top of page
Neo Local
An online directory to find local businesses
Role
Tool
Duration
UX Designer
Interface Design
Prototyping
Figma, Illustrator
August 2023
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The primary goal was to design a versatile tool that fosters social impact and accommodates various devices and user scenarios.
I focused on developing a platform that enhances a sense of neighborhood and empowering small businesses. Specifically, the aim was to bring community life together online forum and in real life events while supporting socio-economical life.
Over the four weeks, I gained valuable insights into collaborating with local businesses & my neighbors and addressing the diverse needs of users.
| Project Background
Neo Local project roots in my background in architecture and my interest in the historical neighborhood I live in, Nisantasi. Nisantasi’s urban layout consists of building blocks, row houses, narrow streets and hidden patios there used to be populated by small scale businesses.
Today the physical characteristic is still protected yet the socio-economical texture declines as the big businesses take over the main streets and small businesses keep disappearing.
Street view illustration / own drawing
The Problems
> With population of the big businesses on the main streets, small businesses are moving to the upper floors or less visible areas which requires a directory to locate them for the users.
> Recent search engines list the search results in favor of sponsored businesses.
> Small businesses with limited advertising budgets appear either at the end of the results or does not even appear which marginalizes them.
Research Goal
> Making local businesses visible and accessible with user-friendly interface.
> Engaging community through local activities and discussions.
> Creating suggestion results based on community trust rather than sponsorship.
> Keep the capital in the community and support the local economy.
My Role
My role is designing an app that can answer these questions by following UX design methodology.
Such as conducting user experience research, low & medium fidelity wireframing, high-fidelity prototyping, user interface with design system and testing with usability study.
| Understanding
the Users
| Understanding
the Users
In order to emphatize with the users, I conducted interviews, surveys also developed an affinity and empathy map.
One of the most common pain point throughout the research was that 'existing search engines promotes sponsored and irrelevant results.'
- Affinity Map -
- Persona 1 -
- Persona 2 -
- Competetive Audit -
| Ideation
Based on outcomes of the define phase, I developed storyboards, created information architecture and sketched low-fidelity wireframes towards a mobile app and web design.
How might Neo Local influence the community?
Local Events
fosters community engagement
Community
Forum
reliable source of information
Location
description
detailed written description
Ratings & Reviews
rated by community members
Business
promotions
benefit both business and community
- Storyboard -
- Digital Wireframes -
Desktop
Home Page
Mobile
Desktop
Results Page
community forum
On the Search page, results slides in from left and they are also pinned on the map view.
| Prototyping
Before starting my prototype, I created a design system that would enable to have a consistent look & feel. Creating colors, typography and sticker sheet.
- Design System -
- Design System -
- User Interface Mobile -
- User Interface Web -
- Prototyping -
- Try Neo Local -
Click on 'Search here' and 'Browse'
Scroll down, check out 'June Bakery'
| Test
Before starting Usability Study I prepared a Research Plan (see full deck link at the beginning of the page). I defined research goals & questions, methodology and KPIs.
- Usability Study -
- Reflection -
I believe It would be a good opportunity to realise Neolocal for users and stakeholders. Although it is a deeply studied concept design project, I would have developed further questions such as:
How can we standardize this model to make it applicable to the other neighborhoods?
How can we measure the contribution and impact of the app on the local businesses and the community life?
How can we develop models that can help local businesses to supply exclusive promotions to the users?
How to promote the members who constantly contribute to the community by being active in the events and the community forum?
How to generate income model and sponsorship for the app while being distracting?
Thank You!
bottom of page