WorkSpace
WorkSpace
a mobile application that helps people discover third spaces that meet their remote lifestyle
a mobile application that helps people discover third spaces that meet their remote lifestyle
Role
Role
Sole UX designer
Sole UX designer
Timeline
Timeline
2 weeks
2 weeks
Tools
Tools
Figma, Figjam
Figma, Figjam
Team
1 developer
1 developer
Summary
Summary
The problem
The problem
Current platforms fail remote workers in providing information regarding amenities that they need to successfully work at a third space. This wastes time that should be dedicated to working.
Current platforms fail remote workers in providing information regarding amenities that they need to successfully work at a third space. This wastes time that should be dedicated to working.
The solution
The solution
A mobile app that filters third spaces by amenities, such as wifi, outlets, etc. This will help remote workers determine if they can work at a space without hesitation, allowing them to be productive as soon as possible.
A mobile app that filters third spaces by amenities, such as wifi, outlets, etc. This will help remote workers determine if they can work at a space without hesitation, allowing them to be productive as soon as possible.
Background
Background
There has been a rise in demand for working in third spaces since 2021, with 25% of remote workers flocking to coffee shops.
There has been a rise in demand for working in third spaces since 2021, with 25% of remote workers flocking to coffee shops.
Those four walls at home can get dull quickly. People are more productive and motivated working outside of their home as these cafes, hotel lobbies, bars, etc. are helping people feel less isolated.
Those four walls at home can get dull quickly. People are more productive and motivated working outside of their home as these cafes, hotel lobbies, bars, etc. are helping people feel less isolated.
However, it’s difficult to find places that have all the amenities needed to successfully work.
However, it’s difficult to find places that have all the amenities needed to successfully work.
Third spaces are not created equally. Some meet your criteria and some don’t. But that information isn’t easily accessible, so the solution to the unproductivity becomes a major inconvenience.
Third spaces are not created equally. Some meet your criteria and some don’t. But that information isn’t easily accessible, so the solution to the unproductivity becomes a major inconvenience.
How might we help remote workers easily find third spaces that fulfill all their remote working needs?
How might we help remote workers easily find third spaces that fulfill all their remote working needs?
User research
User research
Understanding users and the problem space
Understanding users and the problem space
To start, I conducted a competitive analysis of popular review platforms to see what they uniquely have to offer and conjecture where their drawbacks may be.
To start, I conducted a competitive analysis of popular review platforms to see what they uniquely have to offer and conjecture where their drawbacks may be.
Competitive analysis
From what I observed, I hypothesize that Yelp and Google Reviews are lacking in providing information regarding amenities remote workers would need in these third spaces.
I then interviewed individuals who are in their 20s and 30s with a range of occupations from students to part-time employees to digital nomads. I wanted to understand why they sought out places outside of their homes to work/study and their experiences with finding cafes/co-working spaces using the aforementioned platforms.
From what I observed, I hypothesize that Yelp and Google Reviews are lacking in providing information regarding amenities remote workers would need in these third spaces.
I then interviewed individuals who are in their 20s and 30s with a range of occupations from students to part-time employees to digital nomads. I wanted to understand why they sought out places outside of their homes to work/study and their experiences with finding cafes/co-working spaces using the aforementioned platforms.
People do need that change of scenery.
People do need that change of scenery.
Previous research findings were echoed in my users as they said they want to work outside of their own home because they can get antsy and unproductive at home. They also find that being around others while working keeps them accountable and motivated.
In regards to using the aforementioned platforms to find these third spaces, the key pain points I found were:
Previous research findings were echoed in my users as they said they want to work outside of their own home because they can get antsy and unproductive at home. They also find that being around others while working keeps them accountable and motivated.
In regards to using the aforementioned platforms to find these third spaces, the key pain points I found were:
These platforms don’t necessarily provide relevant info on working there
These platforms don’t necessarily provide relevant info on working there
“Google doesn’t tell me if there’s open seating, outlets, bathroom.”
“Google doesn’t tell me if there’s open seating, outlets, bathroom.”
It’s challenging to find places that fulfill all those attributes needed for working
It’s challenging to find places that fulfill all those attributes needed for working
“Don't have a guarantee that you're going to find a spot to work.”
“Don't have a guarantee that you're going to find a spot to work.”
It can be a waste of time finding places that work for them
It can be a waste of time finding places that work for them
“I usually check out the place make sure that that cafe is usable for me.”
“I usually check out the place make sure that that cafe is usable for me.”
These platforms fail to provide the information that matters most to remote workers.
These platforms fail to provide the information that matters most to remote workers.
Ultimately, Yelp and Google Reviews does not provide all the necessary information people with remote lifestyles need to feel confident that they can get work done at these establishments. Because of that, they end up using precious time to find places that accommodate their needs.
Ultimately, Yelp and Google Reviews does not provide all the necessary information people with remote lifestyles need to feel confident that they can get work done at these establishments. Because of that, they end up using precious time to find places that accommodate their needs.
Define
Define
Identifying key features
Identifying key features
To answer the HMW question and address the wants/needs of my persona, I started brainstorming different features that could fulfill user needs.
