I started by doing some scavenger hunts to collect ideas. Thinking out of the box, I put random objects I found together to turn them into something else. Eventually, I decided to move on with the shopping cart idea as I found it interesting and had the most potential.

After that, I brainstormed with my classmates. By asking the question — “How might we make shopping fun?”, I gained a better insight into how people would like to improve their shopping experience.

I broke down my sketches and mockups into three parts: the mounting, the turning and the holding.

The Holding

The final holder was chosen based on surveys. It has a wide back board and a familiar spring loaded mechanism that make users feel more comfortable to use.

The Cameras

I made corner cameras with different width and length. Then I brought all of them to test on the shopping cart in store to pick the optimal size.

The Turning & Mounting

After doing some research, I decided to make a phone mount that is owned by the store, and not by the user. That allows a better shopping experience such as checkout on the phone and more.

I removed all turning mechanism and went with a fixed mount after talking to the professionals at IDEO. The product designed for the public needs to be as durable as it can.

Deep learning, computer vision and many new technologies are currently booming in Silicon Valley. The first Amazon Go is now opened in Seattle. Amazon’s team has created the most advanced shopping experience and has achieved no lines, no checkout. 

I chose Whole Foods as my targeted store because it is now owned by Amazon. Amazon, with its strong team and resources, is most likely to implement my idea.

Amazon design its Amazon Go store from the ground up. Many cameras, scales, and pressure sensors are installed throughout the store. 

So, how could I modify the existing grocery stores and use current technologies to improve our shopping experience? My idea is to retrofit the shopping cart. Adding cameras to the shopping cart and using the user’s smartphone can achieve a seamless and efficient shopping experience. Plus, implementing it is more time and cost-effective.

1. NAVIGATION

The app will load your grocery list and generate an efficient route to guide you through the store.

2. INFORMATION

You can discover additional information of a product on your phone.

3. ALERT

Your phone will notify you when the cameras detect an item that you are allergic to.

4. CHECKOUT

When you walk towards the exit, a confirmation checkout prompt will appear. You can complete the transaction on your phone and exit the store swiftly.