Reflection on data collection and visual/financial modelling

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For data collection, using a consumer survey proved effective by selecting a specific audience and generating printed surveys to efficiently complete the survey within the limited class time. The survey had the advantage of gathering information on preferred flavors, which reflects consumer preferences. Particularly, the questions regarding brand image colors were helpful for visual modeling, as bold colors can attract consumers to the products. Financial modeling involved determining ingredient quantities and categorizing them into grams, which facilitated effective cost calculations for the dumplings.

Reference materials for the product planning: 

Price of Gyoza dumpling skin:

70skins -16.5 RMB

1 skin – 0.24 RMB

KiriKalnd chocolate chips

5000 grams -6.65 RMB

10 grams – 0.01 RMB

For visual modeling,  it is a challenge to identify how many pieces are included in one package because there are three dumpling images on the package. Therefore, if there would be modifications to this, I could change to 6 dumplings. ( BUT I intended to use 3 dumpling images for indicating 3 different flavors of whole desert dumpling brand.)

Meeting the goals:

• Design choices for the target audience:

The design choices were based on the following criteria:

• Did you choose appropriate text styles or graphics for children?
• Did you incorporate preferred designs based on the consumer survey?

To meet these criteria discussed within our team, I used cute and friendly text styles for the logo design to appeal to our target audience, children. The text was in English to cater to both international and local audiences, providing information about the product. The price was specifically displayed in Chinese RMB to emphasize that the product is sold in Chinese supermarkets and highlight its local characteristics.

I also utilized the preferred colors for dumplings and packages, which were brown and white. The main color combination for the logos, packaging, and visual modeling consisted of white, ochre, brown, and black.

If we had more time or resources:

If we had more time to progress with this food product development project, we could invest additional time in conducting kitchen experiments to ensure the flavors are well-developed and appealing to the target audience. We could explore more flavor choices, such as cookie and cream or banana and strawberries, for unique flavor combinations to finalize the dessert dumpling products. Additionally, our team could create physical models using printed materials and plastic boxes, and produce real samples of the product with the models and sample dumplings.

Evaluation of teamwork and my contribution to the team:

Our team effectively allocated roles within the project and distributed the workload evenly among financial modeling, consumer survey, and visual modeling. We maintained good communication throughout the product development process. The collaboration during the kitchen experiments was particularly noteworthy, as we shared different flavor ideas and created sample products using various cooking methods.

In particular, I dedicated more time to the assigned role of visual modeling and created different versions of packages and logos. The design incorporated our group’s ideas, and I used Photoshop to incorporate their feedback and opinions, such as integrating pricing information and arranging the dumplings.

Progress of our goals: Success and challenges

Our team has made progress in our assigned work. Josie conducted surveys on flavors, preferred prices, brand names, and package visuals in the Food Science class. I created design sketches for the packages and made flavor mockups for one package. Hugo worked on the financial plan, conducting research on ingredients and raw materials.

However, we encountered challenges when conducting paper surveys and collecting data from random people. Also, we needed to narrow down the number of flavors which were over 6 flavors. As a result, we decided to narrow our research target audience to our class and distribute printed surveys to them and ask about their top flavors.

Process of Data collection

Consumer survey:

Our group decided to conduct a consumer study for the selected respondents with few questions. The questions include multiple choices and short answers. It took a few minutes to complete the survey and we collected data from 20 people who participated in this survey.  The first question is whether the audiences think of the desert dumplings in positive ways which could approach them as fresh and unfamiliar. Then, the next question is asking the flavors which are the main target information for making the product. Additionally, we included the recommended flavor which we did not have in the kitchen experiment because there would be different and favored answers for the flavor which we could further experiment with. The question asking the cost for the product was helpful in deciding our final price and also considering the financial budget.

Results of the data collection:

We created printed surveys and collected data on whether people consume dessert dumplings. Out of 20 respondents, 3 answered “yes” and 3 answered “maybe” to eating dessert dumplings.

Regarding flavors, the top preferred flavors were chocolate + peanut butter (recommended by 6 respondents), cookies and cream (recommended by 2 respondents), and pizza and cheese (recommended by 3 respondents).

The majority of respondents (40%) indicated that they would most likely purchase this product from a supermarket, followed by an independent store.

For the price for one package, people answered for 20-30, 14-18, 15, 15, 10, 30 kuai and we decided the median of the data collected and chose 15 RMB for one package.

Design choices based on the consumer survey data

The design choices were also based on the survey responses. One question asked, “What color do you associate with dumplings?” Many respondents answered “white” and “brown,” so I decided to use white and brown as the main colors in the logo design to represent the filling of the dumplings.

For each package, I used three different colors to represent the different flavors: red for pizza, brown and ochre for chocolate and peanut butter, and brown and white for cookies and cream.

I incorporated visuals that evoke each flavor, such as images of pizza, peanuts, chocolate, and cookies, alongside the package models to help the target audience choose their favorite flavors among the products.

Visual modeling:

I used a frozen food package mock up to make visual modelings. I used photoshop software to make a sophisticated design with the visual representation of dumpling packages. I also made a logo for the brand which uses the dumpling images and the brand name: Blissful Bite Delights to show the independent brand to the audiences.

Financial modeling:

The financial Excel model provided includes a comprehensive table that outlines various ingredients, such as chocolate chips, peanut butter, cheese, and dumpling skin, along with their corresponding costs. This indicates that the model takes into account the expenses involved in producing the dessert dumplings. Additionally, the table includes a column specifically dedicated to the total cost of each pack, highlighting that the financial model considers not only the ingredient costs but also factors such as packaging materials and labor costs.

The table uses mathematics of dividing each unit of the ingredient per one dumpling. For example, looking at the dumpling skins, 70 grams of skin costs for 16.5 and the cost for one dumpling is 70/16.5 -4 =0.24.

Furthermore, the table also provides information on the price of each dumpling pack and the total revenue generated. This demonstrates that the financial model evaluates the potential sales and revenue that can be generated from selling the dessert dumpling packages.

Based on the survey results, it was determined that the most expensive flavor combination is Chocolate + peanut butter, and the decision was made to include six dumplings per box. Moreover, the survey revealed that the majority of respondents would be willing to pay 15RMB per box. Therefore, considering just the ingredient costs, it can be inferred that each box would yield a profit of at least 10.08RMB.

Overall, the financial model provides a comprehensive overview of the costs, pricing, and potential profitability of the dessert dumpling packages.