Problem Statement:

Berlin's streets hide a wealth of useful objects, but accessing them requires being in the right place at the right time. Unfortunately, this means those who could benefit from these items are often unaware of their existence. As a result, the city grapples with an increasing accumulation of waste in its streets.

Possible Solution

A Progressive Web App (PWA) that connects people who want to give away their unwanted items with those who need them. It features a map view of donated items, a post-item screen, and the ability to mark items as unavailable once they are taken. This app aims to reduce waste and promote sustainability in Berlin.

User Interviews

I have conducted in-depth 5 qualitative interviews with environmentally conscious individuals and those passionate about reusing and recycling. These interviews provided valuable insights into the challenges of leaving and picking up free items from the streets.

Some of the main insights were:

"The process of others coming to pick up items is difficult."

"I don't like to answer a lot of queries about the item I'm giving away."

"Sometimes the person scheduled to pick up the item doesn't show up."

"Safety is a concern, especially regarding the pickup place and the item itself."

Affinity Mapping

After conducting interviews, I organized the findings into an affinity diagram. By examining these insights, I gained a deeper understanding of the user's perspective, which helped the design process.

User Personas

Developed a user persona based on research findings, allowing me to understand user challenges and opportunities better. They guided me as a constant reminder of my prospective users and played a crucial role in keeping their needs and preferences at the forefront of my design process.

User Journey

User journey mapping allowed me to analyze the current user experience and identify opportunities for improvement. By addressing pain points and eliminating unnecessary steps, i enhanced the overall experience, leading to higher satisfaction and conversion rates.

User flow

With a deep understanding of our user personas, I meticulously designed user flows that illuminate every step of their journey. These carefully crafted flows capture the user's actions and ensure seamless completion of tasks, enhancing the overall user experience.

Sitemap

I developed a clear and organized site map to ensure easy navigation and improve the overall user experience. The site map helped me to structure the app and prioritize the most important features and pages.

Usability Testing

As the Geofree design started solidifying and the high-fidelity prototype was ready, initiating usability testing was the right moment. The objective was to ensure that users could accomplish specified tasks and measure the time taken to complete these tasks.

I conducted the usability test with six participants, reflecting user personas, using a moderated remote approach.

Below are tasks given to users during the usability test:

1. Search for a specific item (e.g., "Children's toys") in your locality.
2. Post an item on Geofree, including filling out the item's details and location.
3. Locate an item you've posted and try to edit the details.

Refining the Design

By summarizing the test results, I have identified the major issues that need to be addressed to optimize the platform.

Style Guide

Final Design

Summary

Working on Geofree was a transformative experience that enhanced my UX design and research skills. Through research and insightful interviews, I gained a solid understanding of user needs. Iterative design and user feedback played a crucial role in refining the app. Leveraging tools like Figma and collaborating effectively within a team, I created user-centered solutions.