Every day, millions of people install browser extensions, making it an interesting business market. We saw this as an opportunity where businesses can have a new channel to engage with their customers.

The Chirp vision was to transform how brands build loyalty and engage with their customers by using a browser extension as an additional channel.

This project aimed to design and test an MVP for Chirp that would allow brands to create and manage campaigns using browser extensions, and measure their impact on customer loyalty and engagement.

### Mapping the Loyalty and Engagement Landscape

To better understand challenges and opportunities in the loyalty and engagement landscape, I conducted a competitive analysis of the market where I analyzed several competitors and documented their straights and weaknesses.

Chirp's unique value proposition was its use of browser extensions to engage customers in a more personalized and interactive way. This allowed Chirp to offer features that its competitors could not, such as real-time analytics and reporting.

### Crafting an Intuitive Customer Experience

Using the insights gained from the competitive analysis, I began creating wireframes for the Chirp platform. I focused on designing a simple and intuitive user flow that would allow brands to create campaigns and track their performance effortlessly. The wireframes incorporated key features such as campaign creation, customer segmentation, real-time analytics, and reporting.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FGSjTzgsOnMe0r34MWh4zpnQb93l2%2F41JTwDcFpVBoheDMwt9r%2F57208d31-e11f-4f3d-ac9f-f4c0dee3252c.png?alt=media&token=6fb7ff84-d804-4603-8457-27250bf95242","id":"57208d31-e11f-4f3d-ac9f-f4c0dee3252c","width":1080,"height":720,"filename":"wireframes.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Initial wireframes","border":false}]}
```

### Refining Engagement Solutions

To validate the effectiveness of the wireframes and ensure a seamless user experience, I conducted usability testing sessions with 10 potential customers (5 brands and 5 users) who matched the user personas. I asked them to complete a series of tasks using the prototypes, such as creating a campaign and creatives. I observed their behavior, reactions, comments, and emotions, and recorded their success rate, completion time, satisfaction score, and pain points.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FGSjTzgsOnMe0r34MWh4zpnQb93l2%2F41JTwDcFpVBoheDMwt9r%2F4cc814e9-6291-4328-b821-aca64aee0115.png?alt=media&token=b0890e97-0e1c-4948-8cca-18419097fada","id":"4cc814e9-6291-4328-b821-aca64aee0115","width":1080,"height":1202,"filename":"Dashboard.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Dashboard","border":false}]}
```

Based on the user feedback, I made several updates to the prototype and improved the overall experience of the Chirp. These changes consisted of:

* Simplifying the campaign creation process by reducing the number of steps and fields

* Adding more options for customer segmentation based on browsing behavior and preferences

* Enhancing the browser extension design by adding more visual cues and animations

* Improving the reporting dashboard by adding more filters and charts

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FGSjTzgsOnMe0r34MWh4zpnQb93l2%2F41JTwDcFpVBoheDMwt9r%2Fb65a4055-69d6-4157-8316-4b4c1c689ddc.png?alt=media&token=07f9839c-2445-4083-9479-6cc61d8491e6","id":"b65a4055-69d6-4157-8316-4b4c1c689ddc","width":1080,"height":652,"filename":"Campaign grid.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Campaign grid","border":false}]}
```

### Designing a Cohesive Chirp Experience

Based on the finalized wireframes, I proceeded with creating the UI design for Chirp. Keeping the brand's identity in mind, I developed a clean and visually appealing interface that aligned with the platform's objectives.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FGSjTzgsOnMe0r34MWh4zpnQb93l2%2F41JTwDcFpVBoheDMwt9r%2F430d7554-0e9e-4adc-a6b1-5f411f71552e.png?alt=media&token=8dac3677-61c7-4889-ad3d-79cfa532abd5","id":"430d7554-0e9e-4adc-a6b1-5f411f71552e","width":1080,"height":1007,"filename":"Creative Set.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Creative set","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FGSjTzgsOnMe0r34MWh4zpnQb93l2%2F41JTwDcFpVBoheDMwt9r%2F6ec576c2-ba9e-4e63-b4c5-cdbc41a61884.png?alt=media&token=cdb73e03-bf41-4189-8dd6-9619603647c1","id":"6ec576c2-ba9e-4e63-b4c5-cdbc41a61884","width":1080,"height":1007,"filename":"Creative.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Creative","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FGSjTzgsOnMe0r34MWh4zpnQb93l2%2F41JTwDcFpVBoheDMwt9r%2F1bffac51-0107-4756-a228-bd4243cd91f6.png?alt=media&token=22dd9ce7-678e-4ee7-9f2c-a1f306a3d358","id":"1bffac51-0107-4756-a228-bd4243cd91f6","width":1080,"height":652,"filename":"Creative Set Grid.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Creative Set Grid","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FGSjTzgsOnMe0r34MWh4zpnQb93l2%2F41JTwDcFpVBoheDMwt9r%2Ffef93fcd-4bf1-48b3-8bc2-69319954c665.png?alt=media&token=8f194487-8c54-4101-aa46-0f7d00e47c43","id":"fef93fcd-4bf1-48b3-8bc2-69319954c665","width":1080,"height":652,"filename":"Customize Columns.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Customize Columns","border":false}]}
```

