AApp (AC Service Booking App)

Project Name: AApp

Use: Improving overall customer satisfaction with on-demand AC repair and service

Platform: Mobile app

Timeline: Feb – May 2023 (3 Months)

My Role: UX/UI Designer

Collaborators: Cross-functional team (Front-end, Back-end, QA, PM)

Product Design Tools: Figma, Figjam, Photoshop, Optimal Workshop

App is a friendly online hub where people searching air conditioning services can easily connect with reliable technicians and companies. It’s a fun blend of the Spanish initials for Air Conditioning (Aire Acondicionado – “AA”) and the word “APP.” The Spanish name reflects our initial focus on the Latin American market.

I’ll be using Design Thinking, since is an agile methodology that allows me to focus on user needs. I can engage with users from the scratch to truly understand their needs in order to create the most satisfying and tailored user experience for this app.

I tried searching for apps with a similar purpose, but my efforts came up empty. I couldn’t find apps that exclusively connect or hire air conditioning companies or technicians

As the Product Designer, I was responsible for:

Conducting user research and synthesizing insights

Designing the responsive UI/UX for both web and mobile

Collaborating with cross-functional teams using the Scrum framework

Creating and maintaining the UI kit and adhering to accessibility standards

AApp is a specialized mobile platform designed to bridge the gap between users needing reliable air conditioning services and skilled HVAC technicians eager to showcase their expertise. The app focuses on providing an intuitive, efficient experience tailored specifically to the Latin American market, where the demand for quick and dependable AC services is high.

The goal of AApp was to create a user-friendly platform that simplifies the process of finding, booking, and interacting with air conditioning service providers. We aimed to enhance user satisfaction by offering a streamlined experience that connects customers with trusted technicians, ultimately improving comfort and reducing downtime during hot weather.

Users frequently struggled with finding reliable and prompt AC technicians. Existing service apps often lacked a dedicated focus on HVAC, making the experience fragmented and frustrating. Additionally, HVAC professionals had limited opportunities to effectively present their expertise and connect with new clients in a competitive market.

We developed a user-centered platform that offers detailed technician profiles, real-time chat features, and integrated scheduling tools. The app was designed using a responsive interface that aligns with Material Design principles, ensuring a seamless and engaging user experience across various Android devices. The solution directly addressed the core user needs, prioritizing ease of use, trust, and accessibility.

We started by diving deep into user pain points using the Design Thinking process, which allowed us to empathize with our audience and define the core problem: users struggled with finding reliable, prompt, and efficient AC technicians. To build an effective solution, I conducted a comprehensive benchmarking analysis, comparing similar services and identifying gaps that we could turn into strengths.

Key insights included:

Most apps lacked a dedicated focus on HVAC services, mixing them with broader home services

Users found it frustrating to schedule appointments without real-time availability

Technicians faced difficulties showcasing their expertise and building trust with potential clients

Given the dual nature of our target users—end customers needing services and technicians looking to connect with clients—I conducted ideation sessions, employing the Crazy 8s technique to brainstorm features. This method allowed us to generate quick, diverse concepts that we later refined into a cohesive design.

Core features included:

User Profile Browsing: Customers can view detailed profiles of technicians, including ratings and service history

Real-Time Chat: Direct messaging to facilitate quick questions and scheduling

Appointment Scheduling: An integrated calendar system for seamless booking

The focus was on simplicity and ease of use, ensuring users could quickly navigate the app even in urgent situations.

I began the prototyping phase with lo-fi wireframes sketched on paper before transitioning to digital wireframes in Figma. By leveraging Material Design principles, I ensured consistency and usability across the Android interface. The initial designs were shared with a small user group for feedback.

Testing Highlights:

Conducted usability tests with 5 participants who had experience with HVAC services, both at home and professionally

Feedback indicated high satisfaction with the user profile browsing feature, as it helped users make informed decisions based on technician expertise

Identified a pain point in the scheduling process, leading to an enhanced calendar interface with clearer availability indicators

Based on user feedback, I refined the prototypes, moving to high-fidelity designs that incorporated a cohesive visual identity. I applied the atomic design approach, creating a consistent design system that aligned with Material Design guidelines.

Key Improvements:

Updated button designs for better visibility and accessibility, especially in grouped actions

Introduced a color scheme inspired by cool, calming tones to reflect the app’s purpose of providing comfort

Integrated a feedback loop allowing users to rate services, building trust and ensuring quality control

Creating AApp was a lesson in balancing user needs with business goals. By focusing on empathy and maintaining a user-centered approach throughout the design process, I was able to deliver a product that resonated well with the target audience.

Key Takeaways:

Engaging users early and often provides invaluable insights that shape a better product

A consistent design system, rooted in established patterns like Material Design, ensures a cohesive experience across devices

Iterative testing and refinement, even under tight deadlines, lead to a polished and effective product

This project showcased the importance of agile design processes and the power of listening to user feedback. I look forward to applying these lessons in future projects, continuously aiming to create solutions that meet real user needs.

Want to check out the project in more detail?

Just click here: Link

If you’re looking for a designer who can turn insights into impactful products, let’s connect. Reach out on WhatsApp, LinkedIn, GitHub, or Behance, or drop me an email at fernandovergel@gmail.com.