Trader Joe’s is known for its in-store experience but lacks a mobile platform to support modern shopping behaviors. We designed a mobile app that enhances — not replaces — the in-store journey by improving planning, product discovery, and shopping efficiency while introducing community-driven features.
Product Designer
User Research & Insights
UX Strategy
Interaction Design
Visual Design
Prototyping
Trader Joe’s lacks a mobile platform to support how users plan and navigate their shopping experience. Without delivery or online ordering, traditional grocery app features don’t apply — creating an opportunity to design a digital product that enhances the in-store experience while still delivering meaningful value.
We translated user insights into a mobile experience that enhances — not replaces — Trader Joe’s in-store shopping through a focused, research-driven design approach.
We started by validating demand for a Trader Joe’s app and identifying which in-store pain points a digital experience could realistically solve.
Surveyed 31 participants across students and working professionals
Reviewed common grocery apps to understand what users expect and where Trader Joe’s differs
High intent: 80.6% rated 6+ (likely to very likely) to use a Trader Joe’s app
Top needs: product search/navigation, shopping lists, weekly specials, discounts/loyalty
Competitive gap: most grocery apps win on delivery/pickup—Trader Joe’s opportunity is planning + discovery + in-store support
Research Insights
Current App Landscape
Based on our research, we defined a product direction that supports Trader Joe’s in-store model while addressing key user needs around planning, discovery, and efficiency.
Prioritized planning over purchasing (no delivery)
Focused on recipe-driven discovery to inspire users
Integrated shopping lists with product exploration
Designed for community engagement to differentiate from competitors
We translated our product direction into a cohesive mobile experience centered around a seamless flow from discovery to action. The experience connects recipes, products, and shopping lists into one continuous journey — allowing users to move from inspiration to in-store execution with minimal friction.
Recipe → Ingredients → Shopping List
Product Search → Add to List → In-store use
Digital Shopping List
This concept reframes the grocery app as a tool for planning and discovery rather than transaction, aligning with Trader Joe’s in-store-first model. By supporting how users prepare for and navigate their shopping trips, the experience enhances efficiency, increases product discovery, and strengthens overall engagement.
Integrate real-time inventory visibility by store location
Personalize recommendations using user behavior and preferences
Introduce AI-assisted meal planning based on dietary needs and budget
Trader Joe’s is known for its in-store experience but lacks a mobile platform to support modern shopping behaviors. We designed a mobile app that enhances — not replaces — the in-store journey by improving planning, product discovery, and shopping efficiency while introducing community-driven features.
Product Designer
User Research & Insights
UX Strategy
Interaction Design
Visual Design
Prototyping
Trader Joe’s lacks a mobile platform to support how users plan and navigate their shopping experience. Without delivery or online ordering, traditional grocery app features don’t apply — creating an opportunity to design a digital product that enhances the in-store experience while still delivering meaningful value.
We translated user insights into a mobile experience that enhances — not replaces — Trader Joe’s in-store shopping through a focused, research-driven design approach.
We started by validating demand for a Trader Joe’s app and identifying which in-store pain points a digital experience could realistically solve.
Surveyed 31 participants across students and working professionals
Reviewed common grocery apps to understand what users expect and where Trader Joe’s differs
High intent: 80.6% rated 6+ (likely to very likely) to use a Trader Joe’s app
Top needs: product search/navigation, shopping lists, weekly specials, discounts/loyalty
Competitive gap: most grocery apps win on delivery/pickup—Trader Joe’s opportunity is planning + discovery + in-store support
Research Insights
Current App Landscape
Based on our research, we defined a product direction that supports Trader Joe’s in-store model while addressing key user needs around planning, discovery, and efficiency.
Prioritized planning over purchasing (no delivery)
Focused on recipe-driven discovery to inspire users
Integrated shopping lists with product exploration
Designed for community engagement to differentiate from competitors
We translated our product direction into a cohesive mobile experience centered around a seamless flow from discovery to action. The experience connects recipes, products, and shopping lists into one continuous journey — allowing users to move from inspiration to in-store execution with minimal friction.
Recipe → Ingredients → Shopping List
Product Search → Add to List → In-store use
Digital Shopping List
This concept reframes the grocery app as a tool for planning and discovery rather than transaction, aligning with Trader Joe’s in-store-first model. By supporting how users prepare for and navigate their shopping trips, the experience enhances efficiency, increases product discovery, and strengthens overall engagement.
Integrate real-time inventory visibility by store location
Personalize recommendations using user behavior and preferences
Introduce AI-assisted meal planning based on dietary needs and budget
Trader Joe’s is known for its in-store experience but lacks a mobile platform to support modern shopping behaviors. We designed a mobile app that enhances — not replaces — the in-store journey by improving planning, product discovery, and shopping efficiency while introducing community-driven features.
Product Designer
User Research & Insights
UX Strategy
Interaction Design
Visual Design
Prototyping
Trader Joe’s lacks a mobile platform to support how users plan and navigate their shopping experience. Without delivery or online ordering, traditional grocery app features don’t apply — creating an opportunity to design a digital product that enhances the in-store experience while still delivering meaningful value.
We translated user insights into a mobile experience that enhances — not replaces — Trader Joe’s in-store shopping through a focused, research-driven design approach.
We started by validating demand for a Trader Joe’s app and identifying which in-store pain points a digital experience could realistically solve.
Surveyed 31 participants across students and working professionals
Reviewed common grocery apps to understand what users expect and where Trader Joe’s differs
High intent: 80.6% rated 6+ (likely to very likely) to use a Trader Joe’s app
Top needs: product search/navigation, shopping lists, weekly specials, discounts/loyalty
Competitive gap: most grocery apps win on delivery/pickup—Trader Joe’s opportunity is planning + discovery + in-store support
Research Insights
Current App Landscape
Based on our research, we defined a product direction that supports Trader Joe’s in-store model while addressing key user needs around planning, discovery, and efficiency.
Prioritized planning over purchasing (no delivery)
Focused on recipe-driven discovery to inspire users
Integrated shopping lists with product exploration
Designed for community engagement to differentiate from competitors
We translated our product direction into a cohesive mobile experience centered around a seamless flow from discovery to action. The experience connects recipes, products, and shopping lists into one continuous journey — allowing users to move from inspiration to in-store execution with minimal friction.
Recipe → Ingredients → Shopping List
Product Search → Add to List → In-store use
Digital Shopping List
This concept reframes the grocery app as a tool for planning and discovery rather than transaction, aligning with Trader Joe’s in-store-first model. By supporting how users prepare for and navigate their shopping trips, the experience enhances efficiency, increases product discovery, and strengthens overall engagement.
Integrate real-time inventory visibility by store location
Personalize recommendations using user behavior and preferences
Introduce AI-assisted meal planning based on dietary needs and budget