AirBNB for Pools
This project is my first use of the Stanford Design Thinking process. I applied what I learned in class to solve a real-world problem, improving my problem-solving skills and understanding of the method. This hands-on experience has boosted my confidence and prepared me to use Design Thinking in future projects.
I followed the Stanford Design Thinking process, starting with Empathize, then moving to Design, Ideate, Prototype, and Test.
These steps provided a strong foundation for creating and testing the prototype effectively.
Emphatize
I conducted user interviews, created an empathy map using key insights, and developed an affinity diagram to organize the information.
Design
I built two user personas based on the affinity diagram and customized customer journey maps for each of them. Using this, I created a service blueprint.
Ideate
I performed competitor analysis and used the "nuf test" to refine my ideas.
TARGET AUDIENCE
Target audience for swimming pools can’t be specified because all kinds of people use the swimming pools for various reasons.
Age : 21-65
Location : Any
Families and Friends
Individuals seeking relaxation
Pet Owners
Event Planners
Hosts Seeking in renting pools
Travellers and Tourists
Tech Savvy Users
Event Planners
Aim
For users to be able to privately rent out swimming pools closest to them without anyone disturbing them
Visual abstract
The app was inspired by a personal experience in Kingston, where finding a spacious, heated, and uncrowded swimming pool was a challenge. This led to the idea of creating a platform that connects users with private pool owners. The app simplifies the process of finding and booking private pools that match specific preferences, offering a more relaxing and personalized swimming experience for users in Kingston and beyond
Deliverables
User research insights, wireframes, high-fidelity prototypes, and an interactive platform design
Role
Lead UX designer and Researcher
Tools
Figma, Miro, Word, Adobe suite
Timeline
4 Weeks
Prototype
Features
01
Map Feature
Motivation
Users value ease, speed, and visual tools when searching for pools, especially in unfamiliar areas. Research highlighted the need for a map to simplify navigation and decision-making.
Solution
The app includes an interactive map showing pool locations, nearby services, and directions, improving usability and accuracy through location services.
Strengths
Weaknesses
02
Pool Owner Profile
Motivation
Users need trust and transparency to make confident booking decisions. Research revealed a demand for visible pool owner reputations and rental histories.
Solution
Pool owner profiles display bios, listing histories, and reviews, giving users insights into trustworthiness and available options.
Strengths
Weaknesses
03
Maximum Capacity Setting
Motivation
Users value privacy and comfort during pool rentals. Research highlighted concerns about overcrowding, prompting the need for a feature to manage capacity.
Solution
Pool owners can set a maximum capacity to ensure a pleasant atmosphere, maintain safety, and enforce social distancing when needed.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Test
Testers were asked to use the app as they normally would and to share their thoughts aloud about the design. Afterward, they selected the three reactions from a card that best matched their initial feelings about the app.
Valence test
The valence test's goal is to find a numerical way to measure the emotional tone or sentiment of a certain stimulus, like a text, picture, or video. Its goal is to find out whether the stimulus makes people feel good, bad, or neutral emotions.
Purpose
The purpose of the valence test is to measure how an emotional response to a stimulus is felt. The researchers can learn about the stimulus's affective effects and how it might change behaviour, decision-making, and perception by looking at how the participants responded.
Test results
What They Liked
Clear and minimal home page design.
Profile page for pool owners promotes transparency and trust.
Intuitive search/filter page for easy navigation.
What They Didn't Like
Overly colorful personal profile page and unnecessary bio.
Map feature lacked clear, informative content.
Cluttered notifications list, increasing cognitive load.
Future Work
Expand user testing to validate assumptions and uncover additional insights.
Explore technological innovation opportunities to enhance the user experience.
Foster a culture of continuous improvement through ongoing user feedback.
Consider expansion into new markets or demographics.
Explore partnerships or integrations with complementary services.