Eatcited
The Challenge
"Modern grocery shopping is overwhelmed with choices, consumers often feel uncertain about product quality, value, or health information."
The Eatcited app aims to remove friction by enabling users to instantly scan grocery products to access reviews, price insights, and coupons.
Challenges
Data Fragmentation
Products exist across thousands of retailers with inconsistent data quality.
Review Reliability
Gathering quality user-generated content quickly, while preventing duplicates or spam.
Coupon Redemption
Ensuring smooth digital coupon experience at checkout (barcode/QR compatible).
User Retention
Driving repeat engagement through favorites and review-based incentives.
Technical Complexity
Managing barcode scanning, API fallbacks, and review/coupon linking within an intuitive mobile UX.
Tech Stack
Figma
For collaborative prototyping, component reuse, and interactive flows
React Native
For cross-platform deployment
Third-party product APIs
For the barcode scanner SDK, store logos, nutritional facts, Etc.
Relational database
For managing user activity, reviews, coupons, and product inventory
Definition of Done
- Instantly look up product ratings and details via barcode scan.
- Add products to a favorites list.
- Earn rewards (coupons) for writing reviews.
- Navigate between products using simple tabs (Reviews, Details, Label, Coupons).
- Ensure speed and responsiveness.
THE SOLUTION
UX Strategy and Architecture
The journey was crafted around a frictionless scanning experience and tiered information delivery, using a blend of native-like interactions and real-time database lookups:
Flow Design
We used a flowchart to map the entire product scan-to-redeem journey:
- If the product exists in our database: fetch and show it.
- If not found: query third-party APIs.
- If still missing: prompt the user to add it manually.
- All valid product data is then saved and presented consistently.
Design System in Figma
A dedicated design system was established for typography, spacing, iconography, tab navigation, and cards:
- Tabs for segmented product views (Reviews, Details, Label, Coupons)
- Visual hierarchy for price, rating, brand, and EAN barcode info
- QR codes styled for store-specific checkout integration
- Profile, Search, Favorites, and Scan navigation housed in a persistent tab bar
App Experience
Scan to Search
Users begin with a barcode scan or manual search:
- Real-time scan feedback with red scan line
- Recent search history aids return visits
Product Overview & Ratings
- Displays average rating, price, store availability, and key attributes (sugar-free, kosher)
- Detailed labels (e.g., ingredients) from structured APIs
- Distinct visual styles for Reviews, Details, Label, and Coupons tabs
User Reviews
- Includes profile photos, star ratings, and optional comments
- User has the ability to review overall consensus on the selected product
Rewards System
- Encourages submitting reviews in exchange for redeemable coupons
- Includes character counter, CTA hierarchy, and error protection for empty submissions
Coupon Redemption
- Shows dynamic QR codes filtered by store
- Visual grouping of "10% Off", "BOGO", etc.
- Enables in-store scanning at checkout counters
Key Outcomes
- Increased review contributions with coupon incentive loop
- Real-time feedback for missing products and data sync with APIs
- Positive usability testing across scan/search-to-reward funnel
Final Thoughts
Eatcited simplifies the path from barcode scan to informed purchase while creating an incentive-driven ecosystem for users to engage, share, and save money at the grocery store.
Testimonials
"Tony’s impact cannot be overstated. He was instrumental in transforming an early-stage concept into a deployed, battle-ready system that redefined situational awareness and decision-making for the U.S. Air Force. His work continues to shape the future of defense technology."
Vice President of Design @ Hypergiant
"Tony elevated my skillset. He is a person who effortlessly rises to any occasion, is a whiz in all design tools and on top-is a kick-ass designer-seriously, one of the best I've had the privilege to work and learn with."
Design Director @ Hypergiant
"Anthony is a talented designer with the main focus to UX. He is all the time in a good mood and with good communication skills, good fit into the design team. My experience working with him was really satisfying."
Lead Designer @ Toptal
"My favorite part about working with Anthony is getting deep into the weeds. Anthony has strong opinions backed by experience, facts, and instincts. However, that has never kept him from listening and trying his best to understand where another person is coming from."
Design System Product Manager @ Docker, Inc
"Anthony is truly a leader, pushing the process forward and navigating challenges effortlessly. I was able to learn a lot from him as a designer new to the field, and I couldn't have asked for a better mentor. You can't go wrong with him as a member of your team!"
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Staff Product Designer @ Affinity
"Anthony is an unbelievable talented designer. His combination of technical skills and friendly, approachable manner make him the consummate professional. Put his number on your speed dial!"
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Lead Software Engineer @ Softesis Inc.
"Anthony does not shy away from a challenge and uses logic and hard work to find a solution to problems. He constantly seeks to improve himself and will seek out constructive criticism which is rare for someone his age."
Territory Manager @ Singlewire Software
"His great strength lies in his work ethic and his determination to ship the best experiences possible. His technical background gives him extra insight into the development process. Tony would make a core asset to any team, and I'm happy to recommend him."
Sr. Software Interaction Designer @ IDEXX
"Anthony was self-directed and took initiative to complete assignments on-time with quality. I was impressed with the low learning curve with Anthony; he worked hard and produced some unique and creative app designs."
Sr. Director - Healthcare Analytics and Machine Learning @ Vizient
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