PROJECT OVERVIEW
Autonomy was created during my UX Design Bootcamp at BrainStation. Within the span of 8 weeks, we were tasked with creating a digital solution to an identified human - centred problem. The project was an end-to-end UX design experience that included research, ideation, interface design and branding.
Type
|
Academic
Role
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UX/UI Designer
Timeline
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February - March 2022
8 Weeks
Device
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iOS Devices
WHAT IS IT?
AUTONOMY is an online solution that diminishes the barrier of understanding and communication between drivers and mechanics and auto shops
Autonomy is an online solution that nurtures an environment of open communication and information in order for users to feel more confident and to have more autonomy over their vehicle(s)
EMPATHIZE
Auto repair means safety on the road, and a topic that shouldn't be compromised due to the lack of understanding and/or barriers to communication.
SECONDARY RESEARCH
enable drivers to be more prompt with servicing their cars in order to improve safety?
HOW MIGHT WE
USER INTERVIEWS
“Having access to what they did to my car. They usually give me a piece of paper explaining what they do. It’s not as straightforward for my brain to comprehend.”
USER INTERVIEWS
“More layman’s terms or simplified explanations, or maybe put better diagrams of what’s happening.”
USER INTERVIEWS
“Running diagnostics, explaining the problem (both ways). I’ve tried to explain the issue, but the mechanic didn’t understand, and this prolonged the repair. “
KEY INSIGHT
I gathered the insights from interviews, and grouped them accordingly into multiple categories. The most overlap was found within communications and time management.
Time Management
Drivers indicated that the wait time for servicing or the social interactions take up a lot of time. One user interview revealed they had to wait 2.5 hours to get serviced.
Sales and Marketing
A few have indicated that the sales pitch and marketing tactics can be over the top, they expected an engagement about other services and options aside from the purpose of their visit.
Forms of Communication
Lack of diagrams and pictures, and other forms of communication confuses drivers. The terminology can seem overwhelming, especially for those that have no prior knowledge about vehicles, let alone the particular types and models.
PIVOT
After reviewing the research from the interviews, I came up with a new 'How Might We' to relate more with the users.
How might we empower drivers when it comes to communication pertaining to servicing needs from auto shops so that they understand the explanations and next steps
DEFINE
USER PERSONA
My user persona is a culmination of the secondary research, but most importantly, the findings of my user research interviews. I crafted a persona that represents the target user in order to empathize while identifying potential opportunities through the means of a digital solution.
Meet Eddie Glover
USER EXPERIENCE MAP
Through the lens of Eddie, I put together an experience map to understand the journey in order to identify moments of opportunity to intervene with a potential digital solution.
Where to Intervene?
The end of the user journey leaves Eddie with some questions and confusion.
Why Here?
While there was a wave of satisfaction and relief after the car was serviced, Eddie was not as content. There seemed to be no form of visual representation/confirmation of what had been worked on in his car. Experiencing a high moment, only to feel uneasy afterwards.
IDEATE
USER STORIES AND EPICS
Based on Eddie's goals, I developed stories that focused on actions that could help alleviate pain points.
The epics reflected frustrations of interviewees catering to the lack of visualization/communication, and thus a lack of understanding of the problem
TASK FLOW
PROTOTYPE
After saving a collection of inspiration for my UI Moodboard, I curated sketches that interjected multiple features and functionalities. I also pulled inspiration from apps such as Slack, Reddit, and MyFitnessPal.
After multiple sketches and iterations, I fine tuned it to cater towards the key features and components. A few explorations included: Compare Images, Chat Log, Search Feature, Filter, Drop Down Menu, Input Fields, Notifications.
WIREFRAMES
Low-Mid Fidelity
LOGIN
HOME
SCHEDULE
CHAT
HISTORY
LISTING
USABILITY AND TESTING
Three phases of testing conducted to identify issues within the prototypes. Each round consisted of 5 individual tests. Shown are a few examples of the testing and improvements within multiple stages.
AFTER
BEFORE
"Your Cars" has been changed to "Quick Actions", as testers noted car selection can be found by swiping on the images.
Instead, it was replaced with a button that could harness other potential features. One such feature would be booking an appointment with auto filled information.
BEFORE
BEFORE
AFTER
BEFORE
AFTER
There were multiple heuristic violations within this page.
1. User Control and Freedom: users were unable to go back to previous page.
Solution: Add a back button
2. Flexibility and Efficiency of Use: users were unable to identify pictures and diagrams with two side by side images.
Solution: Tabs. This keeps information hierarchy so users know which stage (before or after) they're at. As well, users are able to view pictures at a larger scale
REFINE
BRAND DEVELOPMENT
Creating an identity and imagery for the app is an important step, as it supports the message and appeals to users who would benefit most.
The adjectives and typography in mind when nurturing ideas for the brand name "Autonomy".
Subtle
Control
Confident
Minimalist
Clean
Modern
The process for brand name included two schools of thought. One was catered to attract business, thus the SEO derived names. The others were Latin words, a language which has been around for a long time, an indication of strength and longevity.
BRAND NAME TYPOGRAPHY
IN APP TYPOGRAPHY
AUTONOMY
Why Autonomy?
Having autonomy over one’s car/decisions means having control.
Having control through the means of information via communication
Moodboard
Incorporating colour in, the user should note the deep blues. While they are apparent, it is also a minimalistic style. This approach signifies consistency, clarity, durability, and most importantly reliability.
MOODBOARD
COLOURS
Explored with darker tones of purple as it can convey “premium”, and indicate that users are at the top of the priority list.
**Proportions are according to the 60/30/10
FINAL PRODUCT
1. LEARN
Acquire knowledge passively every time you go in for an appointment. It becomes more engaging once users are more familiar with the subject matter.
FEATURES
2. CONFIDENCE
With knowledge, you are less likely to get scammed and less likely to pay extra, as prior appointments will have invoices attached.
3. RELATIONSHIP
Building a good relationship with one's vehicle is key to safety and longevity of the vehicle.
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