The primary aim of the project was to understand and study the Online Grocery Ecosystem, and understand the key problems associated with the movement of crates from Distribution hubs to homes. The growth of the online grocery industry was an important area of study, with focus given to key elements of the supply chain implemented by today's major player in the market. Big Basket was selected as client model, owing to its success in leading the Industry with its inventory based ecosystem. The design process flowed through observing the journey and life of crate. The data was collected by means of task observation, contextual enquiry, shadowing and personal interviews. Key gaps and opportunities in the ecosystem were subsequently identified. A variety of Solution cards were generated based on product, services and technology that would help solve the the above problems. These solutions are synthesized by Card Sorting and grouping, on various levels of implementation. The final solution concept is derived from the synthesis in the form of a 10 year plan which would periodically introduce a product based on the core concept. The first stage would introduce the core concept of an all new crate pallet system, which would finally lead to the Grocery Van concept in 2027. The crate was designed based on basic anthropometric data and appropriate provisions for improved smart functionality, such as modularity and connectivity. The Grocery Van wasp designed keeping sustainability of the product cycle in mind. Project UGAO would encourage consumers to participate in a community based agricultural programme, being a pilot service from Big Basket. The Crates would then be re-purposed into Aquaponic agricultural systems and utilized to grow fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, that can be circulated within the participating users. Digital service interactions, based on devices used by two unique user personas in 2027, were also illustrated. The key learnings from the project was understanding the abundance in opportunities available in the Grocery and food space, specially in terms of sustainable nourishment. A need for utilizing this technology for eradicating hunger in the lower sections of the society was also felt.
