OverviewResearchUser TestingIdeationMetrics

Pilot

Mobile App  |  2023

My Role

UX Design, UX Research, Prototyping, Visual Design

Team

Solo Project

Tools

Figma, Photoshop, Aftereffects, Illustrator

Timeline

18 Weeks

Overview

Pilot offers accessibility reviews tailored for wheelchair users. It provides context-specific information about local destinations, empowering users to make confident informed decisions when exploring new places.

Problem

There are common pain points and painstaking work-arounds that wheelchair users must face when exploring new destinations.

Outcome

It became clear that there's a need for a Yelp-like platform for wheelchair users.

More than just a verification badge

Up until now, Yelp users would verify the accessibility of a business through a familiar badge icon.

Much to everyone's surprise, it turns out that the level of accessibility tools and accommodation needs for the spectrum of wheelchair users were unclear.

Thus, a collection of features and contextual information naturally resonated with my audience.
Collaborating with wheelchair users revealed the crucial information needed for each destination. This led to the inclusion of accessibility and accommodation ratings provided by fellow wheelchair users.
People value firsthand experiences and rely on community reviews for informed decisions, through which they share photos, providing confidence in their choices.
After validating with a spectrum of wheelchair users, I learned that there were different unique accommodation needs.

Having measurements of a building layout, in addition to the accessibility equipment available were of the utmost priority.

User Research

I began collecting data from local businesses in bootstrapped-fashion in order to create a prototype for usability testing.

In addition to contextual research, I conducted 10 interviews. Additionally, 5 individuals completed a usability test and helped co-design.

98%

Of Interviewees used similar verification tools
It became clear what and why these specific tools were used to determine imperative details on the accessibility of a destination.

88%

Of interviewees found this app useful
One participant mentioned, "This app would open up more freedom and independence in our community."
End users were essential in refining information and details, enabling us to offer the community effective tools for trust and local business connections.
Contextual inquiry revealed how individuals resort to workarounds when faced with obstacles e.g.misplaced salience and directory information led this person to use stairs instead of a hidden ramp.
Renting a wheel chair and immersing myself in various scenarios revealed unique challenges in public transportation and everyday tasks, like buying coffee. It quickly humbled me, shedding light on what I had assumed were the most obvious pain points.
In addition to larger tap targets, our color palette adheres to all three WCAG conformance levels. Each color reflects our community's values, fostering a more engaging and explorative approach compared to other disability platforms perceived as dull and overly serious.

Building the brand voice

With the help of my co-designers, I was able to be more thoughtful with visual assets—one that resonates deeply with the community and creates a sense of independence.
Anti-grip spikes on wheelchair handlebars embody the community's value of independence, shaping Pilot's visual design to echo this crucial value.
Potentially collaborating with other platforms to set the benchmark for accessibility standards, represented by our verification badge.

Reflecting on project outcomes

"In a way, we are all temporarily-abled."

Despite challenges with testing remotely and empathizing with a community of people who view the world much differently than I and most able-bodied people, this project was incredibly rewarding and I was fortunate to meet such amazing, wonderful people.

01

Co-design and a board of advisors are crucial
It was imperative to have actual target demographic stakeholders involved every step of the way to ensure the app is relevant to users.

02

Include subject matter experts and caretakers
It's so important to understand the medical limitations and those who accommodate for other's needs in order to get closer to walking in the shoes of individuals with motor impairments.