Designed for: Shake Box | Designed by: Jason Castillo | Date: 2/20/21 | Version: | |||||||
Lean Canvas | ||||||||||
Problem | Solution | Unique Value Proposition | Unfair Advantage | Customer Segments | ||||||
. Proper nutrition in terms of daily value is not prioritized amongst busier lifestyles.
. Getting access to fresh fruits and vegetables is not very feasible in these lifestyles, while the demand for these types of products is on the rise.
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. Providing a convenient and quick way to make a blended fruit/protein drink with the push of a few buttons.
. The supply can be filled daily with the fresh ingredients that many health conscientious people will crave, and making it a guarantee |
. With the drink being made on the spot, guaranteed freshness is always the case.
. Combined with various fresh ingredients and many different types of milks whether it be whole, fat-free, or plant based, there is an extreme emphasis on options. Everything is tailored to the consumers desires or nutritional need . 2 competitors that I’ve looked at do not focus on any of these aspects, and just have a small selection that stays the same
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. The ease of access would be second to none, as it could be placed in Universities, Coporate buildings, fitness centers, and strategic locations alike.
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. Very wide target audience which would increase success
. Anyone looking to improve their health/nutrition . Those looking for healthy alternatives for snacking/meals . Great for busy lifestyles that may have little time to eat . Student athletes are also one of many types of people that would find this useful. |
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Existing Alternatives | Key Metrics | High-Level Concept | Channels | Early Adopters | ||||||
. People meal prepping on their own or bringing their own shakes
. Healthy restaurants that cater to many different dietary needs . Food delivery services such as Uber or Doordash |
. Purchases per day
. Income per day . Maintenance costs |
. Vending machine for those who
Desire healthy options
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. Advertising through various platforms
. Getting popular figures in relevant industries to promote the product . Notices through out the facility (e.g. University) to make consumers aware that there is a shake box within the vicinity |
. College students and gym goers |
Problem
What exactly is the best option for a nutritionally rich meal or snack that student can get their hands on in between a busy schedule? The usual vending machines or cafeteria options can have some pretty unhealthy choices with excess fat, sugar, as well as preservatives, implying the farthest thing from fresh. Some options might supply everything except a decent amount of protein, the best option in that aspect might be a muscle milk or a some protein bar but those sacrifice vitamins and minerals. A properly executed protein shake could solve a lot of these problems in an all in one, on the go beverage. The ultimate goal here, is to make it so easily accessible that it can even be attained within the 10-15 minutes that students get in-between classes.
Solution
The solution, although relatively simple in theory, has a pretty demanding execution that needs to be precise in a lot of ways. The shake box with be comprised of various technologically advanced components. Various types of pumps, motors, a high powered blender, and a cleaning system would be just scratching the surface of this innovative design. Not to mention the entire inside refrigerated to the perfect temperature to optimize freshness of ingredients and ice. All topped off with a user friendly touch screen for selection and a cool window so that users could watch the process in amazement.
Jason, is your idea essentially a “vending machine” that makes shakes? Like a coffee machine or milkshake machine? If so, you have a lot of research to do (which is good) and decide if you want to move forward with something like this. When you do your competitor analysis, don;t just look at direct competitors. Do research where machines like this are used in cold storage situations like the milk shake machine I mentioned. Then try to figure out why this isn’t common. Then try to estimate logistical challenges. Then try to figure out why the bubble tea businesses on every corner at Baruch aren’t doing this or cannot do this. Then look at customer perceptions – would your target audience get a shake from a vending machine, pay a premium for quality, and consider “vending machine” as quality? Would you pay $5 for a vending machine espresso or a handmade one?
I am mentioning all of these things so that you can quickly determine if you want to move forward with this idea, or pivot as you research more. None of this is to discourage you but to get you to think critically and not waste time.
I would love an automated vending machine that makes smoothies and juices. I believe the biggest concern is making sure that the produce is fresh and washed. Somehow communicating that to students may be hard. You would have to gain their trust. I don’t know how I would feel about seeing a bunch of produce in a vending machine. Something about it doesn’t give the impression of being fresh. You may need to redesign this so that students trust that the fruits and vegetables are of good quality.