Origins Cannabis

Between 2016 and 2019, I played a key role in designing and developing the mobile app platform for Origins Cannabis, a multi-state cannabis distributor. My responsibilities spanned from translating the owner's loose requirements into a cohesive product design and implementation plan to collaborating closely with an overseas Vietnamese development team. I worked under a project manager from Devblock, which was responsible for developing the platform. The primary objective was to create an integrated digital hub for Origins, encompassing e-commerce, in-store operations, educational content, a blog, a loyalty program, and a dynamic virtual budtender.

Challenges & Research Process: The cannabis industry is inherently complex due to the vast array of products, strains, and varying customer preferences. Unlike traditional retail, the purchase journey for cannabis consumers requires significant guidance.

To build an effective digital experience, we conducted extensive research upfront, including:

• User Research: Interviews with both customers and store staff to understand shopping behaviors and pain points.
• On-Site Education: Visiting stores to observe customer interactions and decision-making processes.
• Competitive Analysis: Evaluating existing cannabis e-commerce solutions to identify gaps and opportunities.

Given our tight go-to-market timeline, we adopted a lean and iterative approach, rapidly gathering insights and translating them into a functional prototype. This prototype evolved over multiple iterations based on user feedback and testing.

Key Features & Innovations:

Virtual Budtender

A central innovation was the AI-powered virtual budtender, designed to refine customer preferences through interactive Q&As. This feature:

1. Asked pre- and post-purchase questions to hone strain and product recommendations.
2. Used real-time feedback loops to improve future recommendations based on customer input.
3. Provided personalized guidance on achieving the desired experience (e.g., relaxation, focus, energy).

Seamless E-Commerce & In-Store Integration

The app functioned as both an e-commerce platform and an in-store shopping companion, allowing customers to:

1. Browse and reserve products for pickup.
2. Access in-depth strain and product information.
3. Use loyalty rewards within the purchasing process.

Pacific Northwest-Inspired Design

Origins, rooted in the Pacific Northwest, required an interface that reflected its brand ethos:

1. A blend of high-tech functionality with an organic, outdoorsy aesthetic.
2. Minimalist design elements paired with an analog feel.
3. User-friendly navigation that made complex product selections intuitive.

Execution & Development:

• Agile Collaboration: Working closely with the Vietnamese development team, I provided iterative feedback and adjustments to ensure a seamless user experience.
• Rapid Prototyping: We built and refined the prototype quickly, validating assumptions through continuous testing.
• Web Expansion: After the app launch, we modeled a complementary web experience to maintain consistency across platforms.

Impact & Success Metrics:The final product significantly enhanced Origins' digital presence and customer engagement:

• 30%+ Increase in Online Pickup Reservations – The app streamlined the reservation process, driving higher conversions.
• Enhanced Customer Satisfaction – The virtual budtender and educational content empowered users to make informed decisions, leading to better overall experiences.
• Stronger Brand Identity – The PNW-inspired UI/UX reinforced Origins’ brand and resonated with its target audience.

Conclusion:The Origins Cannabis mobile app was a pioneering digital solution in the cannabis space, seamlessly merging e-commerce, education, and customer personalization. Through extensive research, iterative design, and a strong development partnership, we delivered a platform that not only met business goals but also enhanced the cannabis shopping experience. Today, the app continues to be a crucial driver of Origins’ retail success, setting a standard for digital innovation in the industry.