Product Dispenser with Mobile App for Sampling and Variable Pricing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers face challenges in selecting from numerous product options, and existing marketing methods fail to effectively compress the four moments of truth (Zero, First, Second, and Third) into a shorter time span, especially in the context of product sampling and purchasing, often requiring extensive promotions and lacking immediate purchase opportunities and market research data capture.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a product dispenser and a mobile application that offers push notifications for free product sampling, allows consumers to request and receive sample sizes, and enables immediate purchasing with variable pricing based on serving size and caloric content, while capturing market research data through surveys post-sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If consumers are presented with over one hundred product options in a Freestyle dispensing machine, then product variety is improved, but consumer decision-making time increases and consumer satisfaction decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by sending push notifications to consumers' mobile devices before they arrive at the dispensing machine. The notifications include product information, images, and calorie counts, allowing consumers to pre-evaluate options and make decisions in advance, thereby reducing on-site decision-making time despite the large product variety available.
2Loss of information
If traditional product sampling methods are used with promotion staff handing out samples, then consumer awareness is improved, but operational complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service product sampling by allowing consumers to autonomously request free samples through the mobile application without requiring promotion staff. The dispensing machine automatically verifies eligibility via the mobile device and dispenses samples, eliminating the need for manual sample distribution while maintaining consumer awareness and engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual sample distribution by promotion staff with an automated electronic system. The mobile application and dispensing machine communicate digitally to verify eligibility and trigger sample dispensing, substituting human-operated mechanical processes with automated electromechanical systems.
3Loss of information
If free product sampling is offered to increase consumer awareness, then consumer engagement is improved, but immediate purchase opportunity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by seamlessly transitioning consumers from free sample dispensing to purchase opportunities. After the sample is dispensed, the mobile application immediately presents purchase options with variable pricing based on serving size and caloric content, keeping the consumer engaged in the purchasing process without interruption or loss of momentum.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies dynamics by offering variable pricing that changes based on the serving size selected and the caloric content of the product. This dynamic pricing structure adapts to consumer choices in real-time, encouraging immediate purchase decisions while maintaining flexibility and responsiveness to consumer preferences.
4Ease of operation
If standard product sizes are dispensed, then dispensing simplicity is improved, but consumer control over caloric intake and serving size is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by allowing consumers to dynamically select from multiple serving sizes (e.g., small, medium, large) and having the dispensing machine adjust the product flow accordingly. The mobile application communicates the selected serving size to the machine, which then dispenses the appropriate amount, maintaining ease of operation through a simple selection process while providing versatility in serving size control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters by adjusting the dispensing quantity based on the selected serving size and product caloric content. The mobile application and dispensing machine work together to modify the dispensing parameters (volume, flow rate, duration) according to consumer selections, enabling flexible serving size control while keeping the operation simple through automated parameter adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A product dispenser includes a product sampling portion configured to contain a product to be sampled. The product sampling portion includes a product sample dispenser. A packaged product portion is configured to contain and dispense a packaged product corresponding to a product to be sampled.