### Testing the Initial MVP

After the development of the initial MVP for Chirp, we conducted a testing period with clients. While the testing period showed promising results, we also encountered challenges that ultimately led us to pivot and stop the development of the platform.

**Positives 👍**

* During the testing period, Chirp demonstrated a high level of user engagement, which was positively received by clients.

* The platform's functionality and user experience garnered positive feedback from the client.

* The initial engagement rates were promising, showcasing the potential of Chirp to enhance brand loyalty and customer engagement.

**Negatives** 👎

* However, over the long term, we faced difficulties in sustaining competitiveness with other communication channels.

* Despite the positive initial engagement rates, it was challenging to maintain consistent customer interest and adoption compared to more established communication channels.

### Conclusion

After testing the platform with real users, it was clear that browser extensions were not a viable channel for this type of solution. As a result, the development of Chirp was pivoted and eventually stopped.

Despite the failure of Chirp, the project was a valuable learning experience for me. I have learned how to engage with customers and the importance of verifying assumptions and hypotheses early in the process.

Engage Your Customers with Browser Extensions

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FGSjTzgsOnMe0r34MWh4zpnQb93l2%2FLkAOJ3orpb3CT2XzDyD1%2F804c8781-bde5-42a4-9ed7-77d15309e163.png?alt=media&token=81e03bc8-e906-4f31-97c7-9da4934153c2","id":"804c8781-bde5-42a4-9ed7-77d15309e163","width":2048,"height":1517,"filename":"vivant-hero.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

**Key Results**

* The bounce rate decreased by 40%.

* The usage rate doubled.

* Load time decreased by 55%.

* The average number of questions and comments per session quadrupled.

**Role & Timeline**

* Product Designer

* Jun - September 2022

**Methods**

* User research, User testing, UI design, Prototyping

VIVANT is a virtual wine experience platform that lets you enjoy wine experiences from around the world, live from the comfort of your home. However, VIVANT's mobile users were experiencing many usability issues, including:

* A high bounce rate of 65%

* A low usage rate of 10%

* A slow load time of 12 seconds

* Difficulty typing on mobile devices

* A lack of social interaction

We wanted to improve the mobile experience of VIVANT by redesigning the platform with a mobile-first approach. Our goal was to make the viewing experience more enjoyable and interactive for our users.

We wanted to make sessions more for our mobile users, so we decided to redesign the platform with a mobile-first approach.

