Technology, Software
- Laravel
- jQuery
- Responsive
- Agile
Client:
Technology, Software
Client:
Subscription based food delivery service. A technically complex web application that incorporates different user groups, recurring payments, and intelligent clustering of customers per restaurant based on address.
Initially, the client had a very clear idea of what they wanted to achieve. CityLunchClub was to become a subscription-based lunch delivery service targeted at those who lived and/or worked in Manhattan.
Restaurant Randomizer
CityLunchClub’s policy aimed to offer new food options every day, and A2 Design faced the challenge of making this possible. The site needed to incorporate the functionality to offer delivery five days a week, on business days only and, as such, there was a requirement for at least 20 restaurants to be active at any given point. We created the socalled “Restaurant Randomizer” that automatically allocated the restaurant to different customers on a daily basis.
The Restaurant Randomizer system incorporated two more functions: it ensured the registered restaurants received an equal amount of orders every day (to ensure the participating restaurants enjoyed consistent business), and it also incorporated intelligent clustering of customers per restaurant based on their address. This helped to ensure that deliveries were efficient.
We used leading methodologies and tools to manage and execute the project. To maintain our high-quality standards, we used Basecamp for project management, DoneDone for test management, and JIRA for online bug reporting.
We believe in the values of specialization of labor. That’s why we created a dedicated team for the project.
Considering the scope of the project, we understood the necessity of transparent communication, which involved daily status reports, and weekly calls between CityLunchClub representatives and the project manager. The customer’s feedback was quickly taken on board and any required changes implemented.
We understand the importance of manual testing, that’s why a whole quality assurance department was involved in the process.
To enable multiple users to access the platform across different mobile devices, we designed the app in responsive HTML. Alongside HTML5, the design proved to be futureproof. The web application now provides a consistent user experience, irrespective of the device being used (widescreen PC, iPad, iPhone, Android, etc.).
The thirdparty payment gateway, Recurly was integrated into the system. It provided a robust and secure payment transaction mechanism.
Moreover, a recurring payment system was created.
There are three types of accounts:
As far as membership levels go, customers can choose from as little as one lunch a week up to five. The more lunches customers purchase, the cheaper each lunch is.
To promote the startup and attract attention to it, the marketing team developed and implemented a number of interesting referral programs.
One such programs is the “Invite Friends and Earn a Free Lunch” initiative.
The platform was based on HTML5based responsive device that was designed to operate on regular desktop browsers like Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, and Google Chrome. Special tweaks were made in the app to make it compatible with Safari OS on the iPad2.
We have previously underlined the advantages of this approach.
In a nutshell, we had to recourse to it in order to meet the tight deadline of the project. Thanks to its short delivery cycles, the Agile methodology helps us to stay in control of projects, especially those that have a large scope.
Google Maps and Google GEO-location (builtin address auto-completion) were integrated into the system. This made the system fool-proof (the user cannot order to an address that does not exist). Moreover, the system automatically schedules deliveries in an efficient manner. This ensures that a delivery driver doesn't have to drive around Manhattan several times but can deliver everything in an effective manner. The effort of building such an intrinsic system has been well worth it: it provides economical advantages for the restaurant and convenience for the customer.
Depending on a chosen Membership Plan, the user receives a notification letter inviting them to place an order one day in advance.
This letter contains live links so the user doesn't have to login to the web app.
Notifications are also sent to customers informing them of the latest deals or offers.
Once the order is created, the restaurant receives a set of orders one day in advance. Alongside the orders, the restaurant receives automatically generated maps in PDF format. These are used to guide the delivery driver.
Social sharing was another feature that made a difference in the promotion of the website.
Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and email sharing functionalities were integrated into the site.
Customers can choose a different meal every day from three different options.
The food delivery platform is set to provide the user with a different restaurant option every day.
The system offers intelligent clustering of customers per restaurant based on address.
This ensures delivery is fast and efficient.
The CityLunchClub provides a consistent user experience across multiple screens – laptops, desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
It’s surprising how many companies still underestimate the importance of this feature. CityLunchClub didn’t, and as a result, their sales increased.
The flawless combination of website design, intelligent restaurant randomizer and delivery system, as well as clever marketing techniques based on social media and referrals helped CityLunchClub to attract target users and grow their membership base.
