Seedlip Cocktail Concierge - Enhancing Drink Experiences with AI

RESEARCH | ANALYSIS | DESIGN |  WIREFRAMES | PROTOTYPE

Home<< Go back

Introduction

In the rapidly evolving beverage industry, staying ahead of technology trends is not just an option but a necessity for brands aiming for market leadership. Recognizing this, Diageo's non-alcoholic drink company, Seedlip, embarked on an ambitious project to redefine customer engagement through digital innovation. The project's cornerstone was the development of an AI-driven virtual assistant, "Elli," designed to enhance user experiences by providing personalized cocktail recommendations, product information, store locations, and fostering community engagement. This case study outlines the process and achievements of the project, led by a dedicated team focused on research, user interface (UI) design, user experience (UX), and accessibility.

Project Overview

The Seedlip Cocktail Concierge, aptly named Elli, represents a leap forward in digital customer service within the drinks industry. Developed to serve both novice and experienced cocktail enthusiasts, Elli offers a personalized journey through Seedlip’s product offerings, leveraging AI to recommend cocktails, find retail locations, and connect users with the Seedlip community.

Research and Design Process

Initial Research

Extensive research was the foundation of this project. As the lead researcher and Designer I conducted a comprehensive analysis to understand the needs and preferences of Seedlip's target audience, focusing on inclusivity and accessibility. This research informed every aspect of Elli's design and functionality, ensuring the virtual assistant was not only innovative but also accessible and user-friendly.

Accessibility and Inclusivity Focus

From the outset, compliance with WCAG Accessibility Guidelines was a priority. The team implemented a range of accessibility features to ensure Elli was usable by as wide an audience as possible, including:

Text-to-speech and speech-to-text functionalities for users with visual or motor impairments.

Keyboard navigation and screen reader compatibility.

High-contrast visuals and scalable fonts for users with visual impairments.

Challenge and Response

The initial feedback from the Diageo team on the first design iteration of the Seedlip Cocktail Concierge, "Elli," served as a pivotal moment in the project's lifecycle. The critique, while initially disheartening, acted as a catalyst for innovation, pushing the design team to transcend previous boundaries and explore uncharted territories in UI/UX design and accessibility within the drinks industry. This section of the case study delves into the strategies and processes employed to transform Elli into a trendsetting digital assistant that exceeded stakeholder expectations.

UI DESIGN

UI Design

Aesthetically pleasing and functional design elements that align with Seedlip’s branding.

UI DESIGN & ACCESSIBILITY

Carousels

Interactive elements that simplify the process of finding product information and selecting preferences.

UI DESIGN

Add to cart

Designed for maximum ease of use, a simple click on the "Add to Cart" button instantly redirects you to the website to seamlessly complete your purchase, ensuring a smooth and convenient shopping experience.

Multimedia Content – Music, Images, and Videos:

Rich media integration to enhance the interactive experience and keep users engaged.

Chat UX
User Experience

A conversational interface simulates human conversation, making interactions more personal and engaging.

User Experience - Discoverability and accessibility

Intuitive navigation features to ensure users could easily discover and access Elli's functionalities.

Outcomes

Seedlip's AI concierge "Elli" has been featured as a key digital innovation within the drinks industry, setting a new standard for customer engagement and accessibility in digital platforms. The project not only achieved its goals but also paved the way for future innovations in the beverage sector.

Read story here: Rewrite Digital - New Digital Innovations in drinks

AI drinks innovations

Conclusion

The Seedlip Cocktail Concierge project exemplifies how innovative thinking and a commitment to accessibility can create a digital experience that resonates with users on a personal level. By blending AI technology with thoughtful design and inclusivity, Seedlip has reinforced its position as a forward-thinking brand in the non-alcoholic beverage industry. The project's success, underscored by recognition from Diageo Global, highlights the importance of integrating digital innovation with a deep understanding of customer needs and accessibility standards.

The UI/UX and accessibility adaptation are really impeccable. What a great job you've done there!!

Head of Innovation

DIAGEO

It was our pleasure to be part of an amazing team delivering one of a kind experience. Thank you. Great project, great work

Delivery manager

Seedlip

email iconcv iconlinkedin icon
Copyright ucentered.co.uk - Powered by Webflow.