Project Overview
Problem Statement: Local residents in Mumbai and Pune don't have an inclusive local directory to find and reach out to all the local homegrown vendors in their areas.
Solution: An app to provide the local residents in the area with the contact details and information about blue collared staff and brick and mortar establishments around the area.
My role: UX Researcher, UX Designer
Responsibilities:
User Research - User Interview, User Journey Mapping
Design - Wireframing and Prototyping
* this project was put on hold
User Research
Surveys
Some of the questions asked:
Have you used an app of this nature before?
How do you find local vendors in your area?
Would you use an app like this?
Do you support homegrown small businesses?
Takeaways from surveys conducted
The majority of people aren’t aware of existing apps like these and rely on an internet search.
The users want an app that would be inclusive to all, during the pandemic the users are open to supporting homegrown businesses.
As some of the demographic using the app would not be comfortable with English as their main language they expected the app to be bilingual.
Persona
Based on the surveys conducted we set up 3 main personas that would use a service like this. These personas will be guiding us throughout our product development process. Our research helped us understand our demographics like profession, background, the environment they live in, and their expectations with the app.
Insights
Users wanted an app that was easy to understand and navigate, they wanted a place where they could put in their address and just search for the service needed.
The users wanted an app that would be inclusive to all, during the pandemic the users were open to supporting homegrown businesses.
As many people using the app would not be comfortable with English as their main language they expected the app to be bilingual.
User Workflow
Wireframes
I spearheaded the development of a foundational user workflow, meticulously mapping out the user's journey within the app. This involved crafting a seamless and intuitive navigation experience, ensuring users could effortlessly navigate through the application's features and functionalities
In response to user feedback, we refined the site map to enhance usability and accessibility. The proposed changes include the integration of simple and localized language for easier user connection, along with an option for language customization. Additionally, we introduced a calendar feature to allow users to view local holidays, further enriching their experience
At the outset of the design process, I initiated wireframing for testing and validation purposes. Starting with pen-and-paper sketches, I outlined prospective designs. After receiving feedback from my manager, I transitioned to Figma to create both low-fidelity and high-fidelity prototypes. These prototypes were essential for presenting our designs to stakeholders, facilitating comprehensive discussions and informed decision-making. Additionally, I created wireframes for both mobile and tablet devices.
User Testing
After creating the prototype, I conducted user testing to gauge user reactions and assess navigational ease. Feedback revealed that users found sideways scrolling challenging. Additionally, there was a consensus among users for incorporating review information directly on the detail page. Furthermore, the majority of users expressed a desire for an audio search option, indicating a need for enhanced search functionality.
High-fidelity screens
Here is the link to the prototype in its current state: https://www.figma.com/proto/JxbP0NyOg3WX3KEqe6wsle/Samaaj-App?node-id=699%3A449&starting-point-node-id=699%3A434
