Designing a smart digital device for Designing a special purpose device which are tailor made for specific user activities and profiles, empowering them in all walks of life making their personal and professional lives easier. Kirana Shopkeepers
Research “An inside view of a Kirana shop suggested nothing has changed since past 30 years, same old telephone- Landline, phonebooks, use of paper- pen and to some extent calculators…yeah it was all the same.”
Shopkeeper 1 Shopkeeper 2 Shopkeeper 3 Mr. Nagaraja, 37 years experience, family business, - Perishable items: takes special care during summers, orders less, according to what is required. - Knows about various TAX- VAT, TIN etc. - Aware of the business policy followed by malls. - For shop identification, hangs stuff outside. - Will go for business diversion into plastics. - Has global customers, online presence. - Operating time 10 am- 9pm. - Max profit: during festivals. Mr. N Rao, 35 years experience, owner of the shop. - Perishable items and expired goods: individually checks each item for its date, orders what is required. - Complains 30-40% less profit since malls have come up. - Departmental store rent is more. - Customers as old as 25 years, tends to new customers first and then to older ones. - Does not use calculator or computer- “mind should be working”. - Uses landline phone, has a phone book. - Knows the price of every item. - Pays TAX- VAT every 3 months. - Max profit at evening time and festivals Mr, Hirachand Hiralal, a cloth shop owner, no profit; hence started a Kirana store/ dept store. - Computer is helpful, knows only to operate on bills. - Stocks only the amount that is required. - Customer prefer malls during festival. - Margin decreased by 4-5% since hypermart and supermarts. - Labour problems. - Accounts totalling - everyday 10 mins. - Uses barcode scanner - Rs.30,000/- - Operating time- 9am- 11pm. - Max profit: during festivals. Interviews and contextual enquiries total- 7 shopkeepers and a customer
Shopkeeper 4 Customer Mr. D. Subramanium, owner, family business. - Established shop, therefore not much difference due to malls. - Monthly 2 or 3 times checks for expiry. - Stock ordered according to what is required. - Manually writes chits and puts in packets. - Is aware of almost all items. - Festivals most profitable time of the year. - Worked as sales assistant, therefore knows about TAX. - For bulk amount gives pakka bill. - Cross check calculation with mind.. - Max profit during festivals. - Operating hours - 9.30 am-2pm and 5.30 pm- 9.30 pm. - Customer relation is important. - Satisfaction, understanding is important. - Suggestions from shopkeeper about quality and price. - Trust, whatever one gets is good interms of quality. - Easy exchange is available. - Everything available at one place. - Bill payment on monthly basis, flexibility available. Interviews and contextual enquiries total- 7 shopkeepers and a customer
Task Analysis Repeatitive Task Critical Task Task with Focus Environmental Effects Task Dependencies Restriction in task performance - Takes orders. - Give and calculate bills.. - Customer management. - Leaves desk for searching for products. - Receives supplies - Checks for expiry dates. - Switches task from weighing to packing. - Suggests good quality and price to the customer. - Keeps a track of margin and discounts. - Keeps track of finishing items and orders supplies. - Manually checks for expiry dates. - First customer first serve. - Calculation of bills. - Placing order for supplies according to requirement. - TAX payment: monthly, quaterly, what kind of tax to be paid. - When to opt for business diversion. - Returing expired iems to the company. - More goods supplied during festivals. - Fried items destroyed during summers therefore orders less. - Efficient service to the customers during festivals. - Shop helpers. - Bill books. - Shop area to accomodate all the supplies. - Calculators and computers if used. - Sock registers maintained. - Emergence of hypermarts, supermarts and malls. - Follow up on things not under their control. - Labour problems, availability of helpers.
Task Flow- for a regular customer A regular customer brings along a list, handsover or dictate the list of items. Hands over the bag and might ask for home delivery Shopkeeper checks for listed items; they are in stock or not. Cross checks while totalling and putting in bag. Generates a pakka bill because. of bulk items, the calculation done with calculator or mentally. Looks up for address and send for delivery or handover the filled bag.
Task Flow- for a new customer Mostly wants only few stuff while passing by. Is not sure about the quality and service offered, asks for suggestions and prices. Expects a fast and efficient service. If number of items are many, shopkeeper notes down in a list. Ensures quality, brings 2-3 products of different brands or price. Tries to build a good customer relationship. Generates a pakka bill if more items else gives kachcha bill.
