The Challenge
The project was developed from the case passed in the online Hackaton of the training program made by FCamara.
“Currently, we only hear about remote work, its advantages, the search for new directions and even new clients. But there is the other side of the coin: Some professional areas have more difficulties to adapt to this new lifestyle, people losing their jobs, companies losing profits due to breach of contract. What solution would you give to alleviate or even improve this situation?”.
The proposal
Studying the challenge and through some meetings with my Squad, we analyzed the sectors that, due to the pandemic , were most affected by not having options to provide their services remotely.
Brainstorm led us to the following proposal aimed at the construction and related sector.
“Platform that will connect potential customers to maintenance service providers and/or small repairs able to provide their services in person or remotely, in a guided way. The client will solve a problem without having to leave the house (depending on the situation) and will have the help of a qualified professional”.
What do We intend to solve?
The difficulty that autonomous maintenance service providers and small repairs (assemblers, painters, electricians and etc) face in times like the current one caused by the Pandemic. As it is primarily a face-to-face service, there are few options for professionals to have an income without necessarily taking risks. Along with the difficulty of providers, potential customers with no experience with the type of service, end up taking the risk of doing it on their own, spending a lot of time to finish the task or sometimes ending it incorrectly.
Defining the type of sector that we would approach, then my research began to deepen and solidify the proposal in order to provide a clear and effective user experience.
Starting research
| BenchMarking, Audience, Quantitative/Qualitative Research, Personas, Value Proposition Map & Experience Map.
The first question I asked when we closed what our project would be was: How would the platform differ from others that deal with the same subject? And the answer came fluidly. It would present the possibility of learning to carry out small repairs on their own with the guided assistance of a qualified person, it would also be a pillar option for the service provider to obtain the income they were used to having, but in a different way than they already have. know (in person).
Based on that, I started a comparison between platforms similar to what we wanted. Knowing how competitors work this idea, I was able to select some key differentials so that our proposal stands out from the others, but this was just the beginning.
Comparison between platforms similar to what we wanted.
Target Audience
Who would use our platform? Who would be the person most encouraged to enjoy what we were building? These questions were already pre-answered from the beginning (in a generic way, of course). It would be the Self-Employed Providers of maintenance and/or small repairs and people who are looking for this type of service, people who are more fond of technology and internet shopping, for example. This information alone was not enough to create something special for someone. So, after defining the target audience, I started the research to define the “ideal” person for our platform, our Persona (or personas lol).
The survey was carried out with 10 people on each side, people who are looking for services and people who provide services.
Personas
Analyzing and filtering the research I was able to arrive at our Personas, the Extroverted Jullia and the calm Manoel.
services.
The problem...
Filtering the surveys with users, I was able to identify the main problems for Service Providers and Customers, which would be
Provider: Publicity throughout the region, nearby services, little affinity with technology, limited income, primarily face-to-face services, “shallow” communication.
Client: Lack of time, little experience with focus services, low income, little knowledge regarding which professionals are qualified for the necessary service.
From there, I started to relate the attitudes and day-to-day of the Personas with our platform, seeking to understand them better and recognize where and in what way we could help them to solve the mentioned problems.
Construction of EuFaço!
| Sitemap, Information Architecture, Sketches, Styleguide, High Purpose Prototype & Usability Testing.
Together with my Squad, we defined some key features for the platform to deliver exactly what we wanted and what our users needed. Among the features we had:
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User registration
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History of Open or Closed Projects (Customer and Provider)
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Search by location
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Video Streaming
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chat
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Media Sharing
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Request form
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Feedback/Rating System
Keeping in mind the main features, I developed the sitemap and the information architecture.
Sketches
The time has finally come to put all my repertoire on paper, the time to be able to visualize our platform and start giving shape to it. Nothing better than the “root” way of doing things, so I took my pencil, paper, put on some good music and let's get creative!ering the surveys with users, I was able to identify the main problems for Service Providers and Customers, which would be
Prototype
With some screens already scribbled I started to develop the high-end prototype using AdobeXD. I entered the UX world recently, I still didn't have much affinity with the prototyping tool, but throughout the process I was able to study and at the same time apply concepts that I had acquired.
*You can view the prototype here
The prototype underwent several tests throughout its construction, so that it was possible to identify errors or improvements to be applied from the beginning. Regarding the first Sketches and the high-purpose prototype, it is visible that some design changes have taken place, this due to user interactions with the platform under construction. So EuFaço! took shape.
How EuFaço! works
Through a location search system, users who are looking for maintenance services and/or small repairs have access to nearby professionals who can respond to their request more quickly. Each professional, when creating their profile, has the choice of providing services online, in person or both. Hiring the service, either remotely or in person, is done through a Chat built into the platform, with the chat it is possible to exchange messages, attachments (for sending a quote or photos that help negotiation) and Video Call for guided service.
Usability Test
TWe reached the final stage and to finish collecting data or reactions regarding our platform, a usability test was carried out with two people who represented our two personas. This last test served as a basis for us to plan future improvements and features.
*You have access to the complete Usability Test here
Final considerations <3
Throughout the project I was able to apply what I had studied so far and, thanks to the help of FCamara's mentors, I was able to understand a little more about how the reality of professionals focused and dedicated to delivering a product or service fully humanized / thought of the user works. The whole project was quite a challenge, but I'm happy to be able to think of an option that could help several professionals in this difficult time marked by the pandemic.
I want to thank Mariana Oliveira, Renan Santos, Marcos Vinicius and Alvaro Mendes (My Squad) for being with me throughout the process and bringing my prototype to life; And especially thanks to the FCamara Group for providing this Hackaton so challenging and different from the usual.
I leave this project open for comments and constructive criticism. Thanks for reading this far and I hope you enjoyed my journey!