The H.Plaza app assists people in learning about Hillel Place and what it offers.
The goal is to enable users to become familiar with Hillel Place and to support its businesses and community.
Project Duration: 4 Months
Role: UX Designer
Overview
Responsibilities:
I had the responsibilities of user research, usability testing, wireframing, and prototyping.
This project was a school project and was Presented to a Department of Transportation employee and The President and Executive member of the Junction BID (Flatbush Junction Business Improvement District).
Context:
The Problem at Hillel Place:
With loads of busy students and workers, Hillel Plaza is a place that many people experience when they walk by day by day. Often many people feel that navigating Hillel can be dull and awkward, based off of its small odd location.
Solution for the Hillel Experience: An App that emphasizes community and the support of local small businesses.
Know what recreational and community building events are available.
1.Keep up to date with community events:
2.Understand Hillel Plaza’s roots:
Learn of the rich history of Hillel Place and its significance in the community.
Learn ways around the community and support the mighty and reliable small businesses.
3.Navigate the community and Support small businesses:
Design Brief: How might we improve the experience at Hillel Plaza for users?
Understanding the User:
I conducted user research interviews to have a better understanding of users. And created empathy maps to have better empathy for being more in tune with the feelings of the users.
Pain points:
The Commute:
Users are often distracted in trying to get to work or school that they don’t notice what the area has to offer.
Lack of Appeal and Uninviting:
Users often find it difficult to feel at ease and appreciate the area since there is lack of directory as a small community and lack of attention because of smaller businesses and mom and pop shops.
Lack of Community:
Although many users are local, there is a significant amount of university students from nearby Brooklyn College, workers, and delivery people who are unaware of the close knit and long time community.
User Persona: Milo a School Custodian who works in the neighborhood.
Milo’s User Journey
I started off with drafting paper wireframes to kick off the process. I then moved into developing mockups and finally the High Fidelity Prototype. On these paper wireframes I focused on create solutions with elements that could combat the pain points and frustrations users encounter.
Paper Wireframes:
Translation to Digital Low fidelity Wireframes
I took these paper wireframes and translated the ideas to digital low fidelity Wireframes that were interactive. And showcased these wireframes to five participants. I focused on creating screens that would allow users to seamlessly find anything they needed to know about the community as well as ways to give suggestions for improvements to 311.
I received feedback and gathered my observations to understand common themes I found from the participants.
Insights from User Research:
1.The need for better and specified for better navigation for various businesses.
2.The need for better ways of voicing their wants and their opinions for neighborhood improvement.
3.A way of being engaged and better informed about community events and how to get involved.
The Major Changes:
I had to create major alterations to the prototype based off of the Usability Study findings and insights.
“This app is great, I would use this app for any Neighborhood!”
-Sarrah R.