design portfolio
design portfolio
Mobile app, gig economy hub | 2019-2020
Project length: 14 months
My collaboration with Shiffle started right at the beginning of this UK-based startup, when the product did not have a name or brand yet, but a great vision for a hub to support independent workers to build stronger finances and a safer lifestyle, comparable to permanent employment.
Throughout this year long collaboration with a small team of entrepreneurs, developers and product managers, we have explored and analysed the routines and finance management of dozens of individuals currently getting jobs on gig platforms. Working remotely with an agile methodology of 2 week sprints, we have designed, developed and tested parts of the MVP and iterated as we progressed and learned more.
Fun fact of being part of a startup is that you get involved on a varied range of activities, which in my case, as a Lead (and solo) Designer, included: user research, user testing, product design, branding & tone of voice, pitch design and copy writing.
The research process was divided in 3 phases. Working in collaboration with the product owner, we prepared interview scripts, recruited individuals, conducted the research, clustered insights and prepared reports for the rest of the team. Here’s an overview of the process:
Phase 1 | Feb 2019: Background research
· Objective: understand the lifestyle, financial management and challenges of gig workers.
· Target users: UK part-time and full-time independent workers.
· Methodology: 1-1 interviews remote and in person.
Phase 2 | Jun 2019: Background research, user testing and brand desirability test
· Objectives: continuously learn about the behaviours, challenges and needs of delivery riders. Validate the product offer on the market and brand proposition.
· Target users: UK full-time independent delivery riders working for at least 2 work providers.
· Methodologies: 1-1 interviews, discussion panel, prototype user testing (in-person and remote) and online survey.
Phase 3 | Nov 2019: Background interviews
· Objectives: Explore a diverse range of on-demand work platforms that could communicate well with Shiffle. Understand how individuals working on skilled and on-demand tasks plan work and manage finances.
· Target users: UK independent workers sourcing jobs on digital platforms such as: Grafternow, Task Rabbit, Air Tasker, Amazon Flex, Stuart, Urban.
· Methodology: 1-1 interviews in person.
1- When combining multiple jobs, payments can come through in different formats, including cash in hand. There's a clear need to assist individuals on processing and managing their finances.
2- Working for multiple providers is a must to get by and achieve their target.
3- New independent workers lack knowledge on their function and obligations as self-employed. Nevertheless, most low skilled workers do not surpass tax-free personal allowance.
4- Filling up the day can be challenging and applying to offers is a great time consumer.
5- Exposure to unverified, dodgy and illegal jobs. Security issues can be heavier on female workers performing tasks at private properties.
We started off designing the skeleton of Shiffle user experience based on insights from the first round of user and market research, as well as a previous prototype initially crafted by the core team.
Several sets were used throughout the design process to communicate, define and test our vision with the team and potential users.
From specific areas and functionalities, such as API connection and cost input, to the full end-to-end navigation, annotated wireframes helped us understand, learn and evolve the product offer.
We used clickable prototypes to test the appetite for new functionalities and validate solutions with potential users. Main tools: Principle and InVision.
The video below shows the proposed flow to add expenses to the app. It provided valuable insights during the testing phase.
The interface was designed to provide individuals with meaningful insights and an overview of their finances on a quick glance, as they are out and about doing business.
Multiple provider incomes are available in real time as well as trends based on the history of earnings.
Shiffle simplifies the current multi-app process used to check incomes and daily goals.
Brand style, tone of voice and mobile app interface design were integrated and consolidated in a design system shared on Zeplin with the development team.
Shiffle connects individuals, companies and services in the new economy, so they can confidently plan, track and achieve their goals.
Connecting dots, bringing individuals and companies together. Inspired on DNA concept functioning as a unifier, connector. Aims to communicate openness, fluidity, continuity, progress.
Shiffle launched a teaser at www.shiffle.com to start communicating the product and connecting with potential users and partners.
Aiming to communicate Shiffle and engage stakeholders on the process, we have worked on several collaterals, from flyers to pitch decks designed for specific audiences, including independent workers, potential partners, government and investors.
Our team has secured a first round seed investment in 2019 and Shiffle is now backed by Bullit Group.
2020 kicked off with the aim to connect our API to the first partner: Brighton based delivery company Dinner 2 Go. The first users should be onboarded soon after that, allowing us to test and validate with real data as we progress.