Problem

The client stated they would like to create a cloud storage app that features:

• Save content found on the web

• Organize content (ie. categories, tags, groups, folders)

• Create content (ie. notes, documents)

• Upload files from a computer or mobile device

• Share a single file and/or a folder 

• Potentially connect with other users for real-time collaboration

Solution

• Solves client problem of creating a feature rich cloud storage app through an easy-to-use interface

• Solves user problems of data security, streamlined communication, paperless documents and informative tutorials for the home purchase process

My role

• Brand Development and Marketing

• Design Concept

• Prototyping

• UX Research

• UX/UI Design

• Visual Design

Process

Competitive Analysis

I performed a SWOT analysis of three cloud apps. Evernote for organization through notes, Tresorit for world-class security, and Cozy Cloud for integrating real life into a digital world. Although, they offer similar features, they each offer a unique selling proposition (USP). 

User Survey

Key takeaways of cloud apps:

Key takeaways of the mortgage process:

• Overall: Most people stated they liked looking for a home, but they did not like the mortgage process at all.

• Concerns: Sharing personal data. Overall process is unclear to buyers. Buyers do not clearly understand closing paperwork.

• Areas for improvement: New home buyer info. Shorter process with more clarity. Simplify paperwork.

Personas

The audience segments included a first time home buyer in their late 20s, an intermediate, home buyer in their late 30s, and an expert home buyer in their early 50s. Below is a summary of the information gathered.

Motivations: affordability, practicality, mobility
Goals: affordable cloud plan options, simple home purchase process, understand the home purchase process better
Frustrations: confusing cloud interfaces, cloud platforms that don’t work on all devices, disjointed communications amongst too many parties in the home purchase process, how personal data is being shared, exhaustive paperwork

User Flows

I took my top user stories and turned them into user flows in order to reveal the user experience and what functionality and/or components would be necessary in order to fulfill these requirements.

Sketches

The two-pronged approach consisted of creating sketches for the marketing website pages and the app itself on a desktop screen. Below are a few examples of the many sketches I made for various pages.

Wireframes

Based on the sketches created, the corresponding wireframes were created in Balsamiq.

Low-fidelity Prototypes

After feeling confident that I had captured the elements required in the wireframes, I developed the low-fidelity prototypes within InVision.

Usability Testing

After crafting my script to walk potential users through the usability tests, I conducted two tests - one in-person and one remote via video chat using Zoom. I received a lot of helpful feedback from both people and summarized the insightful findings in order to incorporate it into future iterations. 

High-fidelity Mockups

After receiving client feedback and reviewing the overall mockups closer, additional iterations were made to further refine the desktop and mobile experiences in high-fidelity mockups.

Conclusion

Results

• Developed a unique cloud storage app with a USP that surpassed client goals

• Solved home buyer & third party paperwork problems

• Created a MVP for both desktop and mobile

• Designed a unique, new brand identity system

Lessons Learned

1. Don’t interrupt user feedback. Valuable info comes in all forms and at different times, patiently listen for it. 

2. Set aside personal bias. Follow the data and goals of the client and users.