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Designing an intuitive repair platform to empower mechanics with user friendly guides
In a 6-week project from May to July 2024, we tackled the challenge of creating an intuitive repair information platform for mechanics and industry specialists. The goal was to provide affordable, visually rich repair guides that surpass the limitations of current text-heavy, expensive manuals.
Deliverables: User Research Documentation, Dynamic Search Feature Design, Wiki Interface Design, Scalable Information Architecture
Project Type: UX Design for Industrial Repair Professionals
Timeline: May 2024 – July 2024 (6 weeks)
My Role: UX Design, Research, and Information Architecture
Team: 3 UX Designers (including me) and 3 Developers
The Challenge
Mechanics and industry professionals often face difficulties accessing affordable repair guides. Existing solutions are text-heavy, expensive, and lack multimedia-rich clarity, hindering efficient repairs. The goal was to design a platform that simplifies access to repair information while addressing these pain points.
The Solution
We created a repair information platform with two core features:
- Dynamic Search Functionality: A precise equipment lookup tool with filters and sorting tailored to diverse industries.
- Intuitive Wiki Interface: A multimedia-rich layout for step-by-step repair instructions, scalable for future AI integration.
Design Process
I focused on creating a streamlined and scalable user experience that empowers mechanics and industry professionals to quickly find repair information and access multimedia-rich guides. Here’s an overview of the process:
01/ Research & Insights
We began by conducting research across industries such as HVAC systems, locomotive parts, and automotive repair platforms. This analysis revealed key usability gaps: HVAC and locomotive platforms lacked organization, while automotive platforms excelled in structured, step-by-step search processes. These findings informed our approach to creating a scalable and user-friendly system.
02/ Flow Mapping & Wireframes
User journeys were mapped to streamline equipment searches and guide access. Wireframes focused on reducing cognitive load by incorporating filters and step-by-step navigation. The wiki interface was structured to seamlessly integrate multimedia like videos, diagrams, and animations.
03/ Ideation & Concept Design
During the ideation phase, we explored visual styles that emphasized clarity and usability. The search page included tailored filters for part type, manufacturer, and repair difficulty. The wiki interface adopted a modular layout capable of accommodating multimedia content while remaining scalable for future enhancements.
04/ Information Architecture Refinement
We refined the platform’s structure to ensure content was intuitive and easy to navigate. Categories were organized hierarchically, making it simple for users to locate specific equipment or repair guides. This groundwork ensured scalability as new content or industries were added.
05/ Final Designs & Prototyping
The final design incorporated a dynamic search page with robust filtering options and a modular wiki interface supporting multimedia content alongside user-generated contributions. High-fidelity prototypes were created to demonstrate the platform’s functionality and scalability.
06/ Information Architecture Refinement
During the handoff phase, I worked closely with developers to ensure seamless implementation. This included providing detailed documentation, clarifying design decisions during sprints, and supporting initial testing efforts to align the product with the original vision.
Next Steps
The platform has significant potential for future growth and enhancements. Expanding its capabilities could include incorporating AI-driven animations into repair guides, improving user-generated content moderation, and adding advanced search filters tailored to specific industries. Usability testing could also validate the design’s impact on user efficiency and satisfaction, providing valuable feedback for further refinement.
Round Up
This project focused on simplifying repair workflows for mechanics by delivering clear, user-centered solutions. By introducing dynamic search functionality and multimedia-rich guides, the platform addresses key industry pain points while laying the groundwork for scalability and innovation. If you’re looking for a designer who can create intuitive, impactful experiences tailored to your users’ needs, I’d love to collaborate with you on your next project!