|
Unlocking Remote Productivity
|
|
Design sprint of a mobile app for people to discover and evaluate public spaces for remote work
UI Design User Research Sketches Prototype Testing |
Introduction
|
DigiTrek, a startup, is undertaking a transformative journey to address the challenges of remote work by creating a solution for finding suitable public spaces on a mobile app. Remote workers often struggle to identify suitable public spaces for work, like cafes or co-working spaces, lacking comprehensive information on amenities and environments. These public places should be locations that already exist and they want to charge users a monthly fee of $5.99 in exchange for this information.
With personal experience as a traveling digital nomad, I intimately understand the struggles faced in finding conducive work environments outside traditional office settings. These experiences inspired me to lean in on a project that I most connected with. My role involved being the sole UX/UI designer which included creating the initial sketches, prototype, and facilitating user testing. This project was designed and tested within a 5-day sprint week while also following the principles from Google Ventures Design Sprint methodology. |
Day 1 - Map
Mapping the User Journey
To begin the design sprint, I went straight into imagine all the possible end-to-end solutions for users to complete their task. In this case, multiple solutions needed to be created for users to find a public space that they can work remotely on a mobile app. Below is a screenshot of different user journeys that would help users achieve their end goal.
To begin the design sprint, I went straight into imagine all the possible end-to-end solutions for users to complete their task. In this case, multiple solutions needed to be created for users to find a public space that they can work remotely on a mobile app. Below is a screenshot of different user journeys that would help users achieve their end goal.
Selected option: 4
The problem was identified as the need for remote workers to find conducive public spaces for work, considering factors like quietness, amenities, and suitability for tasks like phone calls and quick meetings. The envisioned end-to-end user experience involved a seamless journey from searching for locations to accessing detailed information and directions.
The problem was identified as the need for remote workers to find conducive public spaces for work, considering factors like quietness, amenities, and suitability for tasks like phone calls and quick meetings. The envisioned end-to-end user experience involved a seamless journey from searching for locations to accessing detailed information and directions.
Day 2 - Sketch
The second day I dedicated time doing a lightning demo, which involves looking at competitors who have solved similar problems. Once this was done, I used a Crazy 8 method in order to focus on designing the most critical screens.
Below are screenshot examples of competitors that allow users to find a location to work remote from.
Below are screenshot examples of competitors that allow users to find a location to work remote from.
|
|
Selected option: 4
The problem was identified as the need for remote workers to find conducive public spaces for work, considering factors like quietness, amenities, and suitability for tasks like phone calls and quick meetings. The envisioned end-to-end user experience involved a seamless journey from searching for locations to accessing detailed information and directions.
The problem was identified as the need for remote workers to find conducive public spaces for work, considering factors like quietness, amenities, and suitability for tasks like phone calls and quick meetings. The envisioned end-to-end user experience involved a seamless journey from searching for locations to accessing detailed information and directions.
|
→
|
|
Lightning Demo Reflections
- Filters, location, and sorting at the top make the user experience flow easier to narrow down the selection
- Picture sizes play a role in attracting users to the location (especially since they take up most of the space compared to the details of the location) and would be useful to incorporate
- The quick profile view of the location after pressing the location pin on the map would be helpful for users who may not have time to see additional details and indicates the approximate distance of the location.
- Google Maps location details (last) also shows a simple UI that tells all the prioritized information from top to bottom along with options to still see all the photos above by swiping motion
Drawing inspiration from existing products like Work Hard Anywhere (WHA) and Wifi Map, their solutions focused on intuitive navigation, detailed location profiles, and effective filtering options. A three-panel solution sketch emphasized the importance of the map view, quick location profiles, and comprehensive location details.
Below are sketches that were drawn to visualize the selected solution for DigiTrek mobile app.
Below are sketches that were drawn to visualize the selected solution for DigiTrek mobile app.
Once the sketches were done, I moved forward in creating 3-panel board of the following:
- The pre-critical screen
- The critical screen
- The post-critical screen
|
Pre-Critical Screen
Upon reviewing other competitors from the lightning demo, filters were common for user customizations in their search criteria. This was designated as a pre-critical screen since this does not help the user complete their task yet. |
Critical Screen
The map that displays locations would help the user complete their task on locating a space for remote work. Without a map, a user would not be able to location exactly where the location is. |
Post-Critical Screen
The detailed location profile page was designated as the post-critical screen and determined to still be an essential step for users to confirm additional details that the map cannot display. |
Day 3 - Storyboard
|
|
|
|
|
Day 4 - Prototype
Description
The prototype was developed using Marvel app, emphasizing simplicity, ease of use, and comprehensive information presentation. The DigiTrek prototype included features such as map navigation, bookmark option, filter, sort, detailed location profiles, and directions. Upon launching the app, users are greeted with a homepage featuring a captivating image header designed to engage their attention.