Observations and Take-aways Products ordered according to what is required, if more and expired is returned back to the company. A lot of time consumed in task switching in calculating the appropriate quantity of grain. Most of the shopkeepers had sufficient knowledge about TAX. Verbally cross checks each item during home delivery and during arrival of new supplies. Resistant to technology, for calculations use calculators or perform mentally. Research Findings Manages 5 to 6 customers at a time mostly on first come first serve basis. Make the cus- tomer wait incase of unavailable product. Customer management Resistant to Technology Verbal Communication Task Switching Knowledge about TAX Ordering for supplies Visual Mapping of items in racks (get to know which item is finishing) No accounting done for small bill amounts and products. The free items are kept along with its prod- uct. Freebies Accounting Visual Mapping TAX VAT
Pain Points - During new supplies, manual checking of supplies is done and the new supplies are entered in stock register . - While checking for expiry dates, manual checking is done and updated in stock register. Manual Checking - Incase some product has finished or not available, shopkeeper is unaware and this results in inefficiency in serving customers. . - Incase the product is a grain, a lot of task switching happens while weighing the product. Customer Service - Pakka bill provided only for items totalling to more than Rs. 100/- - For items lesser than 100/- no accounting done. No Accounting for small items or lesser priced items
Non-intrusive Reduce task switching A device without hassle Technical Capabilties An automated system A non intrusive design, which can blend with the surroundings, a robust, easy to use interface. Technical capabilities, technology adaptability, least learning curve. A device to reduce task switching. Design Considerations A device without hassle, small in size and catering to needs. An automated system for computation, data entry and a re- minder.
Shopkeeper Customer Conceptual Model - Usecases As a customer: - I would like an efficient service where my time is not wasted. - I would want the product to be available at the store. - I would not like an damaged product or worse expired product. - If a product is damaged, I would like to return the product. - I would like to be informed which are the new products in the market. - I would like a suggestion as to which brand is better or trustable. As a owner of the shop: - I would like to note the amount of sales done during the day. - What are the items which are about to expire so that I can order more. - How can I serve my customers better. - I would like to keep record of the products for which I do not generate bills. - How can I improve customer relationship. - I would like to know how many products of a particular brand did I sell today.
Conceptual Model - Feature Set Table top device Not intrusive in the environment Informs about expiry dates of items Informs about finishing items Act as a stock register Gives a printed output Gives information about popular brands and top selling brands Helps in cross checking of goods Keeps a count for small things sold Data collecting/storing device Automated device
Conceptual Model - Feature Set Hand held device Reduce task switching time Will not intrude the ecosystem of the store Informs about finishing items Cost effective Gives on the spot readings Better customer service Gives accurate results Utility device Digital volumetric measures
Conceptual Model - Device Components Automated device Receiver Device Transmitter Device - Display- touch and type - LED feedback for received input - Physical buttons - Print output - Charging- battery usage power plug - PC slot - Memory slot - Capture information using sensors - Notify parent device - Search for patterns Digital Volumetric Measures - Power button - LED display - Charging- battery operated
Initial concepts and technology Concept 1- Sensors placed at the shelves - Sensors could be stuck on the racks to record and receive data - Technology used- RFID tags to record the items sold. - The transmitting device i.e RFID tags sends information accross to the receiver device. Sensor LED Transmits info to receiver device Receiver Device Sensor which detects RFID tags and sends them to receiver device LED Sensor (A Shelf at a store)
Initial concepts and technology Concept 2- Placing sensors at the bag or as clip-ons - The sensor should be able to detect the products in the bag - Technology used- RFID tags to record the items sold. - The transmitting device i.e RFID tags sends information accross to the receiver device. Transmits info to receiver device Receiver Device Sensor which detects RFID tags and sends them to receiver device Sensor
Final concept and technology Using audio input to feed the data in receiver device - The audio receiver should be able to record the items spoken into it. - Technology used- Unidirectional Microphone, bluetooth and thermal printer. - Working Principle of a digital weigh scale for Digital volumetric measures. Unidirectional Microphone - The directionality or polar pattern of a microphone describes how its sensitivity varies with the angle of incidence of the sound. It is determined by the mechanical design of the microphone. - Cardioid: A microphone with a cardioid pattern. This directional pattern is the ideal choice when the interfering noise source lies behind the micro . phone. The cardioid pattern provides the best suppression of unwanted noise coming from behind Digital Weigh Scale - the scale employs an analog-to-digital converter that translates the continuous readout data from the scale into discrete digital information. - the load cell senses the weight and sends the signal to the indicator. - Basically all weigh scales consist of- a structure one or more load cells signal conditioner -5dB -10dB -15dB -20dB -25dB 270° 90° 180° 0°
Information Architecture Home New Receipt Status Date and Time Battery and Power Bluetooth Physical Buttons Menu Context specific button Barcode Scanner Sound feedback Microphone Visual feedback Green when receiving Red when not receiving Enter item Enter Qtn. Total amount Delete item button Add new button discount button Total cost Text input Barcode scanner Enter name Quantity Price Enter name Quantity Price Audio input Text input Barcode scanner Microphone Microphone Green when receiving Red when not receiving Speaks into product Speaks into quantity Auto suggests products Enter into name category Auto suggests products Gives an audio feedback Customer information Update & add new supplies Recently added items Settings Organizer Category Brand Units Expiry Date Quantity Price per unit Context specific button loose packed
A Sales Tracking Device for Kirana Shopkeepers A smart digital device to aid the Kirana Shopekeepers in sales tracking and caluclations using Audio Input. abacus
Wireframes Home Screen Print Output 5 in 9 in 07-10-2013 12:11pm NAME QTN. AMOUNT Delete Add New Discount Total: Microphone and LED Feedback 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 Q W E R T Y U I O P A S D F G H J K L Z X C V B N M Caps Sym * / + - . , X Receipt No.- About the Device- - The device is a table top device with dimensions 9x5x2.5 inches. - Its a touch and type interface with context specific buttons. - Since the operator will be either standing or sitting, viewing angle is important. - The standard font size is 18 pt for body text for comfortable visibility and legibility. - The device is both power and battery operated, bluetooth enabled.
