UX Research Methodology:

1. Stakeholder Interviews:

   • Conducted interviews with key stakeholders, including store managers, inventory managers, and customer service representatives.

   • Identified pain points, challenges, and desired features to inform the dashboard's functionality.

2. User Persona Development:

   • Created detailed user personas representing different roles within Starbucks, considering responsibilities, goals, and pain points.

   • Personas included store managers aiming for efficiency, inventory managers focusing on stock levels, and customer service representatives needing quick access to customer data.

3. Competitive Analysis:

   • Analyzed dashboards used by Starbucks competitors and industry leaders to identify best practices and innovative features.

   • Benchmarked against similar platforms to ensure the Starbucks dashboard would stand out in terms of usability and functionality.

4. Task Analysis:

   • Broke down operational tasks performed by each user persona to understand their workflow and information requirements.

   • Mapped out the sequence of actions and decision points to inform the dashboard's layout and navigation.

5. Contextual Inquiry:

   • Observed employees in their work environment to gain insights into their daily routines.

   • Identified pain points in the current operational processes and noted opportunities for improvement.

6. Usability Testing:

   • Developed wireframes and prototypes based on initial design concepts.

   • Conducted usability testing sessions with representatives from each user persona group to gather feedback on the dashboard's structure, functionality, and overall user experience.

Key Findings and Insights:

1. Unified Data Access:

   • Users valued having a centralized dashboard providing a comprehensive view of relevant operational data.

   • A clear preference for customizable widgets and modules emerged to tailor the dashboard to specific roles and responsibilities.

2. Real-Time Updates:

   • Timely access to real-time data, especially concerning inventory levels and customer footfall, was identified as critical for decision-making.

   • Users expressed a need for customizable alerts and notifications based on predefined thresholds.

3. Intuitive Navigation:

   • A straightforward and intuitive navigation structure was essential for users with varying technical proficiencies.

   • Consistent iconography, clear labeling, and contextual tooltips were highlighted as important elements for ease of use.

4. Mobile Responsiveness:

   • Considering the on-the-go nature of operational tasks, users emphasized the importance of mobile responsiveness for the dashboard.

   • Features like barcode scanning and quick access to key metrics on mobile devices were deemed essential.

Design Recommendations:

1. Card-Based Layout:

   • Adopted a card-based layout for the dashboard to facilitate customization and modular content arrangement.

   • Each card represented a specific operational aspect, such as sales performance, inventory levels, and customer feedback.

2. Live Data Feeds:

   • Integrated live data feeds for real-time updates, ensuring users could access the latest information instantly.

   • Implemented a system of customizable alerts and notifications to notify users of critical events or status changes.

3. Responsive Design:

   • Ensured the dashboard was fully responsive, catering to different device sizes and orientations.

   • Prioritized touch-friendly interactions and gestures for mobile devices.

4. Contextual Help and Guidance:

   • Implemented contextual help features, including tooltips and guided walkthroughs, to assist users in understanding complex functionalities.

   • Provided an easily accessible knowledge base for more in-depth assistance.