Designing Interactions for Culture And Society

As part of the "Design Interaction for Society and Culture" unit at Monash University, I collaborated with two other UX/UI designers on a group project that followed core UX principles. While we worked together during the early stages conducting interviews, establishing project guidelines, and aligning our research goals each of us eventually developed our own unique product based on our individual insights. From my perspective and research findings, I designed a smart trolley aimed at improving everyday experiences through thoughtful interaction design. Although the outcomes were different for each team member, the project maintained a strong collaborative foundation, with shared values and a collective approach to user-centered research. My final outcome included 3D modelling in Blender, interactive prototyping, and UI design, bringing the concept to life in both form and function.

As part of the "Design Interaction for Society and Culture" unit at Monash University, I collaborated with two other UX/UI designers on a group project that followed core UX principles. While we worked together during the early stages conducting interviews, establishing project guidelines, and aligning our research goals each of us eventually developed our own unique product based on our individual insights. From my perspective and research findings, I designed a smart trolley aimed at improving everyday experiences through thoughtful interaction design. Although the outcomes were different for each team member, the project maintained a strong collaborative foundation, with shared values and a collective approach to user-centered research. My final outcome included 3D modelling in Blender, interactive prototyping, and UI design, bringing the concept to life in both form and function.

Roles

Roles

UX Researcher, UI Designer

Skills

Skills

Prototyping, 3D Designing, Visual Design, Research

Project Type

Project Type

Future Shopping Experiences

Results

Results

High Fidelity Product

Team

Team

Three UX/UI Researchers

Project Description

The smart trolley was designed in response to key challenges faced by international students aged 23–27 shopping at Coles Caulfield, including difficulty tracking discounts, locating products efficiently, and identifying affordable ethical or vegan options. Guided by shared research insights, my solution focused on helping users make cost-effective and informed decisions by offering real-time price updates, clear navigation within the store, and detailed information on ethical products. This concept was realized through a combination of 3D modelling in Blender, interactive prototyping, and UI design, all aimed at creating a practical and intuitive in-store experience.

Problem Statement

International students aged 23-27, residing near the campus and Caulfield Coles, typically engage in grocery shopping 2-3 times per week. They often encounter challenges in keeping track of discounts and seek offers to stay within their student budget. Additionally, students with vegan and ethical considerations face difficulties in finding affordable products during in-person shopping at Coles Caulfield. They aim to discover discounts and offers on environmentally friendly and daily groceries.

Final Steps for User (Highlights)

Login & Preferences Screen

  • Large “Scan Student ID” button

  • Toggle switches: “Show Vegan/Ethical Products,” “Apply Student Discounts Automatically.”

Live Scan Feedback

  • “Item Scanned: Broccoli” → “No Discount Found”

  • “Item Scanned: Almond Milk” → “10% Student Discount Applied”

  • Simple red/green icons to confirm at a glance.

Aisle Navigation

  • “Locate Vegan Cheese” → “Aisle 9 → Next Left”

  • Arrow icon with “Shelf D” below.


Checkout Summary (Self vs. In‑Person)

  • Self‑Checkout Code: a square barcode + text “Scan here”

  • In‑Person Code: a larger barcode + text “Show to cashier.”

  • List of discounts applied (e.g., “Almond Milk: –10%,” “Broccoli: –$0.20”).

Conclusion

In the end, the smart trolley concept not only addressed the practical needs of international students shopping on a budget but also offered a more ethical, informed, and user-friendly experience. By combining thoughtful interaction design with real-time information and intuitive navigation, the product aimed to support more confident and conscious decision-making in everyday shopping. This project highlighted the value of user-centered research and collaborative exploration, ultimately resulting in a solution that blends functionality with empathy.


Let's get in touch!

Get in contact with Sara.

Let's get in touch!

Get in contact with Sara.

Let's get in touch!

Get in contact with Sara.