Unlocking Convenience with Community Storage
role
Team
1 Designer
timeline
3 months
Service
Product Design
problem
The lack of trusted storage options available for students and travelers often adds physical and mental strain to their commute.
SafeKeepR helps users find storage options nearby; whether that be pre-paid physical lockers or other users who look after items in exchange for in-app rewards. To increase participation, users can build their network and compete to create the most upgraded digital space.
app features
Users are able to locate storage of any kind— from places to people.
Throughout a user's flow, they can discover physical storage units and other users willing to look after their items for short periods, a feature supported by messaging and gamification.
User Locator
Locker Locator
User Profile
user research
I created an affinity diagram to organize user thoughts and figure out the best solutions to our problem.
User interviews were conducted to learn more about extra baggage and how different people managed their belongings and schedule. Issues brought up included discomfort in transit, the possibility of losing items, and a lack of secure spaces.
key insights
Analyzing needs and frustrations was a crucial step in refining constraints and furthering development.
I found 4 key insights that resonated with users:
Established systems of trust are important
Various storage options need to be given
Extra items require accommodations
Frustration lies in item misplacement
ideation
I came up with 10+ ideas that each addressed one or more of my users' pain points.
After ideating varying solutions, I was able to narrow down the ideas I believe best suited my user group. Those I chose to pursue fell into 2 categories:
Physical Storage
People as storage
mid-fi prototype
Creating foundational screens and flows brought my idea to life and clarified what changes I needed to make.
I mapped out multiple layouts of the home, map, inbox, and profile screens in order to determine which was the most efficient in leading the user to their end goal of finding storage options. Using competitive analysis, these screens fall in line with the standards of Google Maps, Instagram, and Uber.
testing evaluation
Multiple heuristic tests were completed to measure the current effectiveness of the app, and changes were implemented in response to any shortcomings.
After running usability and heuristic testing on my mid-fidelity prototype, users found design pain points, allowing me to change them for the final design. These changes included:
Real-world community through mutual friends, instead of subscribers
Standardizing app colors and increasing the contrast
Stronger system visibility during location and profile interactions
Final Design
The final product allows users multiple options to solving their storage problem.
The final walkthrough of the user flow showcases the possibilities of reserving a storage location or requesting another user to watch items, as well as the messaging and profile pages.
key takeaway
Designing for problems the user doesn't even know about is just as important as designing for the ones they do.
Throughout this project, I was able to thoroughly conduct user research and experience the inner workings of a design sprint. Overall, the app provides users with an attainable solution to storing items, while leaning into the intrinsic motivation to help others. To improve upon this case study, I would add these features: