Case study: Designing a great photography booking experience

Introduction:

I was thrilled to be approached by the Quickshot team to collaborate on the design of their mobile app. Quickshot’s dedication to building a product that resonates with their audiences was a key factor in my decision to work with them. I was excited to bring my experience and expertise to the table and help create a mobile app that meets their users’ needs while aligning with their business goals.

Challenge:

The team’s objective for this project was to design and build a mobile app that offers users a seamless and intuitive experience for discovering and booking local photographers. By understanding users’ needs, preferences, and behaviors, we aimed to create a solution that simplifies the booking process while providing a platform that photographers can leverage to grow their business. The ultimate goal was to create a product that meets the needs of both users and photographers, resulting in a positive and fulfilling experience for both parties.

Role:

I led the design efforts for the mobile app, taking responsibility for the end-to-end user interface and experience. This included creating user flows, wireframes, mockups, and interaction design that aligned with the product’s goals and user needs. My role involved working closely with the development team, product managers, and stakeholders to ensure the design was feasible and met the desired user experience. By leveraging my skills in design thinking, prototyping, and user research, I was able to craft a visually appealing and functional mobile app that delivers a seamless experience to users.

My Design Process:

Understanding the problem:

I conducted both in-person and virtual interviews with over nine target users to gain insights into their experiences when booking photographers. Through these interviews, I was able to identify the unique challenges that different user types face, as well as their pain points and needs. I discovered that approximately 70% of the users I spoke with relied on recommendations from friends when looking for photographers, indicating a significant opportunity for the app to facilitate this process.

Personas:

The insights I gathered from prior research were instrumental in helping me to gain a deeper understanding of user needs. This understanding enabled me to create personas that were reflective of our target audience, which, in turn, allowed me to make more informed design decisions with user goals in mind. By taking a user-centric approach, I was able to create a mobile app that offers a seamless and intuitive experience, with features that address user pain points and cater to their needs. The personas served as a constant reminder of the users’ needs throughout the design process and helped me to deliver a product that meets their expectations.

Information Architecture:

I approached the task of organizing the content of the app with a user-centric mindset, aiming to create an intuitive and easy-to-use information architecture. I conducted thorough research to gain a deep understanding of user needs, pain points, and goals, and used this information to design a structure that would allow users to accomplish their tasks efficiently and seamlessly.

I utilized various design methods and techniques, including card sorting, user testing, and wireframing, to ensure that the information architecture was well-organized, logical, and easy to navigate. I also collaborated closely with developers and other stakeholders to ensure that the design was feasible and aligned with business goals.

User Flow:

I collaborated closely with the client to create user flows that reflected the needs and goals of the target users. Based on the insights gathered from user research and personas, we worked together to simplify the different steps that users would need to take to achieve their goals. By simplifying the user flows, we aimed to create a seamless and intuitive experience that reduces user frustration and enhances satisfaction. These user flows served as the backbone of the design process, guiding the creation of wireframes, mockups, and interaction design, to ensure that the product met the needs of the target users.

Low-fi wireframes:

I used the user flows created with the client as a foundation to generate ideas and create low-fidelity wireframes. During this phase, I paid close attention to the layout and visual hierarchy to ensure that the product was intuitive and easy to use. I conducted multiple design iterations, refining and iterating the design based on user feedback and stakeholder input, before arriving at the final design. By taking a user-centric approach and focusing on the needs of the target audience, I was able to create wireframes that meets the needs of users while aligning with the business goals.

Some Key Features:

Delightful Onboarding: Onboarding is a crucial part of the user experience, as it serves as the first introduction to the app. To ensure a seamless transition for users, I created delightful onboarding screens with compelling copy that effectively guided users through the onboarding process. By carefully considering the language, visual design, and user flow, I was able to create an onboarding experience that effectively communicates the value of the app while providing clear and concise copy to users.

Simplified Log In and Signup screens:

As a service-based app, my research emphasized the importance of streamlining the signup/login process to provide a seamless and efficient experience for users. To achieve this, I simplified the process by reducing the number of form fields required, eliminating the need for users to input unnecessary information. For example, rather than requesting separate first and last name fields, the form simply requests the user’s full name.

Booking Process:

I recognized the challenges associated with booking a photographer, as confirmed by my user research. To address this, I created an intuitive user flow that simplifies the booking process and enables users to complete payments for their bookings in-app. By reducing the complexity of the process and guiding users through the various steps involved, I was able to streamline the booking process and minimize user frustration. This user-centric approach helps to create a more satisfying and engaging experience for users, increasing the likelihood of repeat usage and positive word-of-mouth referrals. By focusing on the needs and pain points of users, I was able to create a solution that not only meets the business objectives but also delivers genuine value to the end users.

In-app Messaging:

From the user research conducted, I took note of users emphasizing the importance of communicating with photographers before booking a shoot. To meet this need, I developed an in-app messaging feature that enables users to communicate directly with photographers. By integrating this feature into the app, users can easily discuss and exchange ideas, confirm shoot details such as the date, time, and location, and build a rapport with their photographer. This approach not only increases user satisfaction but also helps to build trust and a sense of community within the app.

Reviews and Ratings:

We implemented a feature that allows users to access multiple ratings and reviews provided by other users. This feature provides social proof for potential users and can significantly reduce the time it takes for them to make a decision. By reading positive and relatable reviews of specific photographers, users can quickly decide on a photographer to work with based on the impressions of other users. This feature not only enhances the user experience but also builds trust between our platform and our users.

Portfolio and Spotlight:

From research, I recognized the importance of showcasing a photographer’s previous work to potential clients. To address this, I created a portfolio screen within the app to display photographers’ work in a visually appealing and user-friendly way. By providing users with access to high-quality images and detailed information about a photographer’s style, experience, and expertise, I was able to increase user confidence in the booking process and improve the overall user experience.

Furthermore, to help users discover new photographers and improve the visibility of photographers on the platform, I designed a monthly spotlight popup showcasing talented photographers. This feature not only provides users with a new way to explore and discover talented photographers but also promotes the work of photographers and helps them reach a wider audience. By leveraging this feature, photographers can increase their exposure, attract more clients, and grow their businesses. This approach demonstrates a user-centric focus that benefits all stakeholders involved, leading to a more successful and rewarding experience for everyone.

Learnings and takeaways:

• I learnt how product thinking should be implemented early in the design process. It provides a clear understanding of how to bridge the gap between user needs and business goals. By incorporating this approach, I am able to create products that meet the needs of both users and the business.
• Moreover, I have a passion for photography, and solving a problem in this space motivated me to explore and learn more about the industry. By immersing myself in the world of photography, I gained valuable insights that I incorporated into the design of the app.
• In addition, I have learned the importance of carrying out multiple design explorations to iterate on ideas and narrow down to the best solution. Through this process, I can create designs that are innovative, user-friendly, and efficient. By being open to different design possibilities and exploring new ideas, I can create products that stand out in the marketplace and deliver exceptional value to users.

Thank you for reading!