Fresh Sales App - AI Forecasting Tool

The Fresh Sales App helps associates get the right assortment in the right clubs at the right time. It all starts with the machine learning (ML) forecasting model which considers things like weather, trends, events, holidays, shelf life and proper substitutions down to the hour. This helps the team know how many pies to order from our suppliers, and when, what and how many to ship to the clubs.

Using the Fresh Sales App, embedded with AI, the team is able to predict how many fresh items such as pies, bread and meat will needed to be stocked to keep up with member demand and reduce food waste.

Our consultancy was approached by Sam's Club with a need to decrease food waste and increase ROI using Machine Learning and AI.

User Research

During the project's inception, I engaged in qualitative research by conducting interviews with both associates and managers. This initiative aimed to identify pain points and establish a roadmap for the team's direction.

Qualitative Research at Project Initiation:

At the outset of the project, I embarked on a comprehensive qualitative research phase. During this stage, my primary objective was to gain a deep understanding of the project's context and user needs. To achieve this, I conducted interviews with both associates and managers who were key stakeholders in the project. These interviews served as a crucial step in defining the pain points and challenges faced by our target audience. By listening to their insights, I was able to uncover valuable qualitative data that informed our subsequent decisions.

Creating a Roadmap:

One of the key outcomes of the initial qualitative research phase was the creation of a roadmap for our project. This roadmap was not just a list of tasks but a strategic plan that outlined the steps we needed to take to address the identified pain points and meet user expectations. It provided a clear direction for the team, aligning our efforts with the insights gained from the interviews.

Usability Testing During Build Phase:

As we progressed into the build phase of the project, I continued to prioritize user-centricity. To ensure that our product would meet the needs and expectations of our target users, I conducted usability testing sessions with associates. This phase allowed us to gather real-time feedback and make iterative improvements to the product's design and functionality. It was a crucial step in ensuring that we were on the right track and that our design decisions were validated by actual user experiences.

Quantitative Data Analysis Post-Launch:

Following the successful launch of our product, our commitment to user satisfaction did not wane. Instead, we transitioned to a quantitative data analysis phase. Here, I delved into the chat history and extracted valuable insights from the interactions between users and our product. I focused on identifying patterns, especially in the questions that were asked most frequently. This quantitative data served as a treasure trove of information, allowing me to pinpoint precisely what our users were seeking and where they encountered challenges.

Developing UX Artificats:

I managed the overall UX strategy and collaborated with key stakeholders to envision, define, document and evangelize research-driven user experiences for both Sam's Club associates and managers. I produced UX deliverables for the team and contributed to UI design work when needed.

Creating the UI for Fresh Sales Tool Desktop Application:

As the UI designer responsible for the Fresh Sales Tool desktop application, my role was pivotal in shaping the visual and interactive elements of this critical software.

Collaboration with Design Leaders:

To ensure the success of this project, I actively collaborated with design leaders within the organization. This partnership allowed us to align our vision and goals effectively. By working closely with these design leaders, we established a clear understanding of the approved design patterns that would guide our work. This alignment was instrumental in maintaining design consistency and coherence throughout the application.

Collaboration with Walmart and Sam's Club Design Teams:

Our collaboration extended beyond our internal design team. I frequently engaged with the Walmart and Sam's Club design teams to ensure a harmonious and consistent user experience across various products and platforms. This collaboration involved sharing insights, feedback, and design patterns, thus enhancing the synergy between teams and reinforcing a unified brand identity.