### Identifying the pain points of VIVANT's mobile users

We identified the pain points of VIVANT's mobile users through user research. I conducted remote interviews with 12 current and former platform users.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FGSjTzgsOnMe0r34MWh4zpnQb93l2%2FLkAOJ3orpb3CT2XzDyD1%2F7e16b6fc-0db5-4832-be37-24a3f2107988.png?alt=media&token=15b889a6-f1e3-4378-a3d7-698132d28476","id":"7e16b6fc-0db5-4832-be37-24a3f2107988","width":1824,"height":2968,"filename":"Discovery.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Discovery","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FGSjTzgsOnMe0r34MWh4zpnQb93l2%2FLkAOJ3orpb3CT2XzDyD1%2F190e0589-0841-49d4-8fd6-0c6484fe5de2.png?alt=media&token=8752d71a-b448-493f-8c4d-699aa1475d7d","id":"190e0589-0841-49d4-8fd6-0c6484fe5de2","width":1824,"height":2968,"filename":"Frequency.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Frequency","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FGSjTzgsOnMe0r34MWh4zpnQb93l2%2FLkAOJ3orpb3CT2XzDyD1%2Fd59e11ef-343f-4a85-9a41-dff7f26ef095.png?alt=media&token=7563faa9-8185-44ce-9b1c-68da45c8dd42","id":"d59e11ef-343f-4a85-9a41-dff7f26ef095","width":1824,"height":2392,"filename":"Device.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Device","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FGSjTzgsOnMe0r34MWh4zpnQb93l2%2FLkAOJ3orpb3CT2XzDyD1%2Fa5153876-20b1-45d9-9e6e-a05be1b45a94.png?alt=media&token=75c775dc-a2ce-4703-b500-7da164329ad4","id":"a5153876-20b1-45d9-9e6e-a05be1b45a94","width":1824,"height":2392,"filename":"Challenges.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Challenges","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FGSjTzgsOnMe0r34MWh4zpnQb93l2%2FLkAOJ3orpb3CT2XzDyD1%2F45c9348f-7b67-4958-9517-78311644f9f2.png?alt=media&token=b1ae2465-e685-441e-91c2-b735534c4823","id":"45c9348f-7b67-4958-9517-78311644f9f2","width":1824,"height":2392,"filename":"Interaction.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Interaction","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FGSjTzgsOnMe0r34MWh4zpnQb93l2%2FLkAOJ3orpb3CT2XzDyD1%2F3b0e7839-a860-49b5-b757-65a3b54b2738.png?alt=media&token=d6c7ef4b-f6c7-41fb-b275-c1a2d0d70ec9","id":"3b0e7839-a860-49b5-b757-65a3b54b2738","width":1824,"height":2392,"filename":"Features.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Features","border":false}]}
```

Some of the key insights we gained from the user research were:

* Users want a streamlined, distraction-free experience.

* Users want easy interaction, such as tapping to play quizzes and asking questions.

* Users want to be more actively engaged, such as seeing their reactions and hearing their names.

* Typing on mobile devices is challenging, especially with a wine glass in your hand.

* The chat feature needs improvement, as users feel ignored or overwhelmed.

### Solutions and Features Exploration

Based on the user research insights, we brainstormed possible solutions and features that could address the user's pain points and goals. I made some sketches on paper and then used Figma to turn them into high-fidelity mockups.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FGSjTzgsOnMe0r34MWh4zpnQb93l2%2FLkAOJ3orpb3CT2XzDyD1%2F7fa806e2-f21d-4f53-a5db-fc86933ceb43.png?alt=media&token=9dba5dc9-7604-41ba-b17d-90df6d641dc8","id":"7fa806e2-f21d-4f53-a5db-fc86933ceb43","width":3150,"height":1852,"filename":"ideation process.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Ideation process","border":false}]}
```

Some of the concepts I came up with were:

* Full-screen mode: hide distractions, focus on session content, and wine advisor.

* Tap gesture: open reactions and controls bar.

* Audio: ask questions, and talk with WA or other participants.

* Video: turn on the camera, and see other participants.

* Active users: shown in the user bar, connect to WA and session.

We tested these ideas with some users using a Figma prototype and collected their feedback using surveys and interviews. During that process, we learned what worked well and what needed improvement and integrated my designs accordingly.

### Creating a Video Feature that Transformed Mobile Experience

After several rounds of iterations, I improved our designs making VIVANT easier to use and more engaging on mobile devices.

The main feature of our design is the video feature that lets users turn on their camera and see other users who are in the session. This feature adds more fun and social elements to the experience, as users can talk and connect and the wine advisor in real time.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FGSjTzgsOnMe0r34MWh4zpnQb93l2%2FLkAOJ3orpb3CT2XzDyD1%2F8e903ac3-6616-4149-9bf4-fccf5e51f39a.gif?alt=media&token=51a7a086-2849-43dd-8038-4d2e285d5df6","id":"8e903ac3-6616-4149-9bf4-fccf5e51f39a","width":1620,"height":900,"filename":"Leaving an emoji.gif","type":"image/gif","caption":"Leaving an emoji","border":false}]}
```

We measured the success and impact of our design by looking at the difference between the data from the first and the last round of user testing. The results showed that our design solution significantly improved VIVANT's mobile usability and user engagement.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FGSjTzgsOnMe0r34MWh4zpnQb93l2%2FLkAOJ3orpb3CT2XzDyD1%2F244fdf3c-6dc8-4d26-96cb-a1604299caf8.gif?alt=media&token=c19d447d-e191-439f-8ee9-fe3ecc46f48b","id":"244fdf3c-6dc8-4d26-96cb-a1604299caf8","width":1620,"height":900,"filename":"user speaking.gif","type":"image/gif","caption":"User speaking","border":false}]}
```

Here are some of the metrics that demonstrate the impact of our design solution:

* Mobile users are more engaged: **the bounce rate decreased from 65% to 25%,**

* Usage rate increased from **10% to 40%**,

* The average number of **questions and comments per session increased from 5 to 20**.

