PostUp wants to make it easy for remote workers and freelancers to find public places to get work done.
How might we simplify the process for remote workers and freelancers to quickly and efficiently find public places that are conducive to productivity?
Design Constraints
I created the maps below to design a simple and intuitive flow to help users easily find a public workspace. I selected the first map because it effectively balances simplicity, functionality, and revenue generation, addressing both user needs and business objectives.
For inspiration, lightning demos were conducted. This exercise allowed me to explore effective design patterns and features that could be adapted or improved upon in the project.
Following the Crazy 8’s brainstorming session, I selected Sketch #2 as the foundational design, integrating elements from Sketch #1 to leverage the most effective layout conventions used in navigation apps and search queries.the overarching objective was to streamline the process of locating remote workspaces efficiently—thereby reducing search time and enhancing productivity.
Sketch 1 featured a sorting feature that organizes search results efficiently, along with filters that allow users to tailor their searches based on specific criteria. Meanwhile, Sketch 2 introduced tags that inform users at a glance whether a location meets certain criteria before they delve into further details.
Following the Crazy 8’s brainstorming session, I selected Sketch #2 as the foundational design, integrating elements from Sketch #1 to leverage the most effective layout conventions used in navigation apps and search queries.the overarching objective was to streamline the process of locating remote workspaces efficiently—thereby reducing search time and enhancing productivity.
I crafted a 9-scene storyboard to address the user's pain points and guide them toward an ideal outcome. With simplicity at its core, the storyboard aims to facilitate user completion within 6-8 screens. By ensuring a short and sweet browsing experience, our goal is to instill confidence in the app's suggestions, prompting users to happily proceed with their remote work.
During the prototyping phase, I felt the temptation to add new features as ideas kept coming up. I resisted and maintained focus on the initial storyboard and design decisions—such urge is normal to come up during design sprints. The prototype emphasized user convenience, providing essential workspace details like WiFi, restroom facilities, power outlets, and noise levels in a concise list to streamline access.
The prototype included deep-dive options into each workspace with details on peak hours, user reviews, and photos, alongside intuitive functionalities like a 'Directions' button for seamless mapping integration and a call/share feature for easy communication.
Testing aimed to evaluate task completion and user satisfaction–assessing whether the design effectively utilized the research provided to optimize user flow and gather actionable feedback for PostUp.
I interviewed three users, one in person and two remotely, due to last-minute rescheduling.
During the interviews, I noticed differences in user behavior between in-person and remote sessions. Remote participants tended to move through the prototype more autonomously, while in-person participants preferred to take their time, possibly due to the sense of being observed.
All three users successfully completed the task of finding a public space, specifically a coffee shop, to work remotely. Here are the key insights from their feedback:
User Experience Preferences
Desired Features and Suggestions
The essence of a design sprint is to generate a multitude of ideas, aiming for ambition over hesitation. Given that this was a solo project, I learned to trust my instincts—this approach fostered innovation, enabling me to think outside the box.
Naturally, users want the easiest, simplest way to complete a task. It was humbling when, despite creating various maps to outline potential user flows and weighing them out, one test participant preferred an unexpectedly simpler journey, opting for a 2-screen process over the planned 4-5 screens. This highlighted the importance of flexibility and user-centric design adaptations.
In a market flooded with apps, users often draw parallels between new and existing solutions. 'It’s just like ____' or 'It works like _____' are comments I’ve heard a few times in usability testing, during this project and others as well. Initially, such comparisons felt like they undervalued my work. However, I learned to interpret these as constructive feedback, emphasizing the importance of familiar user experiences to minimize learning curves and enhance overall satisfaction.
If you like what you see and want to work together, get in touch!
leonahyosalina@gmail.com