designfiles
End-to-End Interior Design Mobile App
Role: UX/UI Designer
Duration: 3 weeks
Project Brief and Background
Project Brief
The goal of this project is to develop a mobile app aimed at enhancing communication between users of an interior design software and their clients. The app will streamline communication by providing timely updates on the digital projects shared by interior designers with their clients. Currently, clients either have to constantly check their inbox or wait for a phone call from the virtual interior designer whenever there is an update on the project to review.
Background
The existing software, which lacks a mobile app version, caters exclusively to interior designers who work virtually. This approach, known as e-design, enables interior designers to communicate with clients globally and assist them in decorating their spaces. Presently, clients must log into the software to make decisions regarding their projects. Introducing a mobile app will simplify this communication process, allowing clients to access their projects from any smartphone or tablet without the need for frequent logins.
Project Research
Research Goal
The aim of this research is to investigate whether the development of an app designed to improve communication between virtual interior designers and clients will facilitate more effective interaction between them.
Research Methodologies
User interviews, to hear from users firsthand their stories of how they will use the service and what role will it play in their lives.
Competitive Analysis, to find out what the market is offering.
Interviewees Main Thoughts
The approach involves conducting interviews with 5 distinct individuals to gather qualitative data on their experiences and perspectives regarding the service.
I developed an Affinity Map to assist with organizing the research findings and identified the following key insights from the interviews:
All participants prefer the initial communication with a virtual interior designer to be via a phone conversation.
While all participants appreciate the convenience of an app for receiving messages, the prefer reviewing images on a desktop computer for better quality and size.
Competitive Analysis
Analytics from gathered data to see what the competitors are offering.
Define
Problem Statement
The interior design platform, DesignFiles, lacks an app to facilitate faster and more accessible communication between designers and their clients for sharing emails, ideas, and images.
POV Statements:
I want to explore whether an app can facilitate communication between an interior designer and their clients when sharing files.
I want to explore quicker methods to enhance virtual interactions between interior designers and their clients during file-sharing.
How might we question:
How might we improve communication between interior designers and their clients to streamline their interaction process?
How might we enhance virtual connections with clients to elevate communication for interior designers?
How might we facilitate seamless virtual interactions between interior designers and clients for exchanging digital ideas.
User Personas
After gathering all users’ thoughts and feelings, I have developed two different types of users:
Ideation
Project Goals
This project will be focus mainly on the common goals.
Sitemap and User Flow, and Task Flow
To make the three common goals of this project a reality, I started creating a sitemap, user flows and task flows to help understand users’ needs.
Sitemap
User Flow
Task Flow
UI Library
I've developed a UI kit inspired by the existing software.
Low Fidelity Wireframes
To begin prototype testing, I developed low-fidelity wireframes to complement the sitemap, user flows, and task flows for this project.
Prototype and Test
After testing the low fidelity wireframes and reviewing user feedback, I made several iterations. I replaced the link in the message with a button for easier access, streamlined the steps following item review, and included a thank you page.
Click the button below to experience the final prototype
Usability Test Results
Overall, all participants found the task very easy to follow, including those who are not very tech-savvy. They all provided feedback or suggestions for the final steps and expressed a desire for a message indicating if there are any remaining items to review, along with options to return to the mood board or navigate to the home page. The main points that were discovered during the test and had the last iterations were the following:
Added the Thank you page with the reminder that items are left without review and give the option to go back to the mood board to review them by clicking on the yes button or go to the homepage by clicking on the No button.
Added the option buttons to approve, decline, send a message, or shop below each item to facilitate the communication with the designer and options for the clients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the development of an app designed to enhance communication between virtual interior designers and their clients represents a significant advancement in the interior design industry. By integrating streamlined messaging, project management tools, and visual collaboration features, the app addresses the critical need for efficient and effective communication in a virtual setting.
Key Outcomes:
Improve Communication: The app’s real-time messaging capabilities allow for clearer, more immediate exchanges between designers and clients, reducing misunderstandings and enhancing project clarity.
Enhance Collaboration: Features such as shared virtual design boards and real-time feedback mechanisms facilitate a more interactive and collaborative design process, enabling clients to more actively participate in the creative process.
Increase Efficiency: Project management tools within the app streamline workflows by integrating scheduling, task tracking, and document sharing, thereby reducing administrative overhead and improving overall project efficiency.
Better Client Experience: The app's user-friendly interface and tailored features enhance the client experience, providing them with easy access to project updates, design revisions, and direct communication with their designer.
Future Recommendations:
User Feedback Integration: Continuously gather and analyze feedback from users to refine and improve the app’s features, ensuring that it remains relevant and effective in meeting the needs of both designers and clients.
Scalability: Plan for future enhancements and scalability options to accommodate growing user bases and evolving industry trends, including potential integrations with other design tools and platforms.
Security Measures: Implement robust security protocols to protect sensitive client information and design data, fostering trust and ensuring data privacy.
Overall, the successful implementation of this app not only optimizes the workflow for interior designers but also enhances client satisfaction, positioning the software as a valuable tool in the modern interior design landscape.
