Lightning Demos

I focused on finding competitors that have achieved assisting users visualize how to transform their current space. The three I focused on are Sherwin Williams Colorsnap, Hutch, and Try on Wall. All three offered different directions but what I appreciated the most was the similar interaction allowing the user to upload photos of their personal space and add paint to the wall, add furniture within their space, or arrange wall decor. This concept of allowing the user to design and visualize their space without investment up front establishes stronger confidence in the collection of products selected for purchase.

Crazy 8’s – Mobile

I first took 8 minutes to sketch 8 screen ideas that may be in the mobile app version. After 8 minutes, I selected the one screen I thought would be the center of my user flow from day one and the most essential screen for the user. This screen would be the “design center” where the user will be able to drag and arrange products within their space, create room boards with products, and be able to purchase merchandise. I took a half hour break and came back to execute another session of crazy 8’s focusing on sketching different variations of this main design center screen.

Crazy 8’s – Desktop

I took another 8 minutes and sketched screen ideas for a desktop version focusing on a second user flow, style packages. The critical screen in this flow is outlining the different options a consumer has. This concept of style packages will create a curated design bundle for various budgets, making it easy to accessorize based on contemporary trends.

Storyboard Mobile

After determining the critical screen, it was time to focus on creating a more detailed storyboard pertaining to the mobile design center user flow. I wanted to incorporate a feature to select an existing photo or snap a quick photo of a space for the user to create their own design mock up of their space. Allowing users to be able to create a real representation of their space while browsing or adding favorited items will aid in their design decision process. Those who have trouble determining if a group of decor items are cohesive will be able to browse by style or package options based on their desired budget.

Storyboard Desktop

After determining the critical screen, I focused on sketching a series of steps via a storyboard to illustrate the steps a user will take browsing and purchasing a style package. Budget is very important to our target audience which is why I want to incorporate three different budget tiers. Each tier will reflect a number range of items included with the option to swap out merchandise to customize their desired look reflecting more of their personality. Swapping items may decrease or increase the total cost at checkout.

Mobile

This mobile prototype illustrates the general concept of the user flow focused on creating a new design by choosing a room and background to view how the decor items look when all grouped together. Users will be able to shop directly from the same screen and add or remove items as they design. Rotating, mirroring, or scaling products are simple from the sidebar on the image. From the past three days of focus work, I had a clear direction to establish a prototype. My goal from testing is that users will flag any confusing aspects and bring new ideas to the table to improve this product.

Desktop

This desktop prototype illustrates the user flow of selecting a defined style and budget to receive an established package of decor items. Consumers will be able to easily customize their style package if there are a couple items they dislike by swapping them out. Users will be able to shop directly from the same screen and add or remove items. Incorporating the initial idea, consumers will also be able to view the items in their space by uploading a photo and interacting by placing the items within their space. My goal from testing is that users will flag any confusing aspects and bring new ideas to the table to improve this product.

Day Five: Test

• Mobile Task: Create and save a new design.
• Desktop Task: Select a style package, view items in your space, save design, checkout.

I selected user participants who have recently moved, have a passion for design, and/or have trouble knowing how to decorate their apartment/home. Each session began with a brief introduction of Home2Share outlining the problem. Users were then prompted to complete two tasks, one on mobile and one on desktop. I instructed participants to speak about their thought process on each screen for each session so I could receive insight regarding the prototypes.

Overall, most users completed the tasks quickly with no major issues. For one user in particular there was confusion when getting to the critical screen on the mobile prototype for shopping and placing items within the photo taken or background selected. Feedback provided was to incorporate a search bar next to the filters to make it more innate. All users appreciated this idea and saw themselves using this product to aid them choosing merchandise to decorate their living spaces. One user specifically stated, “this is something I would definitely enjoy using and would find helpful in determining how to decorate my apartment.” Moving forward I would like to focus on refining the search and filter function of the design center within the mobile and desktop version. Additionally I would like to add a total value section on the mobile screen that would calculate the total cost of the products as one drags decor to their space as in the desktop.