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ITERATIVE UX DESIGN, RESEARCH, PROTOTYPING

1. Min Overview

My role:

Solo student project for IM 260 UI Design & Development

Responsibilities:

User Research: User & Business Research, Competitive Analysis, User Interviews, Persona Mapping, Journey Mapping, Empathy Maps, Golden Thread, Information Architecture, Contextual Inquiry

UX Design: Sketches, Wireframing, User Flows, Prototyping, Usability Testing & Analysis

Timeline:

 February – May 2024 (12 weeks)

Tools Used:

Figma, Maze

My role:

Solo student project for IM 260 UI Design & Development

Responsibilities:

User Research: User & Business Research, Competitive Analysis, User Interviews, Persona Mapping, Journey Mapping, Empathy Maps, Golden Thread, Information Architecture, Contextual Inquiry

UX Design: Sketches, Wireframing, User Flows, Prototyping, Usability Testing & Analysis

Timeline:

 February – May 2024 (12 weeks)

Tools Used:

Figma, Maze

PROBLEM

Car enthusiasts struggle to balance their vision for vehicle customization with their budget and limited knowledge of car mechanics

As a car enthusiast myself, I’ve noticed how passionate people are about making their cars unique, but many face challenges when it comes to managing costs and understanding the complexities of modifications. Whether it’s finding affordable parts, experimenting with upgrades, or learning how to properly install them, it can be overwhelming. This sparked the question: how can we bridge the gap between a car enthusiast’s vision and the resources available to them?

THE SOLUTION

Empowerment through access & knowledge

Visualize Modifications in AR

  • Users can see real-time, 3D renderings of car modifications on their vehicle before making changes

  • Augmented reality feature that allows users to “try on” parts and accessories on their car

  • Adjust modifications dynamically to see different outcomes in appearance and performance

Tutorials and Resource Hub

  • Step-by-step tutorials that guide users through the modification process, from installation to maintenance

 

  • Access to a community hub for sharing advice, selling parts, and connecting with local shops

 

  • Direct communication with shops for purchasing or getting quotes on parts

Performance Impact Insights

  • Visualize how modifications will affect the car’s horsepower, torque, and overall performance

 

  • Integration of data to predict and show changes in engine efficiency or other car systems based on modifications

 

  • Ability to track and compare different mod combinations to find the most effective upgrade for the user’s needs

COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS + THE GAP

The competition lacked AR visualization, local shop connectivity, and an organized tutorial and resource hub.

I researched several car modification apps and found that many lacked real-time AR visualization of modifications, making it harder for users to see how parts would actually look on their car. This could frustrate users, especially those who want to make informed decisions before purchasing.

USER INTERVIEWS

My Interviewees were more likely to make informed decisions when modifications were visualized in real-time with AR.

Although I recognized the importance of user familiarity, I conducted interviews with 5 car enthusiasts to understand their experiences with other modification apps. I asked questions about their favorite features, frustrations, and overall app preferences to gauge how they interact with existing platforms. This feedback helped me design our app with Jacobs’ Law in mind, ensuring it functions in a familiar way, similar to the apps they already use, for a smoother and more intuitive experience.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS:

  1. What is your primary device?
  2. When you use an app what part of the app (features) do you like?
  3. How often would you use an augmented reality 3D app to modify/customize a car that allows for creativity with personalizations and provides step-by-step tutorials to carry out these modifications?
  4. What would you want an augmented reality app that allows people to modify their car to do?
  5. What are you motivated by?
  6. How busy are you on a daily basis?
  7. What is your favorite kind of social media app and why?
  8. What kind of day would you be having using and augmented reality app like this?
  9. Would you want an app that offers insights into the broader automotive community beyond personal modifications, with information on car shows, events, and iconic vehicles?
  10. What environments would you use an augmented reality app like this in?
  11. Have you previously used an app that is similar to this one before?

TESTING & IMPROVEMENTS

Users found it easy to explore modifications with clear, straightforward information in my AR app.

After conducting five user tests on the ModcAR app, a few trends emerged. Users found the app easy to navigate and appreciated its simple, intuitive layout, especially the filter page. They liked the variety of options available but had trouble locating the “store finder” tab, which they felt could be more prominent. Some also suggested combining the “ads” and “searches” tabs on the favorites page for better organization. Additionally, users recommended removing the “ModcAR” name at the top of each page and adding a voice control feature for easier use.

USER TASKS: (PROTOTYPE TEST)

  1. You are opening up the app, logging in and want to find a way to locate a store with the rims/car parts that you need to order, go to that tab. 
  2. Open up one of the first rims on the explore page using AR and snap a photo. 
  3. You want to find one of the car searches that you saved under your favorites page in the market tab, navigate to your favorite searches tab. 
  4. Locate the see more button on your favorites searches tab and then open up the filters to scroll through and see the various options. 
  5. Navigate back to the homepage, open up your AR visualizer and snap a photo 
  6. Go to the tutorials page and follow the rim tutorial with AR. 

MODCAR

Sketches

THE FINAL SCREENS

The final product

Link to my full Figma work file HERE

FIGMA

Clickable Prototype

Click around the app here >>

CONCLUSION + LESSONS LEARNED

Key Takeaways and Future Improvements

This was a valuable learning experience, as it was my first time designing a car modification app, and it allowed me to apply UX principles in a real-world context. Collaborating with users helped me gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and nuances involved in designing for automotive enthusiasts. It was rewarding to see how user-centered design can create a more intuitive and engaging experience. Here are a few key takeaways:

  • Iterate and Test Often: User feedback is crucial. Testing early and often ensures that you address pain points and improve the user experience before launching.

  • Prioritize Clarity: Clear, easily accessible information and navigation are key to user satisfaction. A simple, straightforward interface leads to a more seamless experience, especially for users with limited technical knowledge.

  • Pay Attention to Visual Hierarchy: Properly defining elements like buttons or tabs helps users quickly find what they need, reducing frustration and improving overall usability.

  • Think About Context: Understanding how users will engage with the app in their day-to-day life allows for more thoughtful design decisions that enhance usability and convenience.

  • Collaboration is Key: Engaging with users, and mentors allows for diverse perspectives, making the design process more robust and leading to better solutions.

For future improvements, I would focus on enhancing the visibility of key features like the “store finder” tab, streamlining the layout of the favorites page, and exploring the possibility of integrating voice controls to improve accessibility and ease of use.
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