The prototype was developed using Marvel app, emphasizing simplicity, ease of use, and comprehensive information presentation. The DigiTrek prototype included features such as map navigation, bookmark option, filter, sort, detailed location profiles, and directions. Upon launching the app, users are greeted with a homepage featuring a captivating image header designed to engage their attention.
|
|
Beneath this, they encounter a list of popular locations, though the interface provides filters and sorting options for customized viewing. Adjacent to the home button, an "Explore" button directs users to a map displaying all available locations. Here, users can further refine their search by filtering for specific amenities, with the map updated accordingly.
Alternatively, users may opt for a "List" view by selecting the corresponding button in the top right corner, providing a text-based version of the map with similar filtering and sorting functionalities.
Alternatively, users may opt for a "List" view by selecting the corresponding button in the top right corner, providing a text-based version of the map with similar filtering and sorting functionalities.
|
|
Upon selecting a location from either view, users access a detailed page featuring reviews, a website link, amenity ratings, and a direction button. This button provides information on the location's distance and estimated travel time by various modes of transport, with options to open directions in either Apple Maps or Google Maps. While primarily informational, users also have the option to generate a list of directions via the "Route" button if they do not want to see a map view.
Overall, users can have multiple ways to see a quick view of the amenities at the location or a detailed view from either route. This allows users to be able to make an informed decision whether they are on a time constraint or not. Ideally, this app would be dedicated to users who work remotely partially or full-time and would contribute to the overall rating of the public locations.
Overall, users can have multiple ways to see a quick view of the amenities at the location or a detailed view from either route. This allows users to be able to make an informed decision whether they are on a time constraint or not. Ideally, this app would be dedicated to users who work remotely partially or full-time and would contribute to the overall rating of the public locations.
|
|
What do we hope to learn?
|
Ease of Navigation
By testing the ease of navigating the app to find suitable public spaces for remote work, I hope to understand how intuitive and user-friendly the app's interface is. Specifically, I want to learn whether users can easily access and utilize the filtering and sorting options to refine their search for ideal workspaces. Additionally, I would like to identify any potential usability issues or areas for improvement in the navigation flow. |
Clarity and Usefulness of Information
Testing the clarity and usefulness of the information provided for each public space will help us assess the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of the app's content. The aim is to determine whether users can access relevant details about each workspace, such as amenities, reviews, and directions. Moreover, the aim is to understand whether users find this information sufficiently informative and helpful in making informed decisions about where to work remotely. |
Day 5 - Validate
|
To test the prototype, I interviewed 6 participants through a recorded moderated usability testing session and documented valuable qualitative data. One of the sessions was done in person while the rest were all virtual.
Each user was given questions and a couple of tasks to accomplish designed to assess specific functionalities and gather feedback. Overall, the participants provided valuable feedback on various aspects of the prototype, including navigation, feature usefulness, and subscription model. Users appreciated the simplicity and ease of use of the prototype but also highlighted areas for improvement. |
|
|
User Struggles and Observations:
Users struggled to recognize certain icons, such as Outlet, Parking, and Chair. Not all users understood the purpose of certain features initially, such as Sort and Filter. Some users found certain aspects of the prototype, like the home page layout, to be overwhelming or reminiscent of other websites they disliked. Pain points included inconsistent information from external sources like Google Maps and Yelp, as well as the lack of specific tags indicating study-friendly environments or pet-friendliness. |
Summary of Findings
|
|
|
|
|
Reflections and Learnings
|
Throughout the design process of DigiTrek's remote work location finder app, several key reflections and learnings emerged:
User-Centric Design The importance of prioritizing user needs and preferences became evident. Understanding the diverse requirements of remote workers allowed for the creation of features tailored to their specific use cases, such as customizable filters and detailed location profiles. Iterative Improvement The iterative nature of the design process highlighted the value of continuous feedback and refinement. Each iteration, from initial sketches to prototyping and user testing, provided valuable insights that informed subsequent design decisions. Importance of Usability Testing User testing proved to be an invaluable tool for identifying usability issues and gathering user feedback. Observing participants interact with the prototype helped uncover pain points and areas for improvement that may not have been apparent otherwise. Balance of Simplicity and Complexity Striking the right balance between simplicity and complexity was a recurring theme throughout the design process. While simplicity is essential for ease of use, it's crucial to ensure that the app provides sufficient functionality and information to meet user needs effectively. |
Future Possibilities
By incorporating these reflections and considering possible next steps for future iterations, DigiTrek can continue to evolve and improve its remote work location finder app to better serve the needs of remote workers worldwide.