problem
Users who wish to embark on DIY projects feel overwhelmed by the abundance of information available on platforms like YouTube. They lack a centralized source of information and guidance regarding project timeframes, material requirements, hindering the confidence needed to acquire new skills and successfully complete their projects
solution direction
A user-centric platform that empowers users to enhance their skills, gain confidence in using tools, and successfully complete DIY projects.
secondary research
I conducted a comprehensive analysis comparing both direct and indirect competitors to gain insights into the functionality, strengths, and weaknesses of skill-based platforms. This evaluation helped me identify areas I wouldn't be addressing directly, allowing me to leverage competitor weaknesses and tailor my product to stand out. Skillshare and Udemy, for instance, exhibit a formal structure with payment requirements and a commitment to classroom-style learning. In response, I aimed to position Skilldify as a more flexible and informal platform, empowering users to create their own schedules and learning sequences.
Taking on YouTube as my primary direct competitor, I recognized its strength in offering an abundance of DIY-related content. However, its weakness lies in the potential overwhelm users experience when navigating through numerous videos on the same topic. This presented an opportunity for Skilldify to provide a solution—a structured and straightforward learning path. I aimed to guide users through a step-by-step process, ensuring clarity and a defined endpoint in their learning journey.
User interviews
I've always been drawn to the world of DIY. My Instagram feed, especially the "For You" page, has been a constant stream of do-it-yourself content for years. However, despite my interest, I found myself struggling to take the plunge and initiate new projects. The overwhelming questions of what tools to use, which materials to gather, and the varying advice from different sources added to the hesitation.
Recognizing my own challenges, I decided to delve deeper into the motivations and obstacles that influence people's decisions to either embark on or shy away from DIY projects at home. To explore this, I conducted user interviews with six participants, ranging from those with extensive DIY experience to those who were merely intrigued but hadn't taken the leap yet. The array of perspectives gathered during these interviews laid the foundation for valuable insights.
To distill and make sense of the gathered information, I took on the task of affinity mapping. This process allowed me to systematically break down the key challenges faced by users, enabling me to identify patterns and connections within the data.
THE MAIN INSIGHTS:
Participants expressed a desire for a clear understanding of the anticipated duration before embarking on or committing to a project. The uncertainty surrounding time investment played a pivotal role in their decision-making process.
The overwhelming nature of sorting through information, particularly concerning the necessary tools and materials, became a notable obstacle. Participants struggled with the challenge of discerning the right types amidst the abundance of options.
A lack of knowledge and skills emerged as a common discouragement. Participants expressed hesitation in taking on projects due to uncertainties about their own capabilities.
affinity mapping
Based on this information I proceeded to ask the question…
How might we design a user-centric learning platform that effectively empowers/encourages individuals to improve their DIY skills, enabling them to take on home projects with confidence?
personas
Creating two user personas and scenarios based on the insights gathered from the interviews was a strategic move to solidify the direction and motivations for the platform. These personas and scenarios serve as tangible representations of the diverse user needs and challenges identified during the research, providing a clear guide for shaping the platform to address specific user motivations and enhance the overall user experience.
design
Post-interviews, affinity mapping, and the creation of user personas, I transitioned into the design phase. The initial steps involved narrowing down the features, establishing the information architecture, and ultimately mapping out the user flows and task flows. This systematic approach ensures a well-defined and user-centric design, aligning the platform's features with the identified user needs and motivations.
MoSCoW Matrix
Information Architecture
User Flows
Brand identity/moodboard
When seeking design inspiration for Skilldify, the DIY app, my initial inclination was towards the conventional browns and yellows commonly associated with construction-themed platforms. However, I was determined to take a different path, placing emphasis on the creative aspect of DIY. I envisioned it as something inherently fun and playful, aiming to diverge from the typical serious tone. Opting for bright and inviting colors, I wanted to inspire creativity and create an atmosphere that encourages users to return continuously, making the DIY experience an enjoyable and engaging journey.
Sketches, Wireframes & Protoying
Transitioning from the conceptualization stage, I dove into the practical aspect by sketching screens. This process allowed me to explore and decide on the layout for presenting features, projects, and tools.
I refined my design by transitioning from sketches to Mid-Fidelity Wireframes, streamlining the visual concept. This step allowed for a more concrete and detailed representation of the envisioned design.
Building on the Mid-Fidelity Wireframes, I progressed into creating High-Fidelity Wireframes for a polished and refined representation of the design.
Setbacks and challanges
The challenge I faced was in guiding users through the learning material. Initially, I organized the screens for users to scroll through all information at once, resulting in a text-heavy interface. Recognizing this issue, I pivoted, investing time to craft a more streamlined flow for a significantly improved user experience.
Testing and receiving feedback
Moving forward, I conducted prototype testing. Despite having immersed myself in these screens for weeks, I recognized that what appeared straightforward to me might not be perceived the same way by others. I was enthusiastic and eager to gather feedback, as it was a crucial step in elevating the platform to the next level of user experience.
The Tasks Included:
Discovering Categories on Skilldify
Task: After signing up on Skilldify, explore the app's range of DIY categories.
Approach: Describe your method for navigating through Skilldify's diverse categories to find your area of interest.Commencing a DIY Project - Woodworking (Specifically, DIY Birdhouse)
Task: Explore and initiate the DIY birdhouse project.
Approach: Outline how you'd locate and begin this project within the woodworking category on Skilldify.Learning to Use the Orbital Sander
Task: Gain knowledge about using the orbital sander for your woodworking project.
Approach: Describe how you intend to find information about the orbital sander and your strategy for learning to use it effectively for your woodworking project.
Results and Feedback from User Testing:
Category Navigation: Participants found the process of navigating through categories straightforward without causing any confusion or issues.
Learning Material Flow: Feedback highlighted considerable confusion throughout the learning process. Lack of consistency in the screens led to user confusion, as they struggled to gauge the endpoint and often clicked through screens, hoping to progress.
Visual Aid and Imagery: Participants expressed a desire for images alongside the text to aid in visualizing the content, enhancing the learning experience.
Screen Numbering Confusion: The numbering system for screens was confusing, leaving users uncertain about their current progression within the flow.
Consistent Feedback for Tool Learning Flow: Similar feedback was received concerning the confusion and lack of clarity in navigating through the tool learning material.
Revisions
Considering the received feedback, I initiated a revision of the screens to craft a more intuitive and user-friendly flow. This involved addressing inconsistencies, integrating visual aids, and reworking the navigation to enhance the overall user experience.
Revisions Made:
Ensured consistency by standardizing all "continue" buttons.
Improved consistency by relocating buttons to the bottom of the page.
Enhanced the learning experience by incorporating imagery.
Reworked the screen numbering system for improved clarity.
Provided clearer user guidance by changing "continue" to "complete" at the end of each step, signifying progression to the next stage.
Final solution
final screens
prototype
View my full Figma file
REFLECTIONS & WHAT I WOULD DO DIFFERENTLY
Enhanced Interview Process: I'd allocate more time for interviews. First, conducting a preliminary round to gather a broad understanding of various DIYers, then a more targeted round to engage with different expertise levels. This deeper dive would provide insights to tailor the platform to each level's specific challenges and needs.
Innovative Learning Approaches: Given the constraints, I'd dedicate more time to brainstorming innovative methods for skill acquisition. With more iterations, I believe I could explore and implement more diverse ways to present and structure the learning material.
Increased User Testing Iterations: With only one round of user testing due to time constraints, I'd aim for multiple rounds. This would provide a clearer understanding of whether the platform truly meets user needs, aids skill improvement, and ascertain the likelihood of user adoption and continued usage.