Launched the MVP to an initial user group to validate the product concept and its desirability.
Note: The nature of this work is confidential. Many details and images relating to this project have been omitted.
SeaBoard
Role
Product Designer
Responsibility
- Branding
- UX Design
- UI Design
- Design System
Background
This project aimed to tackle the financial management challenges faced by seafarers during their time at sea. Our goal was to develop an MVP app to validate product concepts and assist seafarers in accessing banking services anytime, anywhere.
Process
Research
We initiated the design process with an exploratory phase, conducting interviews to validate hypothesised pain points. We categorised users into distinct personas to tailor product features to their individual needs.
Requirements Definition
As a team, we mapped out the current and desired user journeys, identifying improved methods for seafarers to complete the tasks. We also outlined a high-level journey map, enabling us to break it down into features and functional requirements.
Design
With a thorough understanding of the product’s features, I began defining the user flow and designing the UI for the MVP’s core features.
A broad overview of app features is provided below without disclosing specific details of how these features work.
Brand, Collaterals and Design System
Alongside core feature design, I undertook a branding exercise to establish our brand values and elements. This was done to clarify how we aimed to position ourselves and how we wanted our users to perceive us.
This exercise incorporated a card-sorting process to identify keywords reflecting our values.
I then translated these brand values into design motifs and visual language that were integrated into the app’s logo, UI and various marketing materials.
Key Learning
Throughout this project, I gained several valuable insights and developed specific mindsets:
1. Prioritize 'Good Enough' Solutions
Always consider what constitutes an optimal design that can be swiftly implemented to test and validate ideas and gather feedback promptly. Maintain the ideal design without investing excessive time in over-optimization.
2. Apply the 80/20 Rule
Concentrate my efforts on high-impact areas. For example, I’ve learned to prioritise and emphasise features that offer maximum value to users and the business. Instead of tackling every edge case, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of covering a wide range of potential scenarios rather than striving for perfection in every detail.
3. Balance Speed and Thoughtfulness
Launching a product quickly isn’t solely about speed. I’ve learned to differentiate between designing swiftly and slowing down when the situation lacks clarity, in order to avoid a “fast and break things” mentality, which can lead to more ‘waste’ later on.