* The mobile platform is more efficient: **load time decreased from 11 seconds to 5 seconds.**

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FGSjTzgsOnMe0r34MWh4zpnQb93l2%2FLkAOJ3orpb3CT2XzDyD1%2F01bb2422-87bf-407e-9ce0-a841343725b4.png?alt=media&token=7bbfc495-7dfb-421b-90d5-9ccb725b3450","id":"01bb2422-87bf-407e-9ce0-a841343725b4","width":3334,"height":1850,"filename":"Notifications.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Notifications","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FGSjTzgsOnMe0r34MWh4zpnQb93l2%2FLkAOJ3orpb3CT2XzDyD1%2F8516f76a-dcc9-4f26-a138-924dbc74258a.png?alt=media&token=16d4cd35-6154-43d3-8783-eea6dbe6c196","id":"8516f76a-dcc9-4f26-a138-924dbc74258a","width":3334,"height":1850,"filename":"Video module.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Video module","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FGSjTzgsOnMe0r34MWh4zpnQb93l2%2FLkAOJ3orpb3CT2XzDyD1%2F92b5cbd6-0aa7-4a68-8350-0dfca7708098.png?alt=media&token=b7b75263-4906-4f45-aba2-c8cf8051ae70","id":"92b5cbd6-0aa7-4a68-8350-0dfca7708098","width":3334,"height":1850,"filename":"User profile.png","type":"image/png","caption":"User profile","border":false}]}
```

### Conclusion

The video feature was a key factor in improving the mobile usability and user engagement of VIVANT. It made the experience more engaging and interactive, which led to increased participation and engagement in our sessions.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FGSjTzgsOnMe0r34MWh4zpnQb93l2%2FLkAOJ3orpb3CT2XzDyD1%2Fee43d6df-2dce-48a1-8ad4-91b5884e44e1.png?alt=media&token=47d0308d-495e-4432-a123-79f5c9837fcf","id":"ee43d6df-2dce-48a1-8ad4-91b5884e44e1","width":3334,"height":1850,"filename":"Single Select.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Single select","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FGSjTzgsOnMe0r34MWh4zpnQb93l2%2FLkAOJ3orpb3CT2XzDyD1%2F60cec86b-6dee-4fe8-a651-3106add48b80.png?alt=media&token=76acdbe3-4041-47bd-96a1-96af8fe8fa16","id":"60cec86b-6dee-4fe8-a651-3106add48b80","width":3334,"height":1850,"filename":"Elimination.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Elimination","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FGSjTzgsOnMe0r34MWh4zpnQb93l2%2FLkAOJ3orpb3CT2XzDyD1%2F7bd98aa0-6e13-418d-866d-50bd859c2d60.png?alt=media&token=3957fb25-532e-45dd-89d4-00a520e4b328","id":"7bd98aa0-6e13-418d-866d-50bd859c2d60","width":3334,"height":1850,"filename":"Quiz.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Quiz","border":false}]}
```

### Lessons Learned

I gained a better understanding of the value of user research, testing, and iteration because of this project. I am grateful that I had the chance to work on this project and that I was able to gain so much knowledge from it. I have no doubt that these insights will improve my abilities as a UX designer in the future.

The Power of Video: How VIVANT Increased Mobile Engagement with a Single Feature

CitizenShipper is an online platform that connects individuals who need items shipped with people who can provide transportation services. Our goal was to simplify the process of shipping pets while creating opportunities for individuals to earn money as transporters.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FGSjTzgsOnMe0r34MWh4zpnQb93l2%2FM1E63MPji0xjNZUN0ERS%2Fb705c396-32e8-4e82-a10b-8f9607e3f9e8.png?alt=media&token=d5b06100-bff1-42b9-bfaf-eb82c5679fba","id":"b705c396-32e8-4e82-a10b-8f9607e3f9e8","width":1080,"height":810,"filename":"hero.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

### Helping Transporters Find the Right Pet Shipments

Transporters help people ship their pets safely. They use CitizenShipper to look for new pet shipments and bid on them. But it was hard for them to find the right pet shipments. They wasted a lot of time scrolling through a long list of shipments that did not match their preferences, such as location, route, schedule, pet type, and price.

