BEES: Barcode Scanner

Mobile app
Problem
The process of adding items to the cart is slow and inefficient, especially for users making large or repeat orders, due to manual product name search entry.
Goals
The goal was to streamline the cart-adding process by reducing manual entry, improving usability, and increasing accuracy, especially for large or repeat orders.

What is BEES?

The BEES Customer app is a global digital B2B platform for small business owners to place product orders digitally owned by ABinBEV.Available in 20+ countries, the app serves as a one-stop solution for small to medium-sized businesses to manage their inventory and place bulk orders, often recurring on a regular basis.

01 Gathering Research

Building on the research team's findings, I gathered insights into our users' ordering habits and reviewed benchmarks to explore how other apps simplify the ordering process.
  • 80% of users use the search bar to find products
  • With multiple similar formats for SKUs (similar names and product images), there is a higher likelihood of choosing the wrong one
  • Less than 10% of users use their favorites/shopping list, but users that are aware of the feature find it helpful
  • Benchmarks showed barcode scan and favorites lists as easy ways to add products

02 Iterations and Testing

During the design process for the barcode scanner, I explored various options and collaborated with my Product Manager to agree on a solution. We then worked with our tech lead to ensure feasibility.

Throughout testing, we discovered that users desired a straightforward way to save items to their favorites or shopping list while searching for products to add to their cart. Additionally, we learned that some barcodes could return multiple results.

03 The Final Designs

The finalized design for the barcode scanner feature focused on creating an intuitive and efficient user experience. Key components of the design included:
Seamless Scanning Flow: Users can now scan items easily, allowing for quick addition of products to the cart. The interface displays scanned items in real time, making it easy for users to review their selections
Options to add to shopping list: When users scan, they have the option to add items to their shopping list as well to more easily save their frequently purchased products for easier ordering in the future.

04 Results

The implementation of the barcode scanner feature led to significant improvements in user experience and efficiency within the ordering process:

Increased Efficiency: Users reported a marked decrease in the time required to complete large orders. The ability to scan items continuously and automatically look up product information streamlined the ordering workflow, enabling users to manage bulk orders more effectively.
Positive User Feedback: Initial user testing showed a high satisfaction rate with the barcode scanner feature. Users appreciated the intuitive interface and the ease of navigating through scanned products, which enhanced their overall experience with the BEES platform.
Data-Driven Insights: Post-launch analytics indicated a significant uptick in the use of the barcode scanner (Within the first months of launch, 40% of active users engaged with the barcode scanner feature.), validating its utility among users. Continuous monitoring of user behavior will help identify further opportunities for enhancements.