Pedal Pal
Mobile App
The Pedal Pal app is a comprehensive and user-friendly application designed to enhance the biking experience for cyclists of all levels. This feature-rich app serves as a go-to tool for riders, offering a range of functionalities and resources to order cycling products and explore, track, and enjoy their biking adventures.
My role was as a UX Designer UX Designer designing a bike app for Pedal Pal from conception to delivery. Responsibilities included user research, conducting interviews, understanding the user journey, creating personas, ideating, paper and digital wireframing, low and high fidelity prototyping, conducting usability studies, accounting for accessibility, and iterating on designs.
PROJECT OVERVIEW Problem: Pedal Pal is a physical bicycle store that offers a wide variety of cycling-related products; Pedal Pal wants to make its products available online so that it can expand its customer base and provide an easy, secure way to order bike parts online. Objective: The objective of this project was to redesign a mobile bike app to enhance the overall user experience, provide useful features, and cater to the needs of cyclists. The goal was to create an intuitive and engaging app that would serve as a comprehensive tool for bike enthusiasts, encouraging them to explore, track, and enjoy their cycling journeys. – Research and Discovery: Extensive user research was conducted to understand the pain points, preferences, and behaviors of cyclists. User interviews, surveys, and competitive analysis helped identify key areas for improvement and inform the design decisions. – Key Features and Functionality: The redesigned mobile bike app incorporated a range of features to cater to cyclists' needs: – Navigation and Route Planning: Seamless integration with mapping services, allowing users to plan and navigate bike-friendly routes with ease. – Trail Recommendations: Providing curated recommendations for nearby trails based on user preferences, difficulty levels, and ratings from the biking community. – Ride Tracking and Statistics: Enabling users to track their rides, monitor performance metrics, and set personal goals to enhance motivation and progress. – Bike Maintenance and Reminders: Offering maintenance tips, reminders for tune-ups, and notifications for component upgrades to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of users' bikes. – Social Community: Allowing cyclists to connect with like-minded individuals, join biking groups, share experiences, and discover popular cycling events in their area. –Design Process: The project followed a user-centered design process, starting with wireframing and prototyping to iterate and refine the app's structure and functionality. The visual design focused on creating an intuitive and visually appealing interface, incorporating a modern and dynamic color scheme, legible typography, and clear iconography. – Outcome and Impact: The redesigned mobile bike app achieved its objective of providing an enhanced user experience for cyclists. Positive feedback from beta testers and user surveys highlighted increased satisfaction, improved ease of navigation, and the app's value in enhancing their overall biking experience. The app's user base grew steadily, fostering a vibrant and engaged cycling community. – Lessons Learned: Throughout the project, key learnings included the importance of user research to inform design decisions, the need for intuitive navigation and seamless integration with external services, and the significance of regular user feedback to drive continuous improvement. – Next Steps: Based on user feedback and usage data, future iterations could focus on refining existing features, expanding integration with bike-related services, incorporating gamification elements, and exploring opportunities for partnerships within the biking ecosystem. In summary, the mobile bike app redesign project successfully transformed the app into a valuable tool for cyclists, providing an intuitive and engaging experience while fostering a connected and supportive biking community.
PROJECT GOAL
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Design a mobile ordering app that organizes a variety of products
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Allow users to connect with fellow cycling enthusiasts in their community
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Help users locate safe bike parking nearby
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Identify bike trails near users’ locations
TARGET AUDIENCE
The target audience for Pedal Pal can be described as follows:
1. Cycling Enthusiasts: These are individuals who have a strong passion for cycling and actively seek new biking experiences. They may have varying levels of expertise, from beginners to advanced riders, but they all share a common interest in exploring trails and enhancing their biking adventures.
2. Outdoor Adventurers: Pedal Pal appeals to individuals who enjoy outdoor activities and seek thrilling experiences. They are likely to engage in other outdoor pursuits such as hiking, trail running, or camping. These users appreciate the opportunity to discover new trails and immerse themselves in nature.