Some of the pain points they expressed were:

* *“I wish I could filter by pet type because I only want to transport dogs.”*

* *“It takes me forever to find a shipment that matches my route and schedule.”*

* *“I don’t know how many shipments are available in my area or along my route.”*

* *“I get outbid by other transporters who have more experience or better ratings.”*

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FGSjTzgsOnMe0r34MWh4zpnQb93l2%2FM1E63MPji0xjNZUN0ERS%2F5686246d-39ab-490c-873f-7c3950a4f9cc.png?alt=media&token=86cdfc0e-d47d-41fa-aca5-1850db53a740","id":"5686246d-39ab-490c-873f-7c3950a4f9cc","width":1080,"height":923,"filename":"old screen.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Old feed screen","border":false}]}
```

### Analyzing User Feedback and Data

To improve the search feature, I analyzed user feedback and data from our analytics platform. From the user feedback, I found that the delivery location and pet-type filters were among the most requested features.

I also found that:

* 27% of transporters place a bid after searching for shipments

* 14% of transporters place bids after the 10th page

* 2,7 of new transporters place their first bid after searching

### Designed for Transporters, Built for Efficiency

Based on the user feedback and data, we decided to improve the search feature to streamline the process for transporters to find new pet shipments. To ensure that our advanced shipment search feature provided the best possible user experience, we conducted competitive research on similar platforms and examined the design patterns that had proven effective in other contexts.

We found that uShip was the only direct competitor offering advanced shipment search for pet shipments, with options including location search, along a route, categories, weight, pricing, and location types, and listed by. However, during the research, we discovered that some of these parameters were only relevant for non-pet shipments. We also drew inspiration from Airbnb’s well-designed marketplace, which utilizes a full-screen search pattern and immediately displays the number of search results that meet the user’s criteria.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FGSjTzgsOnMe0r34MWh4zpnQb93l2%2FM1E63MPji0xjNZUN0ERS%2F65fd2566-a93c-45d5-a5e6-ab0fd8cf361d.png?alt=media&token=417c917f-a24e-4220-a262-b6fe6eface15","id":"65fd2566-a93c-45d5-a5e6-ab0fd8cf361d","width":1080,"height":972,"filename":"Feed and Search overlay.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Feed and Search overlay","border":false}]}
```

Based on our research, we created a new advanced shipment search feature that included the most requested filters, such as delivery location and pet type. I also added a number of results on the button that match the user’s criteria, giving them immediate feedback and encouraging them to refine their search.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FGSjTzgsOnMe0r34MWh4zpnQb93l2%2FM1E63MPji0xjNZUN0ERS%2F4398f5d0-a011-4a5c-bf32-563f8db1a5ed.png?alt=media&token=09b1e6e6-5698-45b9-8af7-6a2eb0fa3f80","id":"4398f5d0-a011-4a5c-bf32-563f8db1a5ed","width":1080,"height":972,"filename":"Date filter and Address searching.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Date filter and Address searching","border":false}]}
```

We chose a full-screen search pattern to reduce scrolling and switching between screens by allowing users to see more options and filters at once. We also made sure that the filters were clear and concise, using icons and labels to indicate their meaning.

### Measuring the Impact and Learning from Challenges

After implementing these design improvements, we saw significant improvements in user engagement and satisfaction.

Our success metrics showed:

* 6% increase in the number of searches

* 13% increase in bid placements

* 22% increase in new users getting their first shipment

The transporters loved the new search feature. They said it made finding shipments easier and faster, and they earned more money and enjoyed their work more.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FGSjTzgsOnMe0r34MWh4zpnQb93l2%2FM1E63MPji0xjNZUN0ERS%2F58262c26-1648-4f32-84a0-08427eeb285c.gif?alt=media&token=7929ed18-1587-45ae-adf5-6eee2ed256e9","id":"58262c26-1648-4f32-84a0-08427eeb285c","width":1081,"height":1019,"filename":"advanced search prototype.gif","type":"image/gif","caption":"Advanced search prototype","border":false}]}
```

But not everyone liked the same way of seeing the results. Some wanted to sort them by price or date. So we added more choices for users to change how they see the results.

