LUCHA LIMA

Automated Restaurant

Introduction

This was a self directed project that required me to pick a problem and opportunity to design for relating to health and wellness. I explored a variety problems currently affecting me and those around me which led me to this topic which I felt was meaningful and had significant opportunity for innovation.

Problem

A problem I was experiencing at the time and I observed in general was that many people currently lack healthy food options near their places of school and work. Particularly late at nights or on weekends. Current vending machine options are very limited to a certain selection of snacks and brands that have established a presence in vending locations. Children, parents, students and working professionals are seeking more healthy and fresh options that is convenient and possible to find on -the-go.

The convergence of advancing robotic technology along with mobile web and app based food ordering I believe opens an opportunity for automated restaurant experiences that solve this problem and open up exciting new possibilities for the vending and restaurant industries.

Process

I wanted to explore the physical design of the dispensing machine as well as the ordering experience, branding and app design. I also developed a business plan with a pro-forma to show its potential for startup investment and return on investment. I used hand sketching and digital prototyping tools to explore various forms and options and ultimately converge toward my final solution.

Using Flinto, a Digital UX prototyping program, I explored the user experience of opening the app, finding your location, selecting a meal and receiving an estimate of when you can pick up your food.

Solution

Lucha Lima is an automated restaurant experience that would provide healthy food options in places limited to vending options. Food is ordered from a mobile app and made fresh each time. Once an order is placed, the customer is given a pickup time, which may be 5-10 minutes depending on demand. They can order ahead or stand and watch their food being made, which is then dispensed into a secure box and accessible through the mobile app. The machine would still have to be stocked with fresh ingredients daily and wiped down, but most of the functions including sanitization of containers could all be automated.