the open path

Google UX Design Certification // Summer 2022

💼 A Case Study

In an effort to address increasing rates of homelessness, the Open Path app provides an opportunity for lower income residents to gain access to vital resources and essential supplies, all sourced by a single mobile app. The efforts of the app is directed to combating food, resource, healthcare, and shelter insecurity - defining a solution that garners the use of modern technology in an innovative and accessible way.

{ THE CHALLENGE }

Despite the many online, internet based resources available for low income residents, many of these products lack a way to connect and seek help, disregarding necessary information that is being sought out. Services that are available are not well known, and those that are, tend to fill up quickly without any resident knowing.

👉

{ THE SOLUTION }

Create a mobile app and responsive website that broadens the awareness of services/resources near users, helping residents access essentials like shelter, while also being provided up-to-date information and direct contact features.

01. Research

I conducted user interviews for my research phase. The results of the interviews and empathy maps showed that most users struggled with finding adequate services near them and having a way to contact service providers during a crisis/emergency.

USER PERSONA:

02. Ideation

After ideating and designing my paper wireframes, I began to create the initial digital designs for the Open Path app. These designs are focused on optimizing the experience and functionality for users in need of essential services.

03. Refining the Design

After I finished creating digital wireframes and a low fidelity prototype that displayed the interactions, I conducted an unmoderated usability study with 5 participants.

Overall, the findings of the study showed users wanted a way to chat directly chat with users and have a way to customize their transportation method.

Based on the insights from the usability study, I made changes to streamline the website’s flow and ideated on the previous designs to enhance the user experience.

🔗 view the prototype on figma

Part 2: Responsive Designs

In an effort to acknowledge the various screen and device sizes users will likely use when encountering the product, I created responsive websites that would fit mobile, tablet, and desktop screen sizes. Prior to the actual ideation phase, I created a sitemap to guide the organization of the responsive website, ensuring a cohesive experience across all platforms.

04. Reflection

What did I learn? My target users shared that the app connected with them on a personal level, as it addressed their needs and allowed them to be felt seen by their community. Other users felt the app opened their forms of communication and indirectly motivated them to seek help, especially in times of emergency or crisis.

What's next? Add a feature that motivates more community involvement, like a page for volunteers or service providers.

<< exit gallery

Google Sites

Report abuse