behaviors. I found that many users search for cooking tutorials multiple times a week but often struggle with disorganized and overwhelming recipe websites. Several key pain points emerged during research:

  • Limited Filter Options

    Many cooking websites lack advanced filtering, making it difficult for users to find recipes that match their specific needs, such as dietary restrictions, cooking time, or skill level.

  • Lack of Video Tutorials

    Some platforms provide only text-based instructions, which makes it harder for users to follow along, especially for complex recipes.

  • Absence of Global Recipes

    Users looking for diverse, international cuisine often have to search multiple websites, as most platforms do not offer a wide range of global recipes in one place.

  • Missing User Feedback

    Many cooking websites do not allow users to leave ratings or reviews, making it difficult for others to assess the quality and success of a recipe before trying it.

User Personas

03

Della is a Busy working professional and passionate about cooking who needs To browser new recipes and save them for later because She wants to cook them when she gets time.

User Persona
"Interested in discovering the details of the second user persona and their specific needs? Click here to explore the insights!"

Empathy Mapping

04
Empathy Mapping
"Eager to understand the second empathy map and how it uncovers user thoughts and feelings? Click here to dive into the details!"

User Journey Map

05
User Journey Map
"Interested in discovering the details of the second user journey map and their specific needs? Click here to explore the insights!"

Competitive Analysis

06

I analyzed several direct and indirect competitors of CookBook. While many features were similar across platforms, key differences stood out:

  • Navigation Efficiency: Some platforms required multiple clicks to access a tutorial, while others provided direct on-click navigation.
  • Interface Clarity: Certain websites had cluttered layouts, whereas others maintained a clean, user-friendly design.
  • Information Overload: Some platforms overwhelmed users with excessive details, while others focused on highlighting essential information.
  • Recipe Organization: Dropdown menus were commonly used for categorization, but filtering options provided a more refined and user-specific recipe selection.

These insights guided our approach to enhancing usability and improving the overall user experience.

"If you're interested in a site map that offers a structured overview of the platform, click here."

Sketching & Paper Wireframes

07

I sketched paper wireframes for each screen, addressing user pain points such as filter options, user feedback, global recipes, and video tutorials. The screen variations were designed with a focus on optimizing the search experience for users.

Paper Wireframe

Digital Wireframes

08

Throughout the initial design phase, I iteratively refined screen designs, incorporating insights and feedback gathered from user research.

Digital Wireframes

Usability Testing

09

I conducted a usability studies. Findings from the first study helped guide the designs from wireframes to mockups.

  • Enhanced Filtering & Accessibility

    Users preferred a range meter over checkboxes for better control and requested the ability to search recipes using pantry ingredients for added convenience.

  • Improved Usability & Engagement

    Users wanted a more visible "Save for Later" icon, the option to print recipes, and a “Try or Not” button to enhance interaction and usability.

Color and typography

10
Color and typography

Mockups

11
Mockups

Impact and Reflection

12
  • 01

    Enhanced Usability & Engagement

    Users found the design intuitive, engaging, and easy to navigate, with a clear visual hierarchy. The search filter options aligned well with user needs, enhancing the overall experience.

  • 02

    User-Centered Design Matters

    I learned that even small design adjustments can significantly improve user experience. The key takeaway is to always prioritize the real needs of users when developing design solutions, ensuring that every feature adds value.