Parkster
From Frustration to Ease: Redesigning a Parking App Experience
Overview
This redesign was created as a school group project with the aim to practice user centered design in collaboration with Parkster AB.
Groupproject
Role: UX/UI Designer
Type of work: User Research, Ideation, Prototyping & Testing
Timeframe: five weeks, November 2022
Challenge
The task of paying for parking in Sweden has changed significantly over the past 10 years. Previously, people relied on having change in their cars to pay for parking, but now it's more common for them to use apps. With the Parkster AB app, approximately 50% of users do not set a start time for their parking, leading to the common issue of forgetting to turn off the parking session. As a result, users end up paying for more hours than necessary. Parkster wanted to understand user behavior and needs regarding setting timers and starting the parking app. Our goal was to present solutions to improve the usability of this feature.
The Process
We used design thinking approach, following a structured process that encompassed user interviews, surveys, observations, competitor analysis, sketching, low-fidelity prototyping, and think-aloud tests.
Through user interviews and surveys, we gained valuable insights into the needs and behaviors of parking app users. Observations allowed us to understand their pain points in real-life parking situations. Analyzing competitors helped us identify best practices and areas for improvement. We then ideated, sketched, and created low-fidelity prototypes to test and gather user feedback. Think-aloud tests helped us identify usability issues and refine our solutions.
Result
Our findings revealed several key areas for improvement in the current Parkster AB app. One significant issue was the lack of visual hierarchy, where elements like font size and colors were not effectively utilized to guide users' attention. Additionally, the app lacked clear UX copy that could provide guidance and reminders to users about app functionalities and expectations.
Another problem we identified was the suboptimal usability of the stop-time setter. It was somewhat hidden and not user-friendly, requiring improvements to enhance its visibility and functionality. By addressing these issues, such as enhancing visual hierarchy, implementing clear UX copy, and improving the stop-time setter, we aimed to enhance the overall user experience and ensure a smoother and more intuitive app usage for Parkster AB's customers.
Learnings
Throughout this project, I gained a deeper understanding of the significance of clear communication and visual hierarchy in design, realizing their crucial role in guiding users and enhancing their overall experience. Additionally, the project underscored the value of conducting early user testing, which allowed us to gather valuable feedback and make informed design decisions. These experiences have not only expanded my design thinking abilities but also emphasized the importance of user-centricity and effective communication in creating solutions that are both meaningful and user-friendly.
