Software Engineer's TikTok Video Sparks Debate Over McDonald's App Layout
A software engineer at NASA has taken to TikTok to share a subtle quirk in the McDonald's app that might affect customers' buying choices. This has quickly turned into a discussion about user interface design and marketing tactics.
Jamie Bailey
- 2024-01-13
- Updated 01:43 AM ET
(NewsNibs) - In a video that has since amassed over 211,000 views, the engineer pointed out that the McDonald's app lists the french fry sizes out of the standard small, medium, and large order. It instead shows them as small, large, and then medium. The observation came after the engineer selected the medium size by mistake when trying to choose the large, due to the unconventional layout. The fries are presented as part of a special deal for $1.19, available on any day, but the non-sequential order coupled with color distinctions – small fries in white and larger sizes in red – raises questions about the app's user experience design.
Customer Feedback and Terms of Service
Several users have noticed the same layout does not change even when the deal is not applied. The discussions have even extended to other menu items, with a TikTok user pointing out a 20-cent upcharge on medium drinks within value meals. Additionally, there have been numerous complaints about the app's restrictive terms and conditions. These details have created a larger narrative of customer dissatisfaction with the app's design and pricing strategies, prompting queries about intentionality behind these decisions.
A broader look at online reactions shows a mix of customer experience stories. Some suggest that choosing a larger size fry is typically more economical, given the cost-to-fries ratio, questioning if McDonald's strategy might be geared toward encouraging the selection of a medium size for profitability. The app also limits the amount of deals a user can apply within a set timeframe, which could impact customer's perceptions of value.
Media Inquiry and Ongoing Scrutiny
The online discourse has attracted the attention of media outlets, with a journalist from The Daily Dot, Jack Alban, reaching out to McDonald's and the software engineer for additional insights. The response, if any, could provide further clarity on whether the app's configuration is an intentional marketing strategy or a mere design oversight. As discussions continue among users and media alike, this story sheds light on the intricate balance between app design, marketing practices, and consumer awareness.
