Assignment 3: Enhancements

Enhancements.

For a juice shop.

It made me think. What could I, as a designer  do, change or improve to help that small little juice shop along a line of shops at the bus-stop?

This is the part I love about this even more about it: A designer doesn't always design just the form or the look of something. A definite misconception. One can even design systems, strategies or how a thing works.

The juice center we went to was doing pretty well on its own. Coming up with enhancements for the shop required closer observation and some brain-storming. I closely began to observe their method and realized a couple of things, although small, could make a difference for them.

1) Counter design:

During rush hour the counter of the juice center is jam-packed. A lot of people gather around for their juice, standing pressed closed to each other or squeezing through. For passerby's on the footpath, this view of a large crowd of people is often dissuading and unattractive, especially when one is in a rush and needs a quick drink.

This situation can be improved significantly by a better counter design. I noticed that the counter's current design is extremely odd.  It is even all along the right side and the center. The left side of the counter, however, is at a lower level and then curves outwards, which is an inconvenient spot to stand at.

Thus, I thought of a curved counter. The curvature provides a larger circumference, and thereby more area for people to stand. The crowd looks more managed and less chaotic.

2) New-ness:

The juice shop has been here since the last 8 years. Over the years they have gathered many regular customers, apart from the expected passerby's. To retain these customers, and get more business, the juice center would benefit by being more innovative and introducing newer juices.

New 'Specials', customized juices or some more fruit juices can be added to the menu. People have the option of having an orange-mossambi mix, or an apple-pineapple.

3) Make presence known:

The juice centre is located alongside many other shops. It is difficult to spot it immediately.  To help it stand out more prominently, I looked around as to what feature could be effectively and economically enhanced. 

I noticed the stairs that led to the shop. They are currently ordinary and yet one of the most visible feature around. If the stairs that lead to the shop are painted, they will attract the passerby's much more. It would not be an advertisement, but more like a teaser to pull customers into the shop. It would also act as an element that would distinguish this juice center from all the other similar looking one's in the area.

Practically thinking, if painting the stairs is not legal or possible since the shop is rented from the BMTC, the illustration on the steps could be chalked out. It is something temporary and effective. 

4) Nutritional value:

Fruit juices are healthy. Publicizing that fact could make people consciously choose fruit juices over soft-drinks, not just for the price and taste, but even for health reasons.

The goodness of common fruits for our body can be printed either on the take away cups, on a signboard placed at strategic positions. 

5) Health is wealth:

To further go along with promoting good health, an extra batch of healthy juices could be introduced. Juices like karela juice, tomato juice, carrot juice etc. They should also have sugar-free options.

The shop would be catering to the health conscious crowd, who are most likely to come early mornings during their morning jogs. Accordingly the shop timings should also change and remain open early in the morning to cater to this audience. The prices could be discounted for daily drinks, or the customers could be given the option of monthly payments.

6) Other products:

The juice center could provide cut fruits as another option to fruit juices.