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Innovative entry app for Lekkerland’s autonomous shops
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Client
On-the-go consumption specialist
REWE Group member
since 2020
Innovative retail leader
61 000 points of sale
supported across Europe
15.1 B euros in sales
generated in 2024
Operates in Western Europe
across Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain
"We were looking for a partner that understands the complexity of modern technology, but also knows how to translate it into a real customer experience. Future Mind has met these expectations – delivering a solution that is not only functional and secure, but above all user-friendly."
Objective
Lekkerland was looking for a trustworthy partner for a strategic initiative: refining and preparing the company’s autonomous shop concept for expansion.
As it wasn’t our first time working with autonomous commerce, having previously worked on a related challenge with Żabka, Lekkerland quickly recognized us as the right ones for the job.
We set out to design and develop an entry app for the company’s new autonomous shops to be built all across Germany and possibly other Western European countries.
Challenge
- Create three design versions tailored to Lekkerland’s distinct concepts
- Identify how to reconcile necessary solutions’ technical limitations
- Seamlessly integrate advanced external software
- Offer comprehensive support and coordination for a strategic technology initiative
Scope of work
Explore all our servicesProduct Design
- DESIGN AUDIT
- UX/UI DESIGN
- UX RESEARCH
Backend Development
- PYTHON DEVELOPMENT
- INTERNAL PLATFORM INTEGRATION
- EXTERNAL PLATFORM INTEGRATION
Mobile Development
- NATIVE ANDROID APP
Unmanned shops consist of numerous components, including an app that identifies customers and authorizes entry.
A thorough examination of the entire system and its functionality was necessary at the start of the project, as it would help make in-app processes easy and intuitive. Our experts analyzed all the internal and external software and hardware characteristics necessary for integrating the entry solution. Autonomous shops are intricate systems that need to include sophisticated camera technologies, payment processing platforms, and user-friendly interfaces. Each of these components, along with many others, must be seamlessly integrated to ensure a smooth and efficient shopping experience.
Connecting the systems wasn't the only challenge. Before we could actually integrate them, we needed to analyze each system's characteristics and limitations, which often conflicted with one another. Designing an appropriate architecture for both the Python backend and the Android entry app required significant effort and pushed our engineers to find a way to make it work despite significant difficulties. Fortunately, we had just the experience to figure out an efficient method.
Designing the entry app required a unique approach, as it would be displayed on special kiosk-like devices, not tablets or smartphones.
We collaborated with the client at every stage of the project to ensure full compliance with all requirements and quickly arrived at a suitable solution. One of the key necessities was to create a flexible design that would look pleasing to the eye in three different color schemes.
The client’s goal was to use the same project in three differing variations for different concepts: REWE To Go, REWE Ready, and a Lekkerland-branded version for presenting at industry events.
As we worked on the design, we made sure to optimize it for usability and readability. As the user flows were simple, and the product would be used by various demographics, we managed to achieve a minimalist, easy-to-learn interface.
Our main challenge in developing the backend and Android app was integrating all the necessary software and hardware components.
While the application would be Android-based, the hardware that would support it was a computer with a touchscreen monitor. This meant our developers were working in rather unique circumstances – a challenge we thoroughly enjoyed! The devices were provided by Pyramid Computer, a market-leading manufacturer of IT solutions from Germany.
Another key partner was AiFi, a provider of AI-powered shopping experiences
that enable autonomous shopping concepts. Our engineers, having already worked with AiFi's software, quickly integrated it into the entry app. To ensure efficient card authorization and payment upon entry, we integrated the system with Adyen’s terminals – another company we have extensive experience working with.
All throughout the project, our experts took a leading role in pushing the project forward and coordinating responsibilities among the parties involved. We served as a de facto product owner of the development layer and helped ensure all tasks were completed as per the deadlines to deliver the project in a timely manner.
Lekkerland customers can now effortlessly enter autonomous stores using our new app.
The process is quick and simple: just walk up to the kiosk and scan your card.
The app also supports Lekkerland employees in managing autonomous locations. The hardware includes a QR code reader, allowing company representatives to authorize entry and close a shop for maintenance.
Results
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Michał Klimczak
VP of Software Delivery
