Pedals4Progress
Mobile App | Website
The Pedals4Progress (P4P) project aimed to empower individuals and communities through bicycle donations, promoting sustainable transportation and social impact. By collecting, refurbishing, and distributing bicycles, P4P enhances access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, fostering positive change and transforming lives.
During the project, I worked as the lead UX Designer and was responsible for creating a user-centered and visually appealing experience by conducting user research, designing intuitive navigation, creating wireframes and prototypes, and ensuring accessibility, all with the aim of effectively communicating P4P's mission and empowering users to participate in cycling and social/environmental initiatives.
PROJECT OVERVIEW Problem:The problem addressed by the Pedals4Progress (P4P) project was the lack of access to transportation in underserved communities, hindering individuals' ability to tap into education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. By addressing the transportation gap through bicycle donations, P4P seeks to empower individuals, promote sustainable transportation, and uplift communities. Goal: The goal of the Pedals4Progress (P4P) project was to provide bicycles to individuals in need, fostering access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities while promoting sustainable transportation. Through this, P4P aims to empower communities and create positive social impact. The goal for Pedals4Progress (P4P) users wass to make a meaningful impact by contributing bicycles, volunteering their time and skills, or supporting the cause in order to empower individuals and communities, promote sustainable transportation, and create positive social change. P4P Mission Goals: - Donate bicycles to provide individuals in need with a reliable mode of transportation. - Support educational opportunities by ensuring access to schools and reducing barriers to learning. - Improve healthcare access by enabling individuals to reach medical facilities more easily. - Foster economic opportunities by facilitating transportation to work or markets. - Promote environmental sustainability by encouraging the use of bicycles as a green transportation alternative. - Enhance social inclusion by reducing isolation and increasing community connectivity. - Empower individuals with independence, autonomy, and the ability to pursue their goals. - Alleviate transportation-related challenges faced by underserved communities. - Encourage healthier lifestyles and physical fitness through increased cycling. - Create positive social impact and foster stronger, more resilient communities. P4P User Goals: - Empower P4P users to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities through their contributions. - Engage P4P users in promoting sustainable transportation and social impact initiatives. - Provide opportunities for P4P users to support education, healthcare, and economic development through their involvement. - Foster a sense of community and connection among P4P users who share a passion for making a positive change. - Encourage active participation and volunteerism among P4P users to amplify the impact of the organization. - Raise awareness and advocate for the importance of bicycles as a catalyst for empowerment and social change. - Inspire P4P users to become ambassadors for the cause, spreading the mission and engaging others in the movement. - Enable P4P users to witness and celebrate the transformative power of their contributions on individuals and communities. - Empower P4P users to be part of a global network working towards a shared vision of a more inclusive and sustainable world. - Create a platform for P4P users to connect, share experiences, and collaborate in finding innovative solutions to transportation challenges.
TARGET AUDIENCE
The target audience of Pedals4Progress (P4P) encompasses individuals who are passionate about cycling, social change, and environmental sustainability. They may include cycling enthusiasts of all ages, from casual riders to avid cyclists, as well as environmentally conscious individuals seeking to make a positive impact. P4P's target audience is motivated by a desire to contribute to underserved communities and support the transformative power of bicycles. They value community engagement, inclusivity, and the promotion of sustainable practices. By connecting with this audience, P4P aims to build a diverse and dedicated community of individuals who believe in the power of cycling as a catalyst for positive change.
"Cycling is not just a passion; it's my way of making a difference, one pedal at a time."
"Knowledge fuels my desire to make a meaningful impact. Understanding the details empowers my choices."
KEY CHALLENGES
Users seeking information about bicycle-for-social-good initiatives, impact reports, and transparent financials often face challenges in finding a website that provides comprehensive content, easy navigation, and instills trust, enabling them to make informed decisions about donations and volunteer opportunities. The following pain points highlighted the need for improvements in the clarity, transparency, accessibility, and support aspects to enhance the user experience, strengthen engagement, and address user concerns effectively.
– Complex donation process: Users expressed frustration with a donation process that was unclear, lengthy, or involved multiple steps, leading to confusion and a lack of motivation to complete the donation.
– Lack of impact visibility: Users felt disconnected from the impact of their contributions due to a lack of transparent reporting and visibility into how their donations were making a difference in the communities served by P4P.
–Limited volunteer opportunities: Users desired more accessible and varied volunteer opportunities, expressing a need for clearer information about available roles, time commitments, and the specific impact they could make through volunteering.
– Insufficient support: Users experienced challenges in getting timely support and assistance during the donation process or their involvement with P4P, leading to frustration and a sense of disconnection.
Research study
The user research conducted with Pedals4Progress (P4P) app/website users yielded important insights into their preferences and needs, informing the design and functionality of the digital platform. Users emphasized the importance of a user-friendly interface with streamlined processes and mobile accessibility. Clear information about the donation process, impact, and trust-building elements were crucial for user engagement. Responsive support channels and feedback mechanisms were valued for addressing user queries and concerns. By incorporating these insights, the P4P app/website provides an intuitive, accessible, and trustworthy platform that enhances user experience and fosters meaningful engagement with the organization's mission.
