PostUp
Role:
Sole contributor
Problem:
PostUp is a fictional service for remote workers to share tips and advice. Users began asking more about public spaces to work, so they are interested in listing and rating public working spaces for users.
Solution:
Inspired by Yelp and Google Maps, users now have an interface to review and rate venues on their specific appeal to a remote worker like noise level and wifi strength.
For the design of PostUp, I used the Google Ventures Sprint style of work. In GV format the entire sprint is done in a five day workweek, and each day has its own theme. Monday, for example, is all about ideation. Below you will see the flow of my work week and the final product.
Monday- Research and Brainstorming:
Current Situation:
PostUp is a new startup that allows users who work remotely to share resources, tips, and advice. Lately users have been talking frequently about where to work in public spaces and the struggles that accompany that search. PostUp is looking for solutions to streamline the process for users and charge a monthly subscription fee.
Constraints:
Mobile app
Places must already exist
5.99 monthly fee
Research:
Interviews indicate that the following aspects are key to a good user experience:
Wifi
Free if possible
Quiet, but talking is allowed
No crowds
Bathrooms
Place to meet clients
Ideally know how busy it is in advance
Ideally know what the space looks like in advance
Good coffee and food
Other people working
Help in unfamiliar areas
Persona:
Nina, 32, Boston, MA Freelance Copywriter
On the go, works at home, but travels 3x weekly
Spends more time looking for a place then working
Sometimes finds a place but it doesn’t work out because of amenities
Nina’s goals:
Spend less time looking, more time working
Ensure they have basic amenities first
Not too crowded, noisy
Current Solution Walkthrough:
What worked well?
Maps, especially in new areas
Photos of spaces
Hours, busy/peak times,
Reviews
What didn’t work well?
Libraries are hard for phone calls
No place to find amenities
No place to discern current crowd
Takes about 4-5 searches
Highlights
4-5 searches
Current crowdedness is key
Amenities is key
Potential User Flow
Tuesday- Sketching:
Lightning Demo:
I looked up Google Maps to see how they featured cafes on their map, as well as how they shared information and reviews about a selected venue. Below are screenshots of the screens found.
After reviewing how Google Maps configures its interface, I performed a Crazy 8 sketch, where I completed 8 sketches of one screen in 8 minutes. I tried to emulate the ease of interface while taking creative liberties.
Crazy 8 Drawing
I chose the bottom right sketch because I felt its amount of features was a minimal cognitive load, while containing everything the user immediately needed. I also added two call-to-action buttons that aided in the functionality.
Using the selected critical screen design, I then designed the screen before and after that original screen in a user flow.
Critical Screen Sketch
Wednesday- Sketching:
I sketched a new, cleaner version of the storyboard above, and I also added screens that interact with these screens. I added the screens to leave a review, and to see more details about a location. I chose to make those features several screens to allow the screens to be scanned and read easily without overwhelming the viewer. It makes the next step obvious and easily seen. The sketches are pictured below.
Thursday- Prototyping:
The prototype is of a user flow that goes through finding a venue, looking at reviews, and leaving a review of their own.
The users of PostUp are hard at work and on the go. As a result, I chose aqua green for PostUp’s brand color because, in my mind, green means go. I added a drop shadow to infer the illusion that PostUp is going up. I selected a modern, bold font that is no-nonsense. The photos I selected reflect the “business” that is being reviewed, rather than PostUP itself. I purposefully left ample white space that allows for quick and efficient scanning.
A screenshot of the prototype is displayed below.
Friday- User Testing:
User Testing Questions:
How often do you leave work in a public space?
What do you look for in that space?
What makes a space unfit?
Would you go to JJ’s Coffeehouse? Why or why not?
What do you think these icons mean?
What other information would you want before making a decision to go?
Task Scenarios:
Look for JJ’s Coffeehouse reviews.
Leave your own review for JJ’s.
Users:
Ellie, 29, works in business consulting as a scrum master, remotely 3x a week.
Becky, 38, runs her own natural health business, works remotely a few times a month.
Andrew, 32, works in IT, 10-20% of work is remote.
Gail, 68, retired, studies french in public spaces a few times a month
Emily, 31, marketing consultant for credit union, travels for work and works remotely then.
What users liked:
Stimulating interface
Rating specifically
Easy navigation
Sassy language
What users need/pain points:
Formatting for android users
Scrolling
Functional photo carousel
Icon labels for rating
Different outlet icon
Filters for different options
What users want:
Snacks and drinks
Reasonably priced
Vegan Options
Coffee and meal options
Healthy Options
Comfy Chairs
Large Tables
Outside Areas
Safe Location
ADA Accessible
LGBTQ friendly
Nice employees
Outlets
Good, natural lighting
Open early/late
Soft music
Clean bathrooms
Critical Edits:
Work with developer to allow scrolling
Make responsive to android formatting
Important Edits:
Insert labels for rating things
Change outlet icon
Change the formatting for volume rating so it’s clear