3. Fitness and Health Conscious: Pedal Pal targets individuals who prioritize fitness and are conscious of their health. They see cycling as a means to improve their physical well-being, whether it's for cardiovascular exercise, weight management, or overall fitness goals. These users may be interested in tracking their biking progress and setting personal challenges.
4. Community-Oriented Cyclists: Pedal Pal attracts cyclists who value community and enjoy connecting with like-minded individuals. They seek opportunities to join cycling groups, participate in discussions, and share their experiences. These users appreciate the sense of camaraderie and support that a community-driven platform like Pedal Pal can offer.
5. Adventure Travelers: Pedal Pal also caters to adventure travelers who enjoy exploring new destinations and incorporating cycling into their travel itineraries. These users are likely to search for biking routes and trails in different locations, seeking unique experiences and cultural immersion through cycling.
It's important to note that within this target audience, there may be subgroups with specific preferences or requirements, such as families looking for family-friendly trails, mountain bikers seeking challenging terrains, or road cyclists searching for scenic routes. Pedal Pal aims to accommodate a wide range of cycling enthusiasts, providing resources and functionalities that cater to their diverse needs and preferences.
"As a busy working mother, I want to find an easy, secure way to shop for bike parts."
"I won't bike if I can't be sure of a secure and affordable way to purchase parts."
KEY CHALLENGES
The key challenges and constraints faced by the Pedal Pal target audience include the following:
1. Limited Time: Many cyclists, especially those who lead busy lives, may face time constraints that limit their ability to explore new trails or engage in longer biking adventures. Balancing work, family commitments, and other responsibilities can make it challenging to find dedicated time for cycling.
2. Accessibility and Location: Cyclists may encounter challenges related to the accessibility and proximity of trails. Some individuals may live in areas with limited cycling infrastructure or have to travel significant distances to reach suitable biking destinations. This constraint can affect their frequency of cycling and ability to access diverse trail options.
3. Weather Conditions: Unfavorable weather conditions, such as extreme heat, rain, or snow, can pose challenges to the target audience. Poor weather may limit their biking opportunities or require additional safety precautions and appropriate gear. This constraint can impact the ability to engage in outdoor biking activities regularly.
4. Physical Fitness and Skill Level: Cyclists may face challenges related to their physical fitness or skill level. Beginners or individuals who have been less active may struggle with endurance, stamina, or technical skills required for certain trails. This constraint can affect their confidence and limit the trails they can comfortably explore.
5. Safety Concerns: Safety is a significant concern for cyclists. Traffic conditions, road sharing, and potential accidents or injuries can deter individuals from fully enjoying their biking experiences. Concerns about personal safety or bike theft can also be constraints that impact the target audience's willingness to explore new trails or venture into unfamiliar areas.
6. Equipment and Cost: Cycling can require specific equipment and gear, which may come at a cost. Bicycles, helmets, protective gear, and maintenance expenses can pose financial constraints, especially for individuals on a limited budget. The affordability and accessibility of necessary equipment can impact their ability to fully engage in cycling activities.
Addressing these challenges and constraints is important for Pedal Pal to provide solutions and support to their target audience. The platform can offer features like trail filters based on location and difficulty level, user-generated reviews and recommendations for time-efficient trails, safety tips and guidelines, as well as resources for improving fitness and skills. Additionally, Pedal Pal can provide information on bike rental services, cost-effective gear options, and community engagement to foster a sense of support and encouragement among cyclists.
