Pixeel
Pixeel is a mobile application that allows users and photographers
connect from anywhere.
_______________________
UX Design - UI Design - Usability Testing
_______________________
Scope
Problem framing
Concept development
Validation
User testing
Implementation
Duration
2020-2021
Role and Responsibilities
UX | UI Designer
Design strategy
User research
Design handoff
Branding design
OVERVIEW
Pixeel is a mobile application that helps users to discover photographers and interact with them while getting an estimate of the cost for their services from anywhere.It allows both the photographers and client the ease of finding each other on their phone, just through one app. No more searching online through numerous amounts of pages.
The reason why I chose to create Pixeel is because of my personal experiences as a photographer. I used to actively work as a photographer couple of years ago and I had problems connecting with potential customers because I did not have a defined platform.
Mostly, the methods of reaching out were through social media, and word of mouth. I wanted to find a way that would be more efficient and effective for both sides.
THE PROBLEM
As of right now, Clients spend a considerable amount of time trying to get a photographer and even after they do, they spend their time and energy to get the cost of the service which might even end up being overpriced for them. This means that all the time and energy spent was a waste and they should continue their search in hopes of finding the right one for them.
In addition to that, Photographers are building their business through many different channels. This includes their social media, or own website. They don’t have access to one platform that can do it all and effectively grow their business at the same time.
That leads to clients having a hard time trying to find the right photographer with the right services. It just takes too much time and effort.
EMPATHIZE
To get a clear picture of the current situation, I used a variety of methods for gathering different types of data.
COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
We began our research by comparing Pixeel's features to those it its competitors like Shot Cents and NPPA.The goal was to identify missed opportunities and to explore new features that would increase engagement and keep users on the app.
USER INTERVIEWS
I interview 6 people whom I found on different social media platforms that needed a photography service before and who are currently trying to find one. I wanted a deep understanding of the users' values, perceptions, and experiences.
Key Findings
01/
Time-consuming
Most participants mentioned that finding a photographer, knowing what kind of work they did before is very time consuming.
02/
Not getting all at one
Participants mentioned
that they could not find a platform where they can find
and browse around many photographers.
03/
Getting an estimate might not be the end
Even after meeting a photographer and getting an estimate, a lot of people might not afford the cost and they are forced to look for another photographer which makes all the work they put in to go to waste
DEFINE
PERSONAS
I synthesized our research to create two user personas. This helped us develop empathy for our target user group and to help drive design decisions going forward.
.png)
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Jenny needs her picture taken by a professional, because she is recently opening her own Gym.
HOW MIGHT WE...
How might we help Jenny get a professional photographer?
.png)
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Tasha needs a professional photographer, Because she got engaged and she is having a wedding.
HOW MIGHT WE...
How might we help Tasha get a photographer without spending too much time on it?
IDEATE
Crazy eight
I sketched eight potential solutions while being timed to come up with a quick solution that can lead to solving the problems users are facing.
SITE MAP
I then designed a general app map to organize the content of the site and understand the most efficient way to navigate through the experience in as few clicks as possible.
TEST
USABILITY TESTING
Before proceeding with the high-fidelity prototype and mockup, I conducted usability tests with the previous 6 people on my mid-fidelity prototypes and learned several things that informed my final iteration of my high-fidelity
prototypes. I wanted to test the app’s functionality and get feedback about the navigation, interface design, and overall user experience.
01/
Calendar for date selection
Participants mentioned that they found putting in a specific date without seeing the calendar was hard. Referring to a third platform for the calendar makes it tedious.
02/
Recurring photoshoots
2 participants mentioned that some users like models want a recurring option while booking that allows them to book only once until they are done with their event.
03/
Picking a photographer
Most participants mentioned they needed some sort of filtering out of all the photographers available that allows them to easily make a selection
.png)
FIXING THE ISSUES
In the high-fidelity mockups, I incorporated my solutions to the issues I found in the mid-fidelity usability testing.
01/
Calendar for date selection
I incorporated a calendar that allows users to stay on the app while booking.
02/
Recurring photoshoots
I added an option that lets users make a recurring booking allowing them to make a repeating booking all at once.
03/
Picking a photographer
I integrated a feature where it filters photographers based on the users location and the rating they got from their previous clients.
.png)
.png)
.png)
PROTOTYPE
I began creating the home page, profile page, chat page, and photographer's portfolio page. I double-checked if I did include the user's information that I got from the user interviews and integrated that as part of the design.
HI-FIDELITY MOCKUP
_iphone12black_portrait_.png)
Splash Page
Introductory screen before the homepage
Home Page
Starting point of the app
_iphone12black_portrait_p.png)
Profile Page
User's personal information
Chat Page
Page where users interacts with the photographer
Photographer'sProfile Page
Photographers portfolio page with their featured works and experiences
Cost Estimate
Message from the photographer with the cost estimate
HI-FI PROTOTYPE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REFLECTIONS
Start testing early
I learned that users are always the best people who can tell you whether your idea is headed in the right direction or not.
There is no such thing as a perfect product
I also learned that I could continue to test and iterate indefinitely. Yet, the key point is to prioritize the issues and solve the critical issues first.