The goal was to create an app that allows newcomers to take that first step into the car community without feeling afraid or intimidated. The app will allow them to find local meet spots and people with similar interests so they can connect with the community and become a member.

I conducted a competitive audit to get a feel for what is already out there. As expected, the only main platforms used were Instagram & Facebook which are not built solely for car events, but only what's available to people. However, there was one app I found on the app store named CarMeets, this app had a few functions I took inspiration from, but was lacking the main functions and purpose I was striving for.

Furthermore, I outsourced a specific focus group to gain insight from, which already involved members in the car community with a variety of experience levels.

• 2 Beginners

• 1 Advanced Member

• 1 Expert Member

Directed Storytelling

Administrating a total of four interviews, I gained insight from various different experience levels & perspectives of individuals. I also placed the experienced members under the scenario of being a beginner because they were once at that stage. Doing this provided more information on how I'd like the app to function for newcomers, which is who the main design is for.

Affinity Diagramming/Conjoint Analysis

Synthesizing all the information gained through affinity diagramming and conjoint analysis, I gained insight into what key features would be the most useful for users and be the "must-haves" within the application. With the information gained, I developed ideas of what key features to incorporate into my application with the knowledge provided by both beginners and experienced members of the community.

Created by information architecture for the layout and flows of the application. Whilst creating the information architecture, The site map and user flow itself were also created. I made the flows I'd like to incorporate with each navigation path I had in mind.

Following the idea of my user flow already created, I went more in-depth on the flow of the startup of the app to be beginner and user-friendly.

Next, I digitized my sketches into basic low-mid fidelity wireframes to get a better understanding of where I'd like all my key interactions to be placed on each screen. This provided me with insight into the overall layout of the prototype.

In addition, I took the time to create a design system with the current wireframes to include both a dark mode and light mode option that would be available to the users.

Simultaneously evolving the low-fidelity wireframes into high-fidelity along with creating prototype flows for each screen flow, beginning with the user flow of the onboarding process of the app. It flowed into the home screen in addition to various other navigation flows.

Prepared a test script on key tasks/screens to be critiqued on, and scheduled various usability tests to receive feedback on the current flows and experience for the users. With the tests, I gained insight on what could improve the high-fidelity to be more usable along with how each flow could become a much easier user experience.