Wireframes With Audio Input With Text Input 07-10-2013 12:11pm NAME QTN. AMOUNT Delete Add New Discount Total: 215.50 Parachut Advansed Hot oil (deep Conditioning) 90 ml 45.00 67.50 Sona Masoori rice 0.5 Kg Complan for Growth (Chocolate Flavour) 200 g 103.00 Microphone and LED Feedback 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 Q W E R T Y U I O P A S D F G H J K L Z X C V B N M Caps Sym * / + - . , X Receipt No.- 1556 Pa 07-10-2013 12:11pm NAME QTN. AMOUNT Delete Add New Discount Total: Pantene Pro V shampoo Dry hair 90ml Pantene Pro V shampoo Anti Dandruff 90ml Parachute Oil Deep condition 90ml Pa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 Q W E R T Y U I O P A S D F G H J K L Z X C V B N M Caps Sym * / + - . , X Microphone and LED Feedback Receipt No.- 1556
Wireframes With Audio Input Context Specific Button Microphone and LED Feedback 07-10-2013 12:11pm NAME QTN. AMOUNT Delete Add New Discount Total: Sona Masoori rice Parachut Advansed Hot oil (deep Conditioning) 0.5 g mg kg ml l 90 ml 45.00 67.50 112.50 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 Q W E R T Y U I O P A S D F G H J K L Z X C V B N M Caps Sym * / + - . , X Microphone and LED Feedback 07-10-2013 12:11pm NAME QTN. AMOUNT Delete Add New Discount Total: 215.50 Parachut Advansed Hot oil (deep Conditioning) 90 45.00 67.50 Sona Masoori rice 0.5 Complan for Growth (Chocolate Flavour) 200 103.0 ml Kg g 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 Q W E R T Y U I O P A S D F G H J K L Z X C V B N M Caps Sym * / + - . , X PRINT SAVE NEW RECEIPT Bill Amount- 215.50 Receipt No.- 1556
Wireframes Settings Page Settings Page 07-10-2013 12:11pm Customer credit Settings Recently Added Items New Supplies 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 Q W E R T Y U I O P A S D F G H J K L Z X C V B N M Caps Sym * / + - . , X 07-10-2013 12:11pm Customer credit Settings Recently Added Items 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 Q W E R T Y U I O P A S D F G H J K L Z X C V B N M Caps Sym * / + - . , X New Supplies Microphone and LED Feedback Microphone and LED Feedback
Wireframes New Supplies Page Print Output 07-10-2013 12:11pm Microphone and LED Feedback 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 Q W E R T Y U I O P A S D F G H J K L Z X C V B N M Caps Sym * / + - . , X Class Product Name Brand Name Category Units Quantity Price(in units)
07-10-2013 12:11pm NAME QTN. AMOUNT Delete Add New Discount Total: Microphone and LED Feedback 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 Q W E R T Y U I O P A S D F G H J K L Z X C V B N M Caps Sym * / + - . , X Receipt N0. - Visual Design Home Screen Style Guide Colour Palette Font Size: A-20 pt A - 18 pt A - 16 pt Font : Open Sans
Final Product Print Output Display Barcode Scanner A digital device to enter the items sold and keep a record of total items present currently in the shop and which are the ones about to expire. The Input is received using audio sensing with the help of a unidirectional microphone. A divice similar in size to a landline telephone empowered with a barcode scanner and a print output.
Digital Volumetric Measure A digital volumetric measure which displays the weight digitally, working on the principle of digital weighing machine for saving the task switching time and improving efficiency in customer service.
Future Possibilities - Connecting the device to weighing balance within the store and entering the data automatically. - Syncing the device with suppliers’ digital device and updating the database. - An RFID enabled store, where the customers need not stand in queue at all and billing is done automatically. - The current device is aimed at aiding shopekeepers with billing, accounts and expiry with least learning curve and minimum intrusion.
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