The user research also provided valuable insights into the transportation challenges faced by underserved communities and the transformative impact of bicycles and the strong need for affordable and accessible bicycles, highlighting their positive effects on education, healthcare access, and economic opportunities. Maintenance support, spare parts availability, and educational programs were identified as crucial components for long-term sustainability. The research emphasized the social benefits of cycling, including community connectivity and social inclusion. These findings guided the project's strategies and initiatives, ensuring that P4P addresses the specific needs and aspirations of its target users, ultimately empowering communities through the power of bicycles.
INITIAL DESIGN CONCEPTS
Ideation: Crazy Eights
PAPER WIREFRAMES
INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE
The Pedals4Progress site architecture was meticulously designed to provide a cohesive and seamless user experience. The website was structured in a logical and organized manner, ensuring that visitors can easily navigate through different sections and find the information they need. With a user-centric approach, the site architecture focuses on delivering a clear and intuitive interface, making it effortless for users to explore the P4P programs, learn about P4P's impact, get involved, and stay updated with the latest news and resources. Whether you're a donor, volunteer, or community member, the site architecture ensures that the user can easily access the relevant content and engage with Pedals4Progress to make a positive difference in the world.
DIGITAL WIREFRAMES
USER TESTING
Study type: Unmoderated usability study; remote; 5 participants; 20-30 minutes
USABILITY STUDY
Based on the user research findings, the initial assumptions regarding the P4P website and its target audience's needs changed in the following ways:
1. Donation Process Clarity:
- Initial Assumption: Users would value clear and concise information about the donation process.
- Change: Confirmed and reinforced by user research findings, which emphasized the need for a straightforward and intuitive donation process with step-by-step guidance and prominent calls-to-action.
2. Impact Communication:
- Initial Assumption: Users would be interested in learning about the impact of their donations.
- Change: Strengthened by user research findings, which highlighted the users' strong desire for comprehensive information about the impact of bicycle donations, including real-life stories, case studies, and quantifiable data showcasing the positive outcomes and community benefits resulting from their contributions.
3. Volunteer Opportunities: - Initial Assumption: Users would seek information about volunteer opportunities. - Change: Validated by user research findings that demonstrated user interest in engaging as volunteers, seeking clear information about available roles, how to get involved, and the impact they can make through volunteering. 4. Community Engagement: - Initial Assumption: Users would desire opportunities to engage with the P4P community. - Change: Supported by user research findings, which emphasized user interest in community engagement, such as sharing experiences, connecting with like-minded individuals, and participating in events or campaigns within the P4P community. 5. Transparent Reporting: - Initial Assumption: Users would appreciate transparency in how donated resources are used. - Change: Reinforced by user research findings, which indicated that users valued transparent reporting, including regular updates on the number of bicycles distributed, communities served, and other measurable outcomes achieved through their contributions. 6. Support and Assistance: - Initial Assumption: Users may expect responsive support channels. - Change: Confirmed by user research findings, which highlighted the users' desire for responsive support channels, such as live chat or email, to address inquiries, provide assistance, or offer guidance throughout their involvement with P4P. 7. Inspiring Content: - Initial Assumption: Users would be inspired by success stories, testimonials, and impactful visuals. - Change: Supported by user research findings, which showed user appreciation for inspiring content that illustrates the transformational power of bicycle donations through success stories, testimonials, and impactful visuals. These findings guided the refinement and adjustment of the initial assumptions, ensuring that the P4P website aligns closely with the actual needs, preferences, and expectations of its target audience, resulting in an engaging and impactful user experience.
LO-FI PROTOTYPES
HI-FI PROTOTYPES
ACCESSIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS
Clear and Consistent Navigation: Implement clear and consistent navigation throughout the website, making it easy for users to find and access different sections or pages. Use descriptive labels for menu items and ensure proper keyboard navigation support. Proper Heading Structure: Use proper heading hierarchy (H1, H2, etc.) to structure content. Headings should be used in a logical and hierarchical manner, aiding users who rely on assistive technologies to navigate and understand the content. Color Contrast: Ensure sufficient color contrast between text and background elements to improve readability, especially for users with visual impairments. Follow accessibility guidelines for contrast ratios. Responsive Design: Create a responsive design that adapts to different screen sizes and devices. This ensures that users with different devices, including mobile devices and assistive technologies, can access and navigate the website effectively. Readability and Text Size: Use readable fonts, appropriate font sizes, and allow users to adjust the text size using browser controls. Ensure that text does not break or become inaccessible when users increase the text size. User Testing and Feedback: Conduct user testing, including individuals with different disabilities, to gather feedback and identify any accessibility barriers. Make necessary improvements based on user feedback and accessibility best practices.
TAKEAWAYS & NEXT STEPS
