About
Bazaargram is dedicated to modernizing the traditional marketplace experience by providing small-scale shop owners with an advanced digital platform. This platform facilitates efficient transaction recording and management, empowering vendors to streamline their operations effectively.
Additionally, Bazaargram enhances customer engagement through a unique in-app navigation system, making it effortless for shoppers to locate vendors and products within the marketplace. Furthermore, the inclusion of in-app chats fosters smoother communication between vendors and customers, allowing for personalized assistance and strengthening relationships.
By leveraging technology to bridge the gap between vendors and customers, Bazaargram aims to revitalize local markets and create a vibrant shopping environment.
Through these features, Bazaargram seeks to enhance the overall shopping experience, fostering convenience, transparency, and connectivity within bustling marketplaces like Russell Market.
BAAZARGRAM
”Esht kodtthira?”
- A local Kannada-speaking person in the market
'Kitne ka diya?'
Project Deliverables
Timeline
User Research
User Persona
Interaction Design
Interface and Navigation Design
Visual Design
4 Months
About
Russell Market is a historic landmark in Bengaluru, renowned for its vibrant and chaotic atmosphere. Established in 1933, it stands as a testament to the city's rich commercial heritage. The market is a treasure trove of diverse products, from the freshest produce and exotic fruits to an array of spices and household items. A quintessential Bengaluru experience, it offers a captivating blend of sights, sounds, and aromas that transport visitors back in time.
Russell Market
What makes this market so unique and special?
A mosque, church and mandir near the market
Research and Analysis
Understanding the people
Research Methodology
To gain a comprehensive understanding of Russell Market, a multi-pronged research approach was adopted. Primary research methods were central to this study, involving in-depth interactions with diverse individuals integral to the market's ecosystem. This included vendors, customers, and support staff.
Secondary research was incorporated to enrich the analysis and provide historical and contextual insights into the market's evolution. By examining the market through the lens of its various stakeholders, this research aimed to capture the complexities and nuances of this vibrant space.
The Vendors
A visit to Russell Market is not just about shopping; it's a journey back in time. Vendors, many of whom have inherited their shops from their forefathers, still rely on handwritten accounts and mental arithmetic, a testament to the market's age-old traditions. Their friendly banter and shared stories of the market's vibrant past, marked by festive celebrations and communal spirit, create a warm atmosphere.
The market's well-organized layout, with dedicated sections for various products, is complemented by vintage signage, adding to its old-world charm. Their multilingual skills, honed over generations to cater to a diverse clientele, further enhance the market's unique character.
During the visit to the market, the vendors mentioned that as important as this market used to be, the footfall has reduced since a fire took place in the market in 2012, and while the market was trying to get back on its feet again, it got yet again struck with covid and has never been able to be the same as before.
With less people coming to the market a lot of vendors had to relocate their generation long owned shops to newer locations. Along with their financial struggles, what the vendors seem to miss the most is their interaction when people used to show up at their shops and festivals and how they were celebrated in the market.
They mentioned the place would light up during Christmas and host friendly competitions like cake decor. Located at the city's heart, people from all over Bengaluru used to visit the market, but its a different time now.
Some of the questions answered by multiple vendors
Questions and Responses
Problem Statement
Small-scale shop owners in bustling marketplaces like Russell Market face significant challenges in efficiently managing their financial records. Reliance on traditional, manual accounting methods leads to time-consuming processes, increased potential for errors, and limited insights into business performance.
Additionally, customers' dwindling footfall stems from the lack of information about vendors' offerings and prices, contributing to a decline in market patronage. The absence of user-friendly digital solutions tailored to vendors' needs further exacerbates these challenges, hindering their ability to adapt to evolving market dynamics.
A pressing need exists for a practical and intuitive digital accounting solution featuring a navigation system designed specifically for local customers. This solution would address vendors' unique requirements, empower them to streamline operations and revitalize market patronage by enhancing customers' access to information.
Small-scale vendors need an efficient digital solution for better financial management and customer engagement. Customers require an intuitive digital solution for streamlined access to vendor information and products.
How Might We
How might we integrate inventory management features into the app to help vendors track stock levels, identify popular products, and optimize their offerings accordingly?
How might we incorporate features that allow customers to search for desired items and compare prices across different vendors, enhancing their shopping experience?
How might we incorporate interactive maps and signage features to guide customers through the market, helping them navigate and discover new vendors and products?
How might we facilitate communication between customers and vendors through the app, enabling them to inquire about product availability and/or request customized items?
User Personas
Vendors
Customers
App proposal
This app is essentially a go-to for all small-scale vendors situated in the local markets and for people who like exploring these spaces but need help. This app allows users to have features that encourage physical presence in the market rather than online ordering. It allows better connectivity between the vendors and customers.
Information
Architecture
Home Page
Accounts
Chats
Navigation
Log In
Wireframes
User flows
How to browse through recent and new posts
How to create a post
How to use the map for navigation
Screen Design
Strategic Placement: Key features were positioned at the bottom of the page for easy accessibility, leveraging the theory of familiarity to guide user interaction.
Color Palette: A carefully selected color palette was employed to evoke the market's unique atmosphere and the emotions associated with it.
Visual Communication: The design emphasised logo-based information over text to cater to a diverse user base, including those with limited language proficiency.
Language Accessibility: A language toggle was implemented, allowing users to switch between English and Kannada for enhanced accessibility.
Design Approach
Interactive Map: A detailed map of Russell Market showcasing the layout, pathways, and key landmarks.
Market Selection: Users can choose from a list of local markets, with Russell Market as the primary focus.
Nodal Point Images: Images of key points within the market, such as entrances, exits, popular stalls, and amenities.
Vendor Portal: A dedicated section for vendors to upload transactions, set reminders, and view visual representations of their sales data.