Along with finding places that meet users’ criteria, the issue of space and crowdedness came up during user interviews. So I knew my app needed a feature that could inform users of how busy a place is so that they don’t waste time going there and seeing that they are unable to work from there.
To answer the HMW question and address the wants/needs of my persona, I started brainstorming different features that could fulfill user needs.
Along with finding places that meet users’ criteria, the issue of space and crowdedness came up during user interviews. So I knew my app needed a feature that could inform users of how busy a place is so that they don’t waste time going there and seeing that they are unable to work from there.
Ideas from brainstorming
Ideas from brainstorming
How I ranked each feature was based on if it could satisfy user needs and be easy to technically implement. With that logic, for example, to address the issue of space and crowdedness, I thought something like the popular times chart on Google would be the most simple to develop for my app.
I then created this hybrid user flow and information architecture to visualize how the app would work.
How I ranked each feature was based on if it could satisfy user needs and be easy to technically implement. With that logic, for example, to address the issue of space and crowdedness, I thought something like the popular times chart on Google would be the most simple to develop for my app.
I then created this hybrid user flow and information architecture to visualize how the app would work.
User flow + information architecture
User flow + information architecture
From the brainstorming and user flow, I determined that the 3 core features would be:
From the brainstorming and user flow, I determined that the 3 core features would be:
Map with amenity filters
Map with amenity filters
Searching on a map will allow users to find nearby cafes/co-working spaces that have all the amenities they need.
Searching on a map will allow users to find nearby cafes/co-working spaces that have all the amenities they need.
Space details
Space details
Users will be able to see hours, busyness, reviews, amenity ratings, etc. to help them determine if they can successfully work there.
Users will be able to see hours, busyness, reviews, amenity ratings, etc. to help them determine if they can successfully work there.
Favorites
Favorites
This feature will help users save cafes/co-working spaces for future reference within the app itself so the information is all in one place.
This feature will help users save cafes/co-working spaces for future reference within the app itself so the information is all in one place.
These features can help alleviate the pain point of finding work-friendly cafes. With a detailed filtering system and relevant information on the amenities immediately available, this will hopefully prevent consumers from wasting their time during the discovery process and get them to working as soon as possible.
These features can help alleviate the pain point of finding work-friendly cafes. With a detailed filtering system and relevant information readily available, this will hopefully prevent consumers from wasting their time during the discovery process and get them to working as soon as possible.
These features can help alleviate the pain point of finding work-friendly cafes. With a detailed filtering system and relevant information readily available, this will hopefully prevent consumers from wasting their time during the discovery process and get them to working as soon as possible.
Ideation
Ideation
Making my vision come to life
Making my vision come to life
After establishing the three core features, I utilized Crazy 8’s to explore different information hierarchies, particularly for the cafe page. To help me determine which design to move forward with, I asked for input from other designers.
After establishing the three core features, I utilized Crazy 8’s to explore different information hierarchies, particularly for the cafe page. To help me determine which design to move forward with, I asked for input from other designers.
Low-fidelity sketches and mid-fidelity wireframes of the Home page
Low-fidelity sketches and mid-fidelity wireframes of the Home page
Low-fidelity sketches and mid-fidelity wireframes of the Cafe page
Low-fidelity sketches and mid-fidelity wireframes of the Cafe page
For example, they were more partial to a tabular design of the cafe page since it prevented information overload and is a typical pattern you see in review apps. After receiving their feedback, I moved onto mid-fidelity wireframes.
For example, they were more partial to a tabular design of the cafe page since it prevented information overload and is a typical pattern you see in review apps. After receiving their feedback, I moved onto mid-fidelity wireframes.
Usability testing
Usability testing
Learning from our users
Learning from our users
After creating the high-fidelity mockups, I created a prototype for testing. The 4 tasks I tested were:
Searching by filters
Viewing cafe details
Leaving a review
Favoriting and navigating to account settings
The task completion rate for all participants was 100% and all tasks were completed within 2-3 minutes.
I collected my insights into a feedback capture grid and any insight that was echoed by multiple users is indicated by a +1 sticker.
After creating the high-fidelity mockups, I created a prototype for testing. The 4 tasks I tested were:
Searching by filters
Viewing cafe details
Leaving a review
Favoriting and navigating to account settings
The task completion rate for all participants was 100% and all tasks were completed within 2-3 minutes.
I collected my insights into a feedback capture grid and any insight that was echoed by multiple users is indicated by a +1 sticker.
Usability testing feedback capture grid
Usability testing feedback capture grid
Based on the comments made during testing and the +1 stickers, the priority revisions were:
Based on the comments made during testing and the +1 stickers, the priority revisions were:
Map view for Favorites
Users would like to be able to see which of their favorites are nearby based on their current location.
New view for search
To avoid endless horizontal scrolling, users want a different view of their search results.
Rating amenities
Confusion over how the ratings of amenities were calculated, so that needs to be made more explicit.
Adding numbers
Need to have the number of search results and reviews immediately displayed to give context.
