AI-Driven E-commerce for Agri-Products: Feature Integration and Usability in Quirino Province

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Published: Dec 2, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.48165/bapas.2024.44.2.1
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AI, E-commerce, Mobile App, SUSIntroduction Quirino Province’ residents’ main source of income is agricultural production and wide array of goods, encompassing vegetables, fruits, and raw materials. The ingenuity and adaptability of Quirino's entrepreneurs have resulted in the utilization of the province's abundant agricultural resources into a variety of products, comprising refined and processed commodities, handcrafted products, and more. This demonstrates the province’s dedication to promote innovation and resourcefulness [1]. In earlier researches, some challenges in e-commerce hinder the use of platforms. These include a lack of visibility on larger platforms [2], reliance on intermediaries, and challenges in preserving product authenticity [3]. In the absence of a customized e-commerce solution, local producers face challenges in effectively accessing wider markets, which restricts their profitability and diminishes opportunities for job creation within the province. A digital marketplace specifically designed for Quirino has the potential to fill these gaps, fostering direct engagement between vendors and consumers while guaranteeing product authenticity. Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers transformative capabilities for e-commerce, with advanced functionalities that can streamline processes and improve vendor collaboration. An e-commerce platform can utilize an AI-driven matching algorithm to recognize synergies among local vendors, thereby enabling supply-chain partnerships and collaborative product development [4]. Additionally, AI has significant potential in addressing product authenticity, a critical factor in rural markets. By scanning product identifiers, AI systems can cross-check product records and details and detect anomalies ensuring consumers receive authentic, high-quality goods. Despite the potential of AI, local e-commerce platforms remain largely unexplored, and few studies have examined usability within these contexts. Most AI-driven e-commerce applications are designed for larger, urban markets, where needs and challenges differ considerably. This study aims to address this gap by developing an AI-powered e-commerce platform specifically designed for Quirino Province. It incorporates AI functionalities to enhance vendor collaboration and ensure product authentication, while also assessing its usability for local stakeholders.

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Joselle D. Concepcion, Thelma D. Palaoag

Abstract

The demand for a dedicated online marketplace that supports Quirino Province’s agri-based products while addressing the challenges of product authenticity and intermediary dependence highlights the potential impact of an AI-powered e-commerce application. This study aimed to identify and integrate relevant AI features into a proposed e-commerce platform customized to the needs of the province and assess its usability among local stakeholders. Employing a design thinking approach, the research started with a needs assessment survey through interviews, focus groups, and surveys to understand the requirements of business owners and consumers. During the define phase, affinity diagramming and a prioritization matrix were used to classify and prioritize AI features with high user preference for vendor collaboration and product authentication. Through brainstorming and storyboarding, key workflows were conceptualized in the ideate phase, followed by iterative prototyping. Testing was conducted using the System Usability Scale (SUS), revealed a usability score of 72.20. This AI-powered platform has the potential to transform Quirino’s agricultural and commercial sectors, fostering economic growth and creating a sustainable model for regional e-commerce.

Article Details

Issue
Vol. 44 No. 4 (2024): LIB PRO. 44(4), JUL-DEC 2024 (Published: 30-10-2024)
Section
Articles