Simplifying Repairs for Industry Professionals

 

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.

Timeline

May 2024- July 2024 (6 Weeks)

My Role:

UX Design, UX Research, Architecture

The Challenge

Mechanics often struggle to find affordable and visually rich repair guides. Existing resources are limited, expensive, and lack the clarity and depth needed for efficient repairs.

    The Solution

    We developed an intuitive repair information platform with two key features:

    • A dynamic “Search” function for quick and precise equipment lookup

    • A user-friendly wiki interface for clear, multimedia-rich repair guides

    Research and Insights

    To inform our design, we explored search patterns across diverse industries, focusing on large, data-driven platforms. Our goal was to develop a flexible, scalable search experience that could accommodate various industry categories.

    Key Findings

    • HVAC and Locomotive Parts: Lack of