Given the limited time of 24 hours, we had to be nimble and flexible, modifying the design-thinking process to fit the constraints of our allotted time. Despite this, we remained committed to creating a user-centered solution, ensuring that our design approach kept the user's needs at the forefront of our work.
I followed the double diamond design framework during this project
I followed the double diamond design framework during this project
Solution Exploration
Task Flow
Exploratory Sketches
Wireframes
Prototype
Project Brief
Problem Space
Secondary Research
Solution Exploration
Task Flow
Exploratory Sketches
Wireframes
Prototype
Project Brief
Problem Space
Secondary Research
Research
We conducted quantitative research, as well as signing up to Shopify's app from the target users perspective. This allowed us to gain valuable user insights and pinpoint a gap that existed between the Shopify App Store and novice merchants.
Merchant Research:
66% of entrepreneurs don’t have prior business or e-commerce education.
Most Shopify merchants are first time entrepreneurs.
Only 9% of entrepreneurs have a bachelor’s degree un business.
App Store Research:
87% of merchants use third-party apps
Apps provide tremendous benefits and functionalities to boost merchants' online store.
With over 8,000 apps, new merchants can be overwhelmed by the options available.
Define
Given the limited timeframe, primary research was not feasible. Nonetheless, we developed an initial user profile by leveraging secondary research findings and extracting user insights from social listening. This approach enabled us to consistently prioritize the user's needs throughout the design process.
Users dislike buying used/recycled.
People often buy used appliances and are unhappy with the purchasing experience of it.
Ideate
Once we had a comprehensive understanding of our target audience and a well-defined design objective, it became evident that closing the divide between emerging entrepreneurs and Shopify's App Store was crucial.
Recognizing the necessity for providing assistance to our target users in their quest for optimal online store tools, we resolved to enhance the manner in which Shopify offers app recommendations to emerging entrepreneurs. However, the question arises: How can we ascertain their precise requirements?
Users dislike buying used/recycled.
People often buy used appliances and are unhappy with the purchasing experience of it.
Task Flow
By analyzing the existing process users followed while setting up a new store, a notable opportunity to introduce our solution emerged swiftly. Initially, after users entered their store details, they were immediately directed to the Shopify dashboard without further guidance. To address this, we implemented our new onboarding questionnaire, which prompts merchants to complete it after inputting their store information. This intervention enables them to access recommended apps that prove beneficial once they reach the dashboard.
Users dislike buying used/recycled.
People often buy used appliances and are unhappy with the purchasing experience of it.
Prototype
Working collaboratively with another UX designer, we embarked on an exploratory sketching process to transform our task flow into a tangible digital solution. During this phase, we engaged with our Web Development team to share our design concepts and engage in discussions regarding any limitations or factors to consider. This proactive approach allowed us to move forward with prototyping, ensuring that our design was both viable and aligned with the project timeline.
Iterate, Iterate, Iterate
Users dislike buying used/recycled.
People often buy used appliances and are unhappy with the purchasing experience of it.
Design System
Polaris- Shopify's design system
When developing our wireframes, we sought to maintain app coherence and establish branding standards. To achieve this, we leveraged Shopify's comprehensive design system, Polaris, which provided us with a wealth of resources and guidelines.
Users dislike buying used/recycled.
People often buy used appliances and are unhappy with the purchasing experience of it.
High Fidelity
Ultimately, our team crafted a custom onboarding journey for aspiring Shopify merchants. By leveraging data-driven insights, we successfully mitigated the entry barriers faced by new entrepreneurs, providing them with tailored app recommendations that align precisely with their unique business requirements.
Next Steps
In order to adhere to our project timeline, we were unable to conduct comprehensive design testing. However, to guarantee a user-friendly and intuitive onboarding experience in the redesigned Shopify interface, we plan to iterate our designs based on usability testing once the opportunity arises.
With the integration of the questionnaire within the onboarding phase of the user journey, our aim is to extend the implementation of our solution to encompass established merchants. This expansion will enable them to reap the advantages of augmented app recommendations and enhance their overall experience.
Given our decision to focus on mobile development for our solution, we now seek to design the onboarding experience specifically for desktop users. This approach ensures that we cater to the unique needs and preferences of individuals accessing the platform through desktop devices.
In order to adhere to our project timeline, we were unable to conduct comprehensive design testing. However, to guarantee a user-friendly and intuitive onboarding experience in the redesigned Shopify interface, we plan to iterate our designs based on usability testing once the opportunity arises.
With the integration of the questionnaire within the onboarding phase of the user journey, our aim is to extend the implementation of our solution to encompass established merchants. This expansion will enable them to reap the advantages of augmented app recommendations and enhance their overall experience.
Given our decision to focus on mobile development for our solution, we now seek to design the onboarding experience specifically for desktop users. This approach ensures that we cater to the unique needs and preferences of individuals accessing the platform through desktop devices.
Takeaways
Before embarking on this industry project, I had primarily worked on academic projects independently or in collaboration with fellow UX designers. However, the opportunity to collaborate and seek input from Data Scientists and Web Developers proved invaluable. It fostered a dynamic exchange of ideas, considering the unique capabilities of each team. The ability to receive direct feedback from different disciplines and understand their constraints allowed me to gain a significant insight into assessing the feasibility of solutions. This cross-disciplinary project has undoubtedly been a valuable learning experience for me.
Before embarking on this industry project, I had primarily worked on academic projects independently or in collaboration with fellow UX designers. However, the opportunity to collaborate and seek input from Data Scientists and Web Developers proved invaluable. It fostered a dynamic exchange of ideas, considering the unique capabilities of each team. The ability to receive direct feedback from different disciplines and understand their constraints allowed me to gain a significant insight into assessing the feasibility of solutions. This cross-disciplinary project has undoubtedly been a valuable learning experience for me.
Get in touch
Let's build better
luisasilva.srt@gmail.com
Get in touch
Let's build better
luisasilva.srt@gmail.com
Get in touch
Let's build better
luisasilva.srt@gmail.com
