For my first User Experience Design project, I developed a home improvement brand and mobile app prototype.
This is how I did it.
Nifty Neighbors is a home improvement app that prioritizes local, small, and minority-owned businesses.
CONTEXT
The Nifty Neighbors app promotes diversity and inclusivity in professional services by offering users a wide selection of professionals from diverse backgrounds. It empowers users to support inclusivity and creates opportunities for underrepresented professionals. With features like ratings and detailed profiles, the app ensures transparency and high service quality, fostering a friendly environment that prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in professional settings.
//PROBLEM
We found that people feel limited or excluded when trying to find professionals who understand their unique identity or background while searching for home improvement professionals through apps. Some have experienced biases or discrimination in the past and want a solution that offers more diverse options and opportunities for underrepresented professionals.
//SOLUTION
Connect users with a wide range of professionals representing diverse backgrounds, genders, sexualities, and races. This app allows individuals to select professionals who understand and respect their unique identities and preferences, empowering users to support inclusivity while also creating opportunities for underrepresented professionals.
//QUESTION
How can we ensure that individuals have access to a diverse range of professionals who understand and respect their unique identities and preferences, while also creating opportunities for underrepresented professionals in the community?
USER TESTING PARTICIPANTS
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Cassie Root
FILM PRODUCER
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Jimmie Burnett
FOOD SERVICE DRIVER
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Paige Morton
FREELANCE VIDEO EDITOR
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Wes Bennett
CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER
What they say
“I need good security settings. Apps like these usually require me to pay with my credit card and I get nervous about my information being out there.”
“I want to be able to message a professional person before booking them.”
“I really need a minimal style app. Otherwise I get overwhelmed and close it.”
“Safety is a top priority. I need an app that has robust measures in place to prevent harassment, hate speech, and other forms of online abuse.”
CARD SORTING
SITEMAPPING
Style Guide
In my approach to designing this app, I prioritized minimalism to give a seamless user experience. By simplifying the design elements, such as typography, layout, and visual components, I hope enhance clarity for users. Booking a professional to come to your house with a busy schedule can be overwhelming, but not with Nifty Neighbors. We get straight to the point.
This minimalist approach not only reduces cognitive load but also improves readability and accessibility for all users. My focus on minimalism aims to create an aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly app that prioritizes essential features and functionality while minimizing distractions.
SPLASHSCREENS
ONBOARDING
SPLASHSCREEN
The warm welcome that’s easy on the eyes. A loading spinner that makes them calm, not aggravated.
ONBOARDING
The first impression that sets the tone for the user’s entire journey, guiding them through what your app offers and why it's worth their time.
SIGN UP / LOGIN
It's not just about gaining access; it's about creating a sense of belonging and starting a personalized experience tailored just for them. The connection is built here!
HOMEPAGE
The homepage screen acts as the heart of our home improvement community, where users gather for inspiration, expert advice, and shared experiences
PICK A NIFTY NEIGHBOR
It's not just about finding help; it's about discovering a range of perspectives and talents, with limitless diversity.
Have you ever given feedback on someone else’s designs before? Have you received feedback on your own design?
I have plenty of expirience giving feedback on other people’s designs. During the last 8+ years in the film industry, I have collaborated with many directors, department heads, and co-workers who give feedback often. During my schooling for Graphic Design and UX Design, feedback was also critical to success.
I have given more feedback than I can count because I think it is so important. A lesson I have learned when being creative is that it is important to step away for a moment and come back as the editor. Receiving feedback in this way helps reduce emotional attachment to a project and also see the project with new eyes.
Another note on feedback that I feel is important is how it is given. I avoid using phrases like, “I would ____ (do this or do that)” because it is not my project. I find that rephrasing and saying “I would consider _____” or “Have you thought about potentially ______.” This feels less abrasive and can open a conversation or if anything, leave the person with their autonomy. This does not apply, however, to very obvious breakage in design foundations.
How would your teammates describe you professionally?
Teammates in the professional world would describe me as friendly and hard-working. I believe in lots of moral in the workplace because happy people work hard. Great teammates can work hard, but still enjoy their work / workplace. So, Id say, I would be described as having a positive vibe and solid work ethic. I meet my deadlines, but I don’t need to crush those around me to do so.
Tell me about a difficult project where you overcame a challenge
I have faced many difficult projects over the last decade. I face the challenges head on and use communication to do so.
Rather than naming one specific project, I will note that most film projects I have been on as a Set Dresser or equivalent in the Art Department has been extremely challenging. They are challenging because sourcing items and props are very specific and time sensitive. A million things are running through your brain during pre-production and production. If one thing is forgotten, the scene is likely not able to be shot.
The way I handle the stressful nature of this job is to over-organize. I generally work with people who keep receipts in different places, have many notebooks with scribbled notes that aren’t revisited and I find that to be a hectic workplace vibe.
So, I make it part of my role to organize reciepts into spreadsheets, email “minutes” / cliff notes after each meeting, send reminders for the next day, and make a quick phone call after each shoot day to go through what needs to happen for the next day. I get a ton of positive feedback for this because when someone might start to spiral, it gets them back on track. It is something I feel like I bring that is unique and often necessary. Although it is extra work, I find that in the long run, the team and I are way more organized and have reduced stress.
