Flow
Flow is an innovative app concept designed to enhance the experience of remote work in cafés by providing live data about busyness levels, amenities, and distance. By solving common frustrations like overcrowded spaces, lack of power outlets, or unreliable Wi-Fi, Flow empowers remote workers to choose the perfect café for their needs.
Team:
Myself
UI Designer, Prototyper, Developer
Duration:
1 month
Design Process
Wireframe
UI Design
Motion Design
Problem
Objectives
Post-pandemic, remote work has surged in popularity, with many people seeking productive environments outside of their homes. However, finding a suitable café can be challenging due to overcrowding, insufficient seating, and unknown conditions regarding amenities like Wi-Fi or noise levels. Flow addresses this gap by offering real-time café data and personalized filters to match users with the best options.
Provide remote workers with up-to-date information about café busyness, available amenities, and noise levels.
Introduce filters to customize café searches based on users’ preferences (e.g., distance, outlets, food availability, etc.).
Offer a seamless interface that supports intuitive navigation and enhances user decision-making.
Before COVID-19
Never
< 1 day per week
1-2 day per week
3-4 days per week
5 days per week
After COVID-19
0%
30%
60%
Change in remote work trends due to COVID-19 in the United States in 2020
Before COVID-19
Never
< 1 day per week
1-2 day per week
3-4 days per week
5 days per week
After COVID-19
0%
30%
60%
Change in remote work trends due to COVID-19 in the United States in 2020
In the development process working with APIs showed how data can enhance user experiences, like using real-time busyness data in an app. Combining intuitive filters with a clean UI balanced functionality and aesthetics. Overcoming API issues and troubleshooting taught the importance of adaptability in design and development.
Key Learnings
API Issues
No User Research
Balancing Features
As this was a conceptual project, user research and usability testing weren’t conducted. Future iterations should include feedback from remote workers to refine features.
Determining which features to prioritize (e.g., real-time busyness vs. seating reservations) required thoughtful consideration to keep the app focused and streamlined.
Initial development faced hurdles due to outdated tutorials, which caused errors. Collaborating with peers and troubleshooting resolved these challenges, improving overall functionality.
Get detailed information about each café, including live busyness data, reviews, and amenities.
Easily filter by reviews, noise level, Wi-Fi strength, and more to find a café tailored to your needs.
Find My Flow
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Flow
Find Your Flow with Real-Time Café Data
FILTER NOW
Thu
Fri
Sun
Mon
Tue
19
20
22
23
24
21
Today
November 21
Saturday
Select a date
Select time
Features
Distance
Ratings
FILTER
4 Hours +
04:30 PM
All
All
04:30 PM
02:00 PM
08:30 PM
10:00 PM
1:30 PM
06:00 PM
Duration
04:30 PM
OUTLETS
NOISE LEVEL
FOOD
WIFI
4 km
5 Star
4 Star
3 Star
Search Station
Live: Very Busy
MORE DETAILS
3.2 km
10 Dean Café
VIEW DETAILS
Low
Moderate
Busy
GET DIRECTIONS
10 Dean Café
Toronto, ON
7am
12pm
3pm
6pm
9pm
9am
Live Data : Very Busy
Wifi
Outlets
Food
Low NL
GET DIRECTIONS
10 Dean Café
Toronto, ON
7am
12pm
3pm
6pm
9pm
9am
Live Data : Very Busy
Wifi
Outlets
Food
Low NL
They have reliable, fast Wi-Fi, ample outlets, and a quiet atmosphere for focused work. Plus, their coffee and pastries are top-notch, keeping you energized all day. An ideal spot for getting things done!
FAVORITES
300 meters away
2 min
484 Spadina Ave, Toronto ON
Busy
10 Dean Cafe
Last Updated at 2:00pm EST
1.6 km away
10 min
215 Spadina Ave, Toronto ON
Moderate
Dark House Cafe
Last Updated at 4:00pm EST
300 meters away
2 min
484 Spadina Ave, Toronto ON
Tonic House
Moderate
Last Updated at 2:00pm EST
3.8 km away
35 min
770 Bay St, Toronto ON
Low
Neo Coffee Bar
Last Updated at 2:00pm EST
2.8 km away
35 min
235 Queens Quay W, Toronto ON
Box Car Social
Busy
Last Updated at 2:00pm EST
View nearby cafés on an interactive map to quickly find the best spots around you.
Save your favorite cafés for quick access anytime.
Although still in the conceptual phase, Flow has the potential to solve real frustrations faced by remote workers. Its clean design, practical features, and focus on user convenience provide a strong foundation for future iterations.
Future Applications
Explore the potential for seating reservations to elevate the café experience.
Allow users to pre-order drinks or food directly through the app to save time upon arrival.
Use AI to suggest cafés based on past preferences, such as favorite beverages or working hours.
Next Steps
Conduct user research with remote workers to validate assumptions and prioritize features.
Build out a functional prototype with real-time API integration.
Explore partnerships with cafés to implement booking features and gather user feedback on-site.
Outcomes & Future Plans