60k+
Commuters
Available On
Web | IOS | Android
Objective
Enable users to schedule different days each week, improving their commuting experience and aligning with their ever-changing work patterns.
Initial Subscription Model
The original model required users to set fixed weekly commute days, with changes taking up to two weeks. This rigidity created significant challenges for users with fluctuating or hybrid work schedules, making it difficult to adapt to their dynamic needs.
The Flex model allows users to schedule commute days on-demand, even within an hour of departure. This flexibility adapts to dynamic work schedules and reduces operational costs by minimizing missed or unnecessary rides.
My Process
Observe
Reflect
Create
The design process I followed is iterative and continuous, much like the infinity symbol it represents. Inspired by design thinking, this approach blends research, reflection, and creation in a seamless cycle. Each phase informs the next, ensuring design decisions evolve based on insights and feedback.
In the Observe phase, we gather user insights, which are then synthesized in the Reflect phase to identify patterns and generate solutions. In the Create phase, concepts are developed into prototypes and tested, with insights from testing continuously feeding back into the cycle for ongoing refinement and adaptation.
Observe
Leveraging AI to Synthesize User Insights
Due to budget and time constraints, as well as limited access to real users, conducting new user research was not feasible. Instead, I used a private GPT to synthesize prior research from lean UX workshops, market surveys, and real user interviews to identify the needs of users who schedule their commutes on different days each week, along with a list of app features to support them.
Creating a Product Model Canvas to Map Touch-points and Impacts
I represented the front-end user experience in creating the Product Model Canvas, collaborating with back-end and product experts. This detailed the commuter’s journey, impacted screens, and back-end functions, providing a roadmap for efficient integration and future use.
Create
Viewing Rides
Users can easily view their rides for the next three months, see who they’ll be riding with, and set a driving preference in case a driver is needed
Booking Rides
After tapping 'Add Rides,' users can select their ride dates. Within 24 hours, the back-end system factors in the user's preferred driving days and assigns driving dates accordingly.
Settings
Users can set their preferred driving days and choose notification preferences to be alerted about any unscheduled rides for the following week.
Additional Flex Integrations
Sign Up
Other Product Enhancements
Original
Lack of WCAG AA Compliance
The original design did not meet accessibility standards, making it difficult for users with disabilities to navigate and interact with the app effectively.
Slow Load Time
A high number of API calls caused delays in loading, leading to a frustrating user experience as users waited for content to appear.
Cluttered Layout
The screen was overcrowded, with important information scattered across different sections, making it harder for users to quickly find what they needed.
Limited Map Functionality
The route map was small, making it difficult to get a clear view of the commute and interact with it effectively.
Inefficient Navigation
The design required multiple taps to view ride details and stops, leading to unnecessary complexity and time spent navigating.
Revised
WCAG AA Compliance
The new design fully meets accessibility standards, with improved contrast, keyboard navigation, and screen reader support, making it easier for all users to interact with the app.
Faster Load Time
We reduced the number of API calls, optimizing performance and significantly improving load times for a more seamless experience.
Streamlined Layout
The layout is now more intuitive, with clearly organized sections that allow users to quickly access the most important information without unnecessary scrolling.
Larger, Interactive Route Map
The route map is now larger and more responsive, offering a clearer view of the commute and improving the overall user interaction.
All-in-One Stop List
The list of stops is now displayed on the same screen as the route map, giving users a clearer overview of their journey and eliminating the need for extra taps.
Commuter Numbers at Stops
Riders can now see the number of commuters waiting at each stop, allowing them to anticipate how many others will be in the vehicle and choose their seats accordingly.
Up Next
The University of Arizona