The Crew Dogs iOS App Redesign

When I was brought on as the UI/UX designer for the Crew Dogs project, I knew this wouldn’t be just another redesign. The challenge wasn’t just to make the app look good – it was to create a solution that would truly serve the needs of military personnel. These are individuals who often work in high-pressure environments, where every second counts, and every decision matters.

The Crew Dogs app was already in use for peer-to-peer transactions, but it wasn’t providing the kind of intuitive, seamless experience that military users needed. The existing design was clunky, confusing, and often difficult to navigate – especially in stressful, time-sensitive situations.

The goal was clear: redesign the entire user interface to enhance the user experience and make the app something that would seamlessly integrate into the daily lives of military personnel.

As the UI/UX designer, I was responsible for everything related to the visual and interactive experience of the app. This included redesigning the app’s layout, creating a cohesive design system, and ensuring that the app was not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. I wasn’t just thinking about making things look good; I was focused on creating an experience that would be both intuitive and efficient.

Here’s how I approached the project:

Understanding the User: The first step was understanding the specific needs of military personnel. I spent time talking with the people who would actually be using the app – active duty soldiers, veterans, and even military support staff. The more I listened, the clearer it became that the app needed to be fast, simple, and accessible. These users needed an app that worked in all conditions, whether they were on a base, in the field, or in transit.

Creating a Design System: One of the first things I did was develop a comprehensive design system. This wasn’t just about picking colors and fonts – it was about creating a consistent experience across the entire app. Every button, every icon, every navigation element needed to be easy to understand and use, no matter the user’s tech-savviness or environment. I chose colors and fonts that were not only easy on the eyes but also high-contrast for readability in different lighting situations – something I knew would be crucial for military personnel working outdoors or under low light.

Redesigning the UI: The core of the redesign was to streamline the entire app. The old interface had too many steps, too much clutter, and wasn’t intuitive for people who needed quick results. I simplified the user journey, cutting down on unnecessary clicks, and ensuring that every action felt natural and effortless. This also meant making sure the app worked perfectly across both iOS and Android devices, which came with its own set of challenges in terms of platform-specific guidelines. But through iteration, I created a unified experience that felt cohesive no matter what device was being used.

Component Development & Creative Direction: I developed reusable components – buttons, forms, navigation elements – that could be used throughout the app. This helped the development team work faster while maintaining consistency in the design. Additionally, I created a creative directory, which was essentially a guide for the development and marketing teams to ensure alignment on design standards and interactions moving forward.

Testing and Iteration: Once the first round of designs was ready, I didn’t stop there. I ran usability tests with actual military personnel to gather real feedback. It was important to see how they interacted with the app and what their pain points were. With each round of testing, I refined the design to make sure it truly met their needs. We ended up tweaking everything from button placements to the wording of instructions – all to make sure that military personnel would find it as intuitive and efficient as possible.

After several months of designing, testing, and refining, the redesigned Crew Dogs app launched on both iOS and Android. The changes weren’t just skin-deep; they transformed the app into something truly usable in real-world conditions.

Seamless User Flow: Military personnel can now complete peer-to-peer transactions in just a few clicks, without feeling overwhelmed by unnecessary steps.

Mobile-First, User-Centered Design: Every design decision was made with the user in mind. We ensured the app was fast, responsive, and easy to use in any environment.

Cross-Platform Consistency: The app delivers a consistent experience whether on an iPhone or Android device, eliminating confusion for users who switch between platforms.

Accessibility: The app’s design now includes high-contrast text, larger clickable areas, and intuitive navigation to ensure it’s accessible to everyone, including those with visual impairments.

The redesigned Crew Dogs app has had a significant impact on its users. Feedback from military personnel has been overwhelmingly positive. The app is now seen as a reliable, efficient tool for managing peer-to-peer transactions in real-time.

Here’s what we’ve seen since the redesign launched:

Increased User Engagement: The simplicity and speed of the new design have encouraged higher engagement rates among military users, who now find the app easy to use in their day-to-day lives.

Higher Satisfaction: Users have expressed a greater sense of trust in the app, noting its reliability and ease of use, especially in stressful situations where quick decisions matter.

Positive Reviews: Since the launch, the app has received glowing reviews from both users and stakeholders alike, with many praising its accessibility and user-friendliness.

If you’re a company or organization looking to design or redesign an app for a specific user group, especially in high-pressure environments, the Crew Dogs project highlights an important lesson: understanding your user is everything. This project wasn’t just about creating a pretty interface – it was about solving real, tangible problems for people who needed it most.

Through careful design, testing, and iteration, we created an app that truly serves its users, and that’s something I can bring to your project as well.

If you’re looking for a design that goes beyond just the visuals – one that’s built with real user needs in mind – I’d love to help make that happen for you.