Tesco has created a computer application in an attempt to further embed itself into customers’ daily lives.

Working with Conchango, Tesco has designed the software to sit on a customer’s desktop and link to Tesco.com to simplify the process of grocery shopping online.

It can access product information and other functionality on the e-commerce site and lets customers plan meals and recipes, then purchase the products they need for them. A calendar and integration with e-mail and social networking sites is also included to try and make the application the “hub of the family home”, according to Tesco head of research and development Nick Lansley.

Videos are also featured to help customers follow recipes.

The application was created in a “number of weeks” according to Conchango experience director Paul Dawson and will begin to be trialled imminently. Depending on customer feedback, the application could then be launched to a wider audience.

He said that the application was designed to run on Windows XP, so customers will not need the latest Microsoft operating system in order to use it.

A year ago, Retail Week revealed that Tesco had ambitions to create a customer experience outside of the internet browser. Dawson added the project had been on Tesco’s to-do list for some time.

The software makes use of an application programming interface (API) that the grocer has created for its online offer. Dawson said that Tesco is preparing to make the API available to other developers so they can make use of services on its web site. For instance, he said Tesco’s suppliers would be able to create their own microsite that will link directly to Tesco.com.