Project overview
Project scope
Introducing an app designed to effortlessly connect users with the perfect expert for any service they need, right in their local area. This innovative solution ensures that finding the right professional is as simple as a few taps on your device
UX Research & Design
UI Design
Role
Link Local : An app born from curiosity, a torn curtain,
and a desire to drive
social change
Research : 1 Week
Design : 3 Days
a. Observation
b. Secondary research
This project began when the curtain in my room was torn which I completely forget about it and while I was driving around I saw a large, simple whiteboard sign in front of what seemed to be a house, stating they were experts at fixing and repairing a curtain. I never knew this shop existed, and it was so close by. I later found out from my mom that the owner was indeed an expert. This made me start questioning and recalling that this wasn't the only shop I'd found by chance. Several times, I had discovered shops like hidden treasures —
unnoticed but often well worth finding
I decided that these hidden treasures deserve more exposure and a platform to showcase their talents and let people know they exist. And I will be the one to make that happen
I decided to conduct a research on this discovery to gain a deeper understanding of the findings and underlying issues. Essentially, I aimed to gather more information about these issues and determine if they are indeed as critical as I perceive them to be
My findings revealed solid evidence of high demand for various services, from simple tasks like laundry to specialized ones like fixing vinyl coils. Online searches consistently show people looking for all kind of different services. However, there's an app called 'WonWon' that was created to locate clothing repair shops, promoting longer lifespans and reducing fast fashion, but it only focused on clothing and is no longer operational. Meanwhile, in the private sector, there are welfare programs aimed at supporting low-income skilled workers and stabilizing their businesses, which have led to minimal impact
When people search for services, Google is their first choice. If they don’t find what they need, they’ll ask others or create online posts for advice and suggestions
Secondary research - Take away:
c. 1:1 interview
Next, I aimed to gain deeper insights into the situation and ongoing issues by conducting one-on-one interviews with both service seekers and service providers
From the interviews, I found that both user types struggle to connect with each other but find Google search effective for bridging that gap. They also have more positive and nostalgic feelings toward local shops compared to those in the mall, which they view as fancy and overpriced. Additionally, local shops offer a sense of community and emotional fulfillment beyond just functionality
1:1 Interview - Take away:
In the ‘Empathise stage’ conclusion, the gathered insights indicate a high demand for services and a various available service options waiting to be match. And people prefer local services over mall ones due to expertise, a desire to support the community, and more reasonable prices
By continuing to the define stages, I gathered insights and use it to synthesize users’ needs and pain point in order to clarify a clear problem statement and rising opportunity
In the ‘Define stage’, we concluded that Google is the primary searching platform for services, but raising awareness and creating an online presence is challenging, especially for older local service providers. Our role is to bridge this gap by acting as a middleman, connecting them by simplify the process for providers and offer convenience and reasonable prices to customers
By synthesizing users' needs and pain points, we have identified the following problem statement:
#01 : Google search is not comprehensive and reliable enough
#02 : Many shops are run by older locals who aren’t tech-savvy
d. Crazy 8’s
e. User flow
In ideation stages, I decided to use Crazy 8’s method to do a rapid ideation to quickly generate possibility of ideas. Set an alarm to 8 minutes and start sketching ideas that comes to mind in order to ignite creativity and helps identify solutions
After generating various ideas and solutions using the Crazy 8's method, I refined them and used user flow to visualise the steps a user takes to achieve a goal within the app. This ensures the flow is user-friendly, seamless, and optimizes the overall experience
f. Revenue and Business model
Revenue model
Business model
Generate funds from the private sector as a project to enhance income for skilled workers, or from the public sector as a CSR initiative to give back to the local community
Partner with the Department of Employment to utilize the app for low-income skilled workers registered in their system
Collaborate with the Bangkok Office to establish a team for fieldwork, reaching out to locals to help them register and complete the process
g. Low-fi prototype
h. Design UI Kit
To visualize the solution quickly before investing in high-fidelity designs, I use a low-fi prototype for a time-efficient overview of the interfaces. This ensures that all necessary solutions are incorporated and provides a comprehensive perspective
Additionally, I developed a UI kit with standardized components and guidelines to ensure consistency across the interface. I chose an eye-friendly typography and a cool tone color scheme to create a homey, trustworthy feel that suits both user types
i. Hi-fi prototype
What I learned
In this final stage, I created a high-fidelity prototype to deliver a detailed and polished representation of the final product, enabling feedback and adjustments before testing and launch
Observation has been crucial in leading me to this project. It taught me to start with a solution in mind while staying open-minded about how it will be deliver. I also learned to create a UI design kit, a new experience for me as my focus has primarily been on user experience. This new skill provides a valuable guideline for ensuring consistency and delivering the intended user experience
Greeting from,
We're here to connect you with local experts and to help experts get discovered
Link Local is an app designed to connect people with a single click. Our goal is to make the app as simple as possible while providing all the essential details you need
Think of us as your service library. Something broken? Need your wedding dress ironed? Find it all here
We provide shop details, stories, work hours, reviews, and service fees. Everything you need to know, all in one place