Invenda is an ecosystem allowing a complete digital upgrade of automated retail devices that makes them simple to use and efficient to operate.
Invenda is an ecosystem allowing a complete digital upgrade of automated retail devices that makes them simple to use and efficient to operate.
Invenda is an ecosystem allowing a complete digital upgrade of automated retail devices that makes them simple to use and efficient to operate.
Problem statement
Invenda offers an ecosystem that allows for a complete digital upgrade of automated retail devices, including smart digital vending machines. However, the existing CMS that managed these machines was inefficient, cluttered, and had a poor user experience, which made it difficult for operators to manage their devices effectively. My role was to redesign the CMS to make it more intuitive, user-friendly, and efficient, ultimately improving the user experience for those managing Invenda’s smart vending machines.
Competitor analysis
To understand how other companies managed similar systems, I conducted a competitor analysis focusing on platforms that offered CMS solutions for smart vending machines and automated retail devices. I reviewed key players in the industry, such as Mother, Boost Inc (Aeguana), and Televend, evaluating their functionality and design. This analysis highlighted areas where Invenda’s CMS could improve, such as offering a more intuitive user experience, better device monitoring, and enhanced reporting features. These insights provided a foundation for redesigning the CMS to offer a superior user experience compared to competitors.
Product assessment
I began by thoroughly reviewing the existing Invenda CMS to identify key pain points and areas for improvement. This involved desk research to familiarize myself with the system’s structure, as well as meetings with key internal stakeholders who were regular users of the CMS. I mapped out the user journeys and identified the friction points that hindered efficient operation. I then created high-level user flow diagrams to visualize how the system could be restructured for better usability.
User research
To better understand the diverse needs of Invenda’s users, I conducted thorough user research by splitting the feedback into two main groups: Consumer/Retail Customer experience and Brand/Operator experience. Each group had unique pain points and opportunities, which I explored in depth. The feedback was further broken down into several key sections: basic foundations, which focused on core functionality; revenue opportunities, identifying areas for growth and profitability; self-management, emphasizing ease of use and control for both consumers and operators; and emotional connections, exploring the ways in which users could engage with the digital vending experience on a more personal level. These insights directly informed the redesign of the CMS, ensuring that it catered to the distinct needs of both consumers and operators.
Personas
I developed personas to guide the design process, focusing on three primary user types: Operators, who manage and maintain the vending machines through the CMS; Business Owners, who oversee the performance and profitability of their vending machine networks; and Field Technicians, who physically visit the machines for tasks such as maintenance, refilling, and hardware troubleshooting. Designing for the Field Technicians required a mobile-first approach, as their work depended on a responsive and efficient mobile experience, something the original CMS lacked. Ensuring that the system was fully functional on mobile devices was essential to improving the workflow for these users, allowing them to complete tasks on-site with ease.
Wireframes
Following the research phase, I identified high-priority key features that needed immediate attention to enhance the user experience. I began by focusing on Bulk Actions, which allowed operators to edit products and prices across multiple terminals simultaneously—an essential feature for improving operational efficiency. Another critical feature was Combo Item Management, which enabled operators to increase upsell opportunities by offering bundled products to consumers. It was crucial to tackle these features first before moving on to the CMS redesign as a whole, ensuring that the most impactful functionalities were optimized early on. I developed low-fidelity wireframes for these features, which were then iterated upon with the team before expanding the redesign to the entire CMS.
Qualitative testing
Using the wireframes, I developed low-fidelity prototypes to test with current CMS users. These tests provided valuable feedback, helping me identify what worked well and what needed further refinement. The feedback was categorized into positives, negatives, and suggestions, allowing us to make informed adjustments before moving forward with high-fidelity designs.
Design
The previous Invenda CMS system was built on Material Design 2, so I upgraded it to Material Design 3 for a smoother transition for the development team. Blue was chosen as the primary color for its strong association with trust, professionalism, and technology—qualities that align with Invenda’s brand and the smart vending solutions they provide. I experimented with different ways to incorporate blue throughout the design, using it strategically in backgrounds, navigation elements, and links to create a cohesive, visually appealing interface that reinforces a sense of reliability and modernity. The result was a refined and intuitive CMS that not only reflects Invenda’s brand identity but also enhances the user experience.
Dashboard
The redesigned dashboard became the central hub for operators, offering a high-level overview of all connected vending machines. Users could see machine performance, product availability, and alerts for any issues that needed attention. The dashboard was designed to be highly customizable, allowing users to prioritize the information most relevant to their operations. This streamlined view helped operators manage multiple devices more efficiently and respond to issues in real time.
Terminals management
The Terminals Management page provides an overview of all the terminals (vending machines) within the system. This page displays key information such as terminal serial numbers, service statuses, online statuses, and inventory levels, giving operators a comprehensive view of their devices at a glance. The table was redesigned to introduce bulk actions, allowing operators to manage multiple terminals simultaneously—making tasks like status updates, inventory management, and troubleshooting more efficient. This redesign enhances both usability and operational efficiency for the system’s users.
Terminal
The Terminal page allows users to view a detailed overview of a specific terminal, providing comprehensive information related to its operation and status. This includes details such as installation status, location, serial numbers, and tags, as well as more in-depth information like inventory, diagnostics, reports, and usage data. Users can modify terminal settings, access transaction history, monitor software updates, and troubleshoot issues through MDB diagnostics. This detailed view ensures operators have all the necessary insights and controls to manage each terminal effectively.
Terminal settings
The Terminal Settings page allows users to configure various aspects of a terminal’s hardware and software setup. This includes settings for hardware configurations such as coin devices, temperature sensors, and item dispensers, as well as system-wide settings for shelf space, products, and planograms. Users can also adjust the terminal’s user interface and layout to fit specific operational needs. This detailed control panel ensures that each terminal can be fine-tuned for optimal performance and personalized to meet the specific requirements of its location and inventory.
Mobile design
The mobile design introduces a new Terminal Overview page that provides users with a quick glance at essential information such as terminal status, stock levels, revenue, transactions, and active alerts. This allows operators to monitor their devices efficiently while on the go. Additionally, the usability for refilling shelves has been significantly improved. The interface now clearly displays the quantity of each product required, making it easier for field technicians to manage stock levels and ensure the terminals are properly maintained. These updates enhance the mobile experience, ensuring that tasks can be completed quickly and efficiently.
