Post-Up wants to create a mobile app to make it easier for remote workers to find existing public spaces to work from. Remote workers are looking for places to be able to take calls, have quick meetings, and do work in a quiet space. Post-Up wants to charge a monthly fee in exchange for this resource. 

Problem: Existing directories of public spaces are a search away, but they’re designed to help users find dining options, not if it’s a good place to sit down and work. Remote workers must search through multiple customer reviews to gain insight on if it’s a good place to work.

Constraints: It must be a mobile app. They want to charge a monthly fee for the resource. User tests must be remote. 

Role: UX/UI Designer, UX Researcher

Responsibilities: Research, User Testing, Ideation, Wireframing, Prototyping

Tools: Figma, Google Meet

Day 1 - Understand and Map 

I began the sprint by mapping three potential user flows and experiences for the app.  Each flow is fairly similar. I decided it’s possible to accommodate each of these flows in my designs. 

1. Types zip code, city, or neighborhood - scans results - selects potential location - reviews photos - reviews amenities - reviews type and number of seating - copies address - opens map - end 

2. Scans results near me - selects potential location - reviews photos - reviews other remote worker reviews - views location in map - copy address - end

3. Opens map view with current location - scans map  - selects potential location - reviews amenities - reviews photos - shares with client - copy address - end

Day 2 - Sketching 

I spent a portion of the second day looking at related competitor products. I found key features in each of them to inspire my own sketches.

Lightning Demos 

Yelp 

Yelp clearly shows the walking distance to a location. They also have a review of the day fdeature, which is great for users to get a feel for the busy-ness and vibe of the location that day. 

Nomad Space

Nomad space highlights top-rated workspaces on their home/explore page. They also highlight workspaces in a particular city well. Though the listings are paid in this example, they could be filtered by top-rated by city. 

Google Search

Google does a nice job of giving the details up front, so a user knows about the shop at a glance, instead of having to click. Google also does a nice job of sharing amenities. Additionally, they create helpful categories for users like atmosphere, crowd (types of people), and social profiles in case someone wants to view more photos than Google has available. 

Laptop Friendly                                                          

This app has a nice map feature. It’s also a nice prompt in the search bar for users to type in a specific cafe instead of only a location. 

Moving Nomads    

The tips feed in the navigation is a nice idea for users to quickly crowdsource and read reviews for the best spots. Users can also vote up reviews, which filters the most helpful comments.            

Sketches 

Crazy 8 Exercise

I decided the most important screen is the one containing location results for users to scan and determine which location they’d like to take a closer look at. I believe this screen will be the most utilized. 

During a user interview, one user said they click in and review at least 3-4 places before making a decision. If the results screen provides a clear summary of the location, it can reduce time searching and the need to drill down into results as often. 

Solution Sketch

I decided the most important screen contains location results. On this screen, users can scan and decide which spot to take a closer look. I believe this screen will be the most utilized as users make the decision on where to work for the day.

Day 3 - Storyboarding

I proceeded with the solution screen below because it conveyed the most scannable, digestible information on one screen. I created the second screen in the panel to mirror a similar solution sketched during crazy 8’s.

I added three additional screens to my storyboard, for a total of five screens. 

I sketched out a filter modal for an option to filter user search. I also sketched out a Review screen and an Amenities screen. 

Day 4 - Prototyping

I used a lo-fi wireframe kit to design an 8-screen prototype in Figma. The prototyping process helps me clarify my sketches and create a foundation for moving forward. Testing my prototype with users, I hope to add key items to this foundation, and take it to the next level. I love the aha moments when testing designs with users. View prototype in Figma. 

Day 5 - Testing

I remotely interviewed five users to test my prototype. Each user understood the purpose and function of the app when clicking through the prototype. I found two main takeaways while talking with users. 

1. There was a slight functionality issue. Each user paused after selecting criteria. They weren’t sure what to do next. To fix this, in addition to generating results when clicking outside of the criteria box, I added a “find my workspace” button. This provides a clear next step to users and reinforces the intent of the app. 

2. Users requested more features and detail when describing amenities. I added details like a phone number, menu, and crowd size. I also traded the word “cozy” for “small space” and added words like plants, loud, cozy, etc. to describe the space. 

Reflection 

I’m really glad I made the choice to use a lo-fi wireframe kit to prototype and test my designs. It was fun and rewarding to get feedback on a prototype so quickly. It is a challenge for me to spend a short amount of time designing a prototype. I was tempted to add more screens. But once testing began, I realized, as always,  there are plenty of findings to learn from users from even the simplest of designed solutions. The reward from testing early saves time in the long run, and lets designers know exactly what to spend their time on in the next iteration.    

Next Steps 

I would love to see this out to high-fidelity designs. Next, decide when the app has provided a solid preview of value to the user to prompt creating an account, and going through the monthly subscription flow.