Map view for Favorites
Users would like to be able to see which of their favorites are nearby based on their current location.
New view for search
To avoid endless horizontal scrolling, users want a different view of their search results.
Rating amenities
Confusion over how the ratings of amenities were calculated, so that needs to be made more explicit.
Adding numbers
Need to have the number of search results and reviews immediately displayed to give context.
Based on the comments made during testing and the +1 stickers, the priority revisions were:
Map view for Favorites
Users would like to be able to see which of their favorites are nearby based on their current location.
New view for search
To avoid endless horizontal scrolling, users want a different view of their search results.
Rating amenities
Confusion over how the ratings of amenities were calculated, so that needs to be made more explicit.
Adding numbers
Need to have the number of search results and reviews immediately displayed to give context.
Iteration
Iteration
Addressing user feedback
Addressing user feedback
Here are some before and afters of the major priority revisions I made.
Here are some before and afters of the major priority revisions I made.
1. Map view for Favorites
1. Map view for Favorites
To help users see what’s nearby in their Favorites:
To help users see what’s nearby in their Favorites:
Included a map view
Included a map view
1
2. New view for search
2. New view for search
To avoid endless horizontal scrolling:
To avoid endless horizontal scrolling:
Created a bottom sheet for search users, so users can choose between these two views
Created a bottom sheet for search users, so users can choose between these two views
1
3. Rating amenities
3. Rating amenities
To improve the logic of the amenity ratings feature:
To improve the logic of the amenity ratings feature:
Added a prompt to rate selected amenities so that it’s separate from the rating of the place itself
Added a prompt to rate selected amenities so that it’s separate from the rating of the place itself
1
4. Adding numbers
4. Adding numbers
To add context to search results and reviews:
To add context to search results and reviews:
Included number of search results in the search container
Included number of search results in the search container
1
Included number of reviews in the title card
Included number of reviews in the title card
2
Lastly, a major change I made that isn’t displayed above is getting rid of the Menu tab. Many users didn’t find too much value in it, with one even saying they didn’t trust a listed menu like that as it may not have the most up-to-date items or prices. They prefer seeing photos of the menu in the gallery.
Lastly, a major change I made that isn’t displayed above is getting rid of the Menu tab. Many users didn’t find too much value in it, with one even saying they didn’t trust a listed menu like that as it may not have the most up-to-date items or prices. They prefer seeing photos of the menu in the gallery.
Final solution
Final solution
Introducing WorkSpace
Introducing WorkSpace
Here's a video of the prototype or click here to interact with it yourself!
Here's a video of the prototype or click here to interact with it yourself!
Map search with amenity filtering
Map search with amenity filtering
Like Google and Yelp, users can find places nearby on a map search. However, different from Google and Yelp, users can filter by amenities they need to successfully work/study at these places. Some filters include wifi, outlets, ample seating, low noise level, good drinks, etc.
Like Google and Yelp, users can find places nearby on a map search. However, different from Google and Yelp, users can filter by amenities they need to successfully work/study at these places. Some filters include wifi, outlets, ample seating, low noise level, good drinks, etc.
Third space page
Third space page
When users click a card from their search results, they will first see an overview of the third space's information, such as hours and busyness. They will also be able to view amenity ratings to quickly determine if the amenities they need are up to their standard and read other consumers’ reviews. Additionally, they can access a photo gallery.
When users click a card from their search results, they will first see an overview of the third space's information, such as hours and busyness. They will also be able to view amenity ratings to quickly determine if the amenities they need are up to their standard and read other consumers’ reviews. Additionally, they can access a photo gallery.
Favorites + Account
Favorites + Account
Users can find and search/filter through all their favorited third spaces in the Favorites tab. In Account, they’ll be able to see recently viewed places and access their settings.
Users can find and search/filter through all their favorited third spaces in the Favorites tab. In Account, they’ll be able to see recently viewed places and access their settings.
Reflection
Reflection
My takeaways
What did I learn?
What did I learn?
I learned how important third places are for people's social well-being and mental health. There isn't only a practical use to them — they help people have that a sense of belonging that we all have been craving since the pandemic.
I learned how important third places are for people's social well-being and mental health. There isn't only a practical use to them — they help people have that a sense of belonging that we all have been craving since the pandemic.
What are some potential next steps?
What are some potential next steps?
A user suggested adding a feature where they can make their own lists to further categorize their favorited places, so I would like to explore more customization features in WorkSpace. I’m also looking to actually build this app as I got such positive responses from usability testing.
As how work looks keep evolving and changing, I think digital nomads, remote workers, ad everyone in between could really benefit from an app like this. I look forward to developing this app and seeing how it impacts a community that I strongly resonate with.
A user suggested adding a feature where they can make their own lists to further categorize their favorited places, so I would like to explore more customization features in WorkSpace. I’m also looking to actually build this app as I got such positive responses from usability testing.
As how work looks keep evolving and changing, I think digital nomads, remote workers, ad everyone in between could really benefit from an app like this. I look forward to developing this app and seeing how it impacts a community that I strongly resonate with.