Kiakia - An ecommerce app

Overview

To many Nigerians, online shopping is more about buying from a vendor on social media than downloading a shopping app. So using the few available apps means having to deal with whatever experience you face. Sometimes, they use international shopping apps and these come with issues like longer delivery duration, payment method headaches, inability to get items delivered to Nigeria, etc.

My role

In this project, I developed the UI design and prototyped the app, in addition to conducting user research.

Target audience

The intended audience for this project is young adults who have become frustrated with the experience of using other ecommerce apps.

Problem statement

Online shopping should be simple and straightforward, not complicated and confusing. With a vast array of products, variations, and brands to choose from, it can be difficult for shoppers to find the specific item they want or even know how to search for it. The shopping experience should be quick and effortless, allowing people to complete their purchases in just a few minutes without any issues.

The process

To address this problem, I am using the design thinking approach as my process. This involves empathizing with the user, defining the problem, ideating potential solutions, prototyping the most promising ideas, and testing with users to iterate and improve the design. By following this process, I aim to create innovative, effective, and human-centered solutions

Empathise

User Research

I conducted user research by conducting interviews with 20 Nigerians between the ages of 20 to 40 to understand their experience while shopping online. The goal of this research was to identify problems that frustrated users while shopping and gather insights on solutions that would improve their shopping experience.

To gather this information, I conducted structured interviews with each participant, asking about their shopping habits and any challenges they encountered while shopping online. I also asked for their opinions on potential solutions to these problems. Through this research, I was able to identify common problems that frustrated users while shopping online and come up with a problem statement that summarized the key issues. I also developed a list of potential solutions based on the insights gathered from the interviews.

This research was valuable in helping me to understand the needs and pain points of online shoppers in Nigeria and come up with solutions that address these issues. It also taught me the importance of gathering insights directly from users in order to design a product that meets their needs and expectations.

Define

User Persona

I created a user persona based on an interview I conducted with a potential user of our app. By creating a user persona, I was able to better understand the needs and preferences of our target audience and design an app that meets their needs.

To create the user persona, I gathered information about the user through an interview, including their background, goals, and any frustrations they had with similar apps. I used this information to create a detailed profile of the user, including a little bio, a list of their goals, and their frustrations. This helped me to better understand their perspective and design an app that addresses their needs and pain points.

The user persona was a valuable tool for me as a designer, as it helped me to think more deeply about the needs of our users and design an app that is tailored to their specific needs. It also allowed me to consider different scenarios in which the user might use the app and design an experience that is intuitive and seamless.

Competitive Analysis

I conducted a competitive analysis of three competing apps to better understand the features they offered and identify any missing features that could be potential competitive advantages for our app. To do this, I thoroughly reviewed each app and made a list of its features, including any standout or unique features that users might find appealing. I also gathered feedback from users of these apps to see which features they liked the most.

The goal of this competitive analysis was to identify key competitive features that users value in similar apps and consider incorporating them into our own app. By understanding what features our competitors offer, we can make informed decisions about which features to prioritize in the development of our app.

I learned the importance of keeping an eye on the competition and understanding the features that users find most valuable. I also gained insight into how different apps approach similar problems and what approaches seem to be successful in the market.

Ideate

User flow: The user flow for the app

I created a user flow for an app to help users achieve a specific goal in a simple and straightforward way. The user flow consisted of a series of steps that guided the user through the task. To create the user flow, I first identified the goal that the user was trying to achieve and then broke down the task into smaller steps. I visualized the flow of actions the user would take to complete the task, considering any potential roadblocks or detours that might arise.

I implemented the user flow and received feedback from users indicating that it was successful in helping them accomplish their goals. This was a valuable learning experience for me as a designer, as it showed the importance of considering the user's perspective and creating a user experience that is easy to understand and navigate. I also learned the value of gathering feedback from users to ensure that my designs are effective.

Wireframe

Sketch

I created a rough sketch of how the app might look based on the previous stage of the design process. It is a useful tool to quickly iterate on ideas and get feedback from stakeholders.

To create the sketch, I started by considering the user flow and user personas that had been developed earlier in the process. I then drew a rough layout of the app's screens.

The goal of this sketch was to explore different design options and get a sense of how the app might look and function. It was a valuable step in the design process, as it allowed me to quickly iterate on ideas and get feedback from stakeholders before moving on to more detailed designs.

I learned the value of quickly iterating on design ideas and seeking feedback early in the process. I also gained a better understanding of how the various components of the app might fit together and work together to create a cohesive user experience.

Low-fi wireframe

I created a low-fidelity wireframe of the typical interface for each flow of the app to test with users. It is a useful tool to quickly prototype ideas and gather feedback without investing a lot of time in detailed design work.

To create the low-fidelity wireframe, I started by using the sketch I had created in the previous stage as a guide. I then used a wireframing tool to create a simple layout of the app's screens, I kept the wireframe simple and focused on the structure and layout of the interface, rather than on visual design elements.

The goal of this low-fidelity wireframe was to test the usability and overall flow of the app with users. By showing the wireframe to users and observing their interactions with it, I was able to gather valuable feedback on the app's design and identify any areas that needed improvement.

I learned the importance of gathering early feedback on design concepts and iterating based on user feedback. I also gained a better understanding of how users interact with the app and identified areas where the design could be improved

Hi-fidelity wireframe

I designed a high-fidelity wireframe, which is a more detailed and polished version of the app's interface, to further test with users and see if it meets their needs and if any parts can be improved.

To create the high-fidelity wireframe, I started by using the low-fidelity wireframe I had created in the previous stage as a guide. I then used Figma to add more detailed design elements to the wireframe, including colours, fonts, and graphics. I also refined the layout and placement of key elements such as buttons, menus, and forms.

The goal of this high-fidelity wireframe was to test the visual design of the app with users and gather feedback on the overall look and feel. By showing the wireframe to users and observing their interactions with it, I was able to gather valuable feedback on the visual design and identify any areas that needed improvement.

I learned the importance of gathering detailed feedback on the visual design of the app. I also gained a better understanding of how users respond to different design elements and identified areas where the design could be improved.

Usability Study

I conducted two rounds of usability studies involving 5 participants chosen via a survey to determine if users can complete core tasks within the Kiakia app and determine if the app is difficult to use.

To conduct the usability studies, I recruited participants through a survey and asked them to complete a series of tasks using the Kiakia app. I observed their interactions with the app and recorded any problems or difficulties they encountered. I also asked them for their feedback on the app's usability and any suggestions they had for improvement.

The goal of these usability studies was to determine if users could easily complete core tasks within the app and identify any areas where the app was difficult to use. By observing users as they interacted with the app and gathering their feedback, I was able to identify areas where the app's usability could be improved and make design changes accordingly.

I learned the importance of gathering feedback from users to ensure that a product is easy to use. I also gained a better understanding of how users interact with the app and identified areas where the design could be improved.

Visual Design

Prototype

Reflections

As a designer, I became more user-centric throughout this project. I tested different aspects of the design with users and made decisions based on their feedback. This helped me to ensure that the design met the needs and expectations of the users.

One thing that I found challenging was getting bogged down in tiny details, such as the price of products or the labelling of products. I found it difficult to move forward until I had figured these details out. However, I learned the importance of balancing the need for attention to detail with the need to make progress and move forward.

I gained a better understanding of the importance of striking a balance between attention to detail and the need to make progress. These are valuable lessons that will inform my approach to design in the future.