McDonald's Test & Learn

Creating testing opportunities to increase sales and sentiment through creating new components, prompts and reactive animations on the Drive Thru screens.

Role

UX Designer

Industry

Quick service restaurant (QSR)

Duration

Retainer / on going

The Ask

The Test & Learn project was all about creating 6-8-week tests suitable for McDonanld's ongoing campaigns to uplift the brand's sentiment and product sales with minimal impact to the drive thru operation.

Competitor & contextual research

Although this was an ongoing project, I was attentive to frequently visit various drive thru's and observe the menu boards and its elements. The audit of QSR's included for frequent visits included KFC, Hungry Jack's and McDonald's, but others visited include Guzman & Gomez, Starbucks, and Red Rooster.

The visits through the DriveThru were during morning, afternoon and evening to ensure we captured a full picture of how business would present its menu.

The Ask

The Test & Learn project was all about creating 6-8-week tests suitable for McDonanld's ongoing campaigns to uplift the brand's sentiment and product sales with minimal impact to the drive thru operation.

Competitor & contextual research

Although this was an ongoing project, I was attentive to frequently visit various drive thru's and observe the menu boards and its elements. The audit of QSR's included for frequent visits included KFC, Hungry Jack's and McDonald's, but others visited include Guzman & Gomez, Starbucks, and Red Rooster.

The visits through the DriveThru were during morning, afternoon and evening to ensure we captured a full picture of how business would present its menu.

Component design & planning

Both the fun and complexity of test & learn program was to ensure it would fit and work for McDonald's year product campaign plan. In order to align with the campaign plan, we worked with the product managers, marketing team and campaign managers to identify key products for testing opportunity.

  • Create and test hypothesis on ideas matching campaigns (eg. Monopoly)

  • Create components to uplift specific products (Desserts, Add-ons, promotions)

  • Create reactive panels for better customer experience

Client feedback & refinement

From initial design and conception through to delivery, we worked closely with our key clients to be best informed and no surprises were between us. This was achievable due to the trusted relationship we were able to build, and strengthened the collaboration flow between all members involved.

The hardest moments were when the components and required involvement from other stakeholders and product owners. An example would be when conducting a test during a period which included the McHappy Day campaign where we conducted our due diligence to ensure all information regarding Ronald McDonald House Charity (RMHC) were cross checked.

Outcomes

Throughout the year, as McDonald's ran over Through the various components and tests that were run, outcomes include;

  • Increased sales of tested product

  • Increased campaign awareness & sentiment

  • Adoption of components as 'business as usual' elements of digital menuboards

Outcomes

Throughout the year, as McDonald's ran over Through the various components and tests that were run, outcomes include;

  • Increased sales of tested product

  • Increased campaign awareness & sentiment

  • Adoption of components as 'business as usual' elements of digital menuboards

Minho Baek

2025

Minho Baek

2025

Minho Baek

2025