RESEARCH STUDY
Research study plan
The user research for the Pedal Pal mobile app for a bicycle store involved understanding the needs and behaviors of the target users. I used various methods such as surveys, interviews, empathy maps, focus groups, and observation. The research focused on understanding the challenges faced by cyclists, their preferences when it comes to purchasing and using a bicycle, and their behavior when using a mobile app. By understanding the target users, it allowed me to design the app to meet their specific needs, such as helping them find the right bicycle, tracking their rides, and providing maintenance tips. Additionally, the research helped identify and understand the pain points and provide solutions that improve the overall user experience. Before conducting the user research for a mobile app for a bicycle store, there were several assumptions made about the target users and their needs. Some of these assumptions included: – The target users are primarily recreational cyclists who use their bikes for leisure and exercise. – The target users are tech-savvy and familiar with using mobile apps. – The target users are primarily interested in purchasing and using high-end, expensive bicycles. – The target users are primarily interested in tracking their rides and improving their performance. However, after conducting the research, these assumptions changed based on the actual findings. For example, the research revealed that the target users are not only recreational cyclists but also include commuters and cyclists who use their bikes for transportation. Additionally, the research showed that the target users are not only interested in tracking their rides but also in finding the best routes and accessing maintenance and repair resources. A primary user group identified through research was working adults who don’t have time to spend researching and ordering bike parts. Aside from limited time, other pain points include lack of knowledge of bike parts, limited customer support, and concerns about security regarding ordering via an app. Therefore, it is important to approach user research with an open mind and be willing to challenge assumptions in order to gain a deeper understanding of the target users and their needs. This helped inform the design and development of the mobile app in a way that truly meets the needs of the target users.
USER FLOW
Pedal Pal provides a user-friendly platform for cycling enthusiasts to enhance their biking experiences. Users can register for an account, browse a database of trail maps with detailed information and user reviews, plan customized biking routes using the route planner, track their progress during biking sessions, and engage with a vibrant cycling community through forums and chat features. With intuitive navigation and a range of functionalities, Pedal Pal aims to create a seamless user flow that caters to the diverse needs of cyclists, from discovering new trails to connecting with fellow riders.
INITIAL DESIGN CONCEPTS
Paper Wireframes
DIGITAL WIREFRAMES
LO-FI MOCKUPS
Study: unmoderated, remote, 5 participants, 20-30 minutes
Two rounds of usability research were conducted. Findings from the first study helped inform and guide the designs from wireframes to mockups. The second study—a high-fidelity prototype—highlighted the components of the mockups that needed refining.
Affinity Diagram
DIGITAL WIREFRAMES
LO-FI MOCKUPS
Lo-fi mockups were then designed, incorporating the results from the usability study.
HI-FI MOCKUPS
Hi-fi mockups were focused on further refinements. Pedal Pal's high-fidelity (hi-fi) mockups present a visually rich and detailed representation of the website's design elements and user interface. These mockups showcase the layout, typography, color schemes, and visual elements of Pedal Pal in a highly polished manner. With precise attention to aesthetics and consistency, the hi-fi mockups provide a clear vision of the website's look and feel, allowing stakeholders and designers to visualize the final product. These mockups serve as a reference for developers to translate the design into a fully functional and visually appealing website.
HI-FI PROTOTYPES
Pedal Pal's high-fidelity (hi-fi) prototypes showcase a polished and refined version of the website's design and functionality. These prototypes provide a realistic representation of Pedal Pal's features, user interface, and user interactions. With attention to detail and enhanced visual aesthetics, the hi-fi prototypes offer a more immersive experience, allowing users to navigate through the website, explore trail maps, plan routes, track progress, and engage with the community as if using the fully developed platform. These prototypes serve as a valuable tool for user testing, feedback gathering, and further refinement of the Pedal Pal website before its final implementation.
Pedal Pal prioritizes accessibility to ensure that individuals of diverse abilities can fully engage with the platform. Accessibility considerations are incorporated into the design and development process to provide an inclusive experience for all users. This includes implementing features like alternative text for images, keyboard navigation support, proper color contrast for readability, and clear labeling of interactive elements. Pedal Pal aims to adhere to accessibility standards and guidelines to ensure that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can access and benefit from the platform's features and functionalities.
TAKEAWAYS & NEXT STEPS
