. GemMint Mobile Application Design
GemMint is a unique bartering, connecting, and trading platform designed for niche collectors and hobbyists to trade and sell appraised items. I led the design for the 'Requesting an Appraisal' feature, a key component that allows users to have their collectibles appraised by experts. This feature enhances user experience by streamlining the appraisal process, enabling collectors to easily obtain accurate valuations for their items.
Timeframe
6 weeks
Team
The project was developed with 3 other peers as part of the Masters in UX Design course at Maryland Institute College of Art.
6 weeks
Team
The project was developed with 3 other peers as part of the Masters in UX Design course at Maryland Institute College of Art.
1. Research
My team completed desk research and a competitive analysis of C2C and e-commerce products. We also conducted an initial user interview.
2. Sketches
I created high level task flows and then sketched out interactions.
3. Prototype
After selecting key user interactions, I designed the flows in Figma. As a team, we workshopped key design decisions and elements.
4. Test
As a team we developed basic screening criteria and a discussion guide. We recruited 4 participants to complete the usability testing via recorded Zoom meetings.
5. Analyze
Otter.ai transcriptions were broken down into notes. As a team, we then completed the usability completed rose, bud, thorn mapping and prioritization matrices.
6. Iterate
I implemented product improvements based on prioritized user insights and feedback from our instructor and peers.
Concept and Flow Development
I led the design for the 'Requesting an Appraisal' feature, a key function that enables users to get expert valuations on their collectibles. Users upload key details about their items for appraisal. The process began with creating a storyboard to communicate the project’s concept and user journey, followed by developing task and user flows.
I led the design for the 'Requesting an Appraisal' feature, a key function that enables users to get expert valuations on their collectibles. Users upload key details about their items for appraisal. The process began with creating a storyboard to communicate the project’s concept and user journey, followed by developing task and user flows.
A storyboard was created to help communicate the product idea and user journey to instructors and peers early on in the process.
I created high level task flows, clarifying the steps and screens a user would need to complete the task.
Wireframes were created, incorporating a search feature that lets users find similar items on the site to auto-populate their appraisal request, expediting the process. Users could then add photos and edit their requests based on the condition or other differences of their collectibles.
I then sketched out wireframes for each step, identifying key interactions.
Usability tests with four participants using a high-fidelity prototype revealed key issues. Adding a progress tracker enhanced user experience by indicating how much effort remained to complete the process. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
Through usability tests, the flow/feature was refined. Interview notes were broken down and synthesized, then prioritized using a matrix.
Final Prototype Adjustments
Based on test findings, adjustments were made to the high-fidelity prototype, incorporating branding and refined design principles.
View prototype
Based on test findings, adjustments were made to the high-fidelity prototype, incorporating branding and refined design principles.
View prototype
1. Starting an Appraisal: Users request an appraisal from an expert by tapping the ‘+’ sign and selecting ‘New Appraisal Request’.
2. Search for similar items: Users starts by entering in keywords or a description of the item they want appraised. The app will then search for similar items from past users data/posts, saving the her time.
3. Search results: The app will then search for similar items from past users data/posts, saving the her time. A list of possible matches is provided for the user. The user can also create a new listing if he or she doesn’t find any suitable matches.
4. Selecting a similar item: In this list, the user sees that one of the list items has an identical cover and similar details, he or she selects this item.
5. Editing the details: The user is then presented with a more complete list of details relating to her comic book, auto filled with the same details from the item selected in the previous step. He or she can then edit the details.
6. Editing a field: Here the user decides to edit the ‘Type of Item’ field, tapping on the pencil to see a list of options.
7. Adding to a field: The user is presented with a list of common responses, the user can also search for a item in the list, or create a new item.
8. Submiting for Appraisal: When the user has completed their edits and the form looks good, they can submit the form for appraisal.
9. Confirmation page: User receives confirmation that the submission been sent and what to expect next.