My Garage
Mobile App
Problem: “Using a mobile app, how can we help people become more aware of their vehicle maintenance needs to ensure their vehicles remain reliable for daily routines, family responsibilities, and recreational activities?”
Discovery
The Google UX Design Professional Certificate is a comprehensive online program designed to equip learners with the essential skills needed to excel in user experience (UX) design.
To gather the data necessary for my coursework AND to overcome challenges and time constraints, I embarked on a journey to understand the target audience through the lens of simulated users. Leveraging AI to create personas and conduct virtual interactions, I navigated through a landscape of simulated experiences, uncovering valuable insights into user needs and preferences. By simulating real-world scenarios, I was able to identify key pain points, uncover emerging trends, and refine my understanding of the target audience.
Screenshot showing AI Participants survey responses
Screenshot showing segmentation selection
Design
Building upon the insights gained from my virtual research, I embarked on the design phase of the project, envisioning a solution that would address the identified pain points and leverage the potential of AI to enhance the user experience.
To bring the app vision to life, I mapped out the user journey using flow diagrams and storyboards, focusing on both the overall narrative and specific interactions. Through iterative sketching and prototyping, I refined app concepts and created wireframes that effectively conveyed the intended functionality. To ensure usability, I conducted AI-based usability testing with five participants, gathering feedback on the app's interface and functionality. This iterative process allowed me to optimize the design for a seamless user experience.
User Flow Diagram
Big Picture Storyboard
Close-Up Storyboard
Handoff
After completing the design phase, I transitioned to the handoff stage, where I focused on refining the app's final details and preparing it for implementation. Drawing on the insights gathered from usability testing, I made necessary adjustments to enhance the user experience. To establish a cohesive visual identity, I created a comprehensive design system, including icons, typography, color palettes, and shadow specifications. This system ensured consistency and efficiency throughout the design process.
I also produced a high-fidelity mockup (version 1) and created a corresponding prototype, which I tested with my friends and family network. By analyzing the findings from this usability testing, I was able to identify areas for improvement and iterate on the design to produce a refined version 2. The updated high-fidelity prototype incorporated the changes made based on the testing results, ensuring that the app's interface and functionality were optimized for a seamless user experience.
Screenshot showing what the developer would receive as a handoff in Figma. This flow is the flow to add a vehicle to the app. The developer would be able to use Figma’s inspect mode to be able to get to all spacing, typography and artifacts needed to build out the solution.
Takeaways
This project helped me apply my UX design skills learned from the Google UXDP Certification. Using AI as a tool, I was able to overcome time and resource constraints in order to create an app that aligns to industry trends and is based on realistic users with realistic problems. Iterative design and testing ensured a great user experience. This experience solidified my UX design skills and prepared me for the field.
Relationship with…
AI Research Participants
The AI research participants, developed through carefully crafted prompts, played a crucial role in shaping the app's design. By simulating behaviors, needs, and preferences, I gained valuable insights into the target audience and ensured that the app's design was aligned with their expectations. This approach was confirmed with friends and family network in later stages of design testing.