Wheelmates
Project Information
Scope
Design a mobile app called "Wheelmates" for car enthusiasts to connect, share, and access information about everything automotive.
Problem
Car enthusiasts buys, customize and sells cars but face challenges finding a one-stop solution for research, buying, and building a community, costing them more time and energy.
"I spend hours jumping between forums and social media to find what I need."
"It's hard to keep track of all the cool cars and projects I come across."
"I wish there was a place where I could easily connect with other enthusiasts who share my passion."
Goal
By developing a dedicated online platform, I'll save car enthusiasts time, money, and effort in research, reducing frustrations when engaging in their hobby.
Design Process
Process
I began by immersing myself in the world of a car enthusiast. Through in-depth interviews and usability testing, I gained valuable firsthand insights into the participant's passions and pain points. This understanding formed a solid foundation for my design process. From there, I iteratively translated these insights into wireframes and prototypes, refining each step based on direct user feedback. I applied key UX and Gestalt principles, ensuring the app was not only functional but also intuitive and engaging. Finally, I meticulously crafted the visual design, paying close attention to detail and accessibility to deliver a truly delightful user experience.
The biggest obstacle for me would be time. Since this is an expensive hobby, I need to work in order to afford it. Working takes about 40 hours of my week or even a bit more. I would overcome it by prioritizing my schedule and being productive during the time I'm not working. - Lance
Key Improvements
Unified Search
A powerful search function that aggregates content across the platform, allowing users to find cars, parts, and discussions effortlessly.
Personalized Feeds
Tailored content recommendations based on user interests and interactions, keeping users engaged and informed.
Community Hub
A dedicated space for car enthusiasts to connect, share their projects, and exchange knowledge.
Intuitive Navigation
Clear and concise navigation that allows users to explore the platform with ease.
Impact & Evolution
By prioritizing clarity, consistency, and functionality, the design aims to support users in achieving their goals within the app, I've created a high-fidelity prototype that is both beautiful and functional. The enhanced navigation, streamlined content, and improved search will create a seamless experience for car enthusiasts to connect, share, and discover.
While the current design represents a strong foundation, Wheelmates has ample room for growth. As I continue to learn and evolve as a designer, particularly in the areas of responsive and accessible design, I'm confident that I can take this app to the next level. I envision implementing personalized experiences tailored to individual user interests and behaviors, ensuring each visit is relevant and engaging. Additionally, a robust feedback system will be vital to gather ongoing user insights and continue refining the app.