This project taught me that designing a good search feature is never done. It needs constant testing and improvement. I also learned that user feedback and data are very important to make sure the design works well and meets user needs.

How Transporters Find Pet Shipments Faster and Easier with Advanced Search

Students had trouble finding and booking activities they liked using the Campus Connect app. As a result, fewer students attended activities, missing out on opportunities to practice their language skills and connect with other students, which was important for their learning experience abroad.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FGSjTzgsOnMe0r34MWh4zpnQb93l2%2Fc6fqobXpKG15oIMMSDat%2F253ce3c6-3c49-479c-89a1-9c752fce1929.png?alt=media&token=3e5f841b-5d21-48ae-b1ec-5be422905de2","id":"253ce3c6-3c49-479c-89a1-9c752fce1929","width":1920,"height":1440,"filename":"hero image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

### Role, Team, Year, and Timeline

* **Role**: Product Designer

* **Team**: Katrin Appel (Product Owner), Rebecca Göttert (UX Research), Ognjen Divljak (Product Design)

* **Year**: 2024

* **Timeline**: One month

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FGSjTzgsOnMe0r34MWh4zpnQb93l2%2Fc6fqobXpKG15oIMMSDat%2Fcb12f374-db68-4594-ae7f-1ca025ffbdac.mp4?alt=media&token=d6072889-47cb-430d-8df2-ae81aff9b292","id":"cb12f374-db68-4594-ae7f-1ca025ffbdac","width":2160,"height":2160,"filename":"Kapture 2024-08-09 at 14.59.38.mp4","type":"video/mp4","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

### Our Approach

* Analyzed the existing UI and user journeys

* Brainstormed solutions with a cross-functional team

* Redesigned activities UI and created prototypes

* Conducted usability testing with 7 app users from different schools.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FGSjTzgsOnMe0r34MWh4zpnQb93l2%2Fcampus-connect-activities%2Fc826d057-bcee-415c-a8db-42739cebdf64.mp4?alt=media&token=282d0f9f-637f-4c7d-9351-0baf1a6bdf78","id":"c826d057-bcee-415c-a8db-42739cebdf64","width":2160,"height":2160,"filename":"booking an activity.mp4","type":"video/mp4","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

### Key Solutions

* Redesigned activity cards by highlighting the most important elements

* Made a separate tab for booked activities

* Implemented advanced filtering for personalized discovery

* Emphasize activity details (clash detection, calendar integration)

* Integrated post-activity rating system

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FGSjTzgsOnMe0r34MWh4zpnQb93l2%2Fcampus-connect-activities%2F459d261a-41ce-4073-94b6-99acdaf9739f.mp4?alt=media&token=3ebdd8b8-b665-47fe-9adf-a51d4fb395ad","id":"459d261a-41ce-4073-94b6-99acdaf9739f","width":2160,"height":2160,"filename":"filter.mp4","type":"video/mp4","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

### Measurable Impact

* **23% increase** in activity participation

* **Average 4.8/5-star** rating from users

* **17% reduction** in activity cancellations

But these numbers are only half the story. Maria, a student from Brazil, shared,

> Now I never miss a chance to practice my English outside class. The app makes it so easy!

### Key Learnings

* **See it like a student:** Looking at the feature through their eyes helped us spot problems and make better fixes.

* **Simple is smart:** I learned that even complex flows can be optimized for easier use.

* **Numbers and stories matter:** We used both stats and what students told us to make better solutions.

* **Try, test, and tweak often:** Making quick changes based on feedback helped us improve faster.

* **Teamwork makes good ideas:** Working with people who know different things led to better solutions.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FGSjTzgsOnMe0r34MWh4zpnQb93l2%2Fcampus-connect-activities%2Fd97a358e-6a7d-436b-9f4f-33a018f5278b.png?alt=media&token=4a495396-500f-43b8-a451-541f31c43b46","id":"d97a358e-6a7d-436b-9f4f-33a018f5278b","width":3840,"height":2400,"filename":"improvements.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

### Future Plans

We're not stopping here. Based on usability testing results, future iterations will focus on:

* Improving filter discoverability

* Refining the presentation of clashing activities

* Improve schedule view based on user feedback

* Introducing gamification to increase engagement

Making Campus Connect activities more engaging

Role, Team, Year, and Timeline

Our Approach

Key Solutions

Measurable Impact

Key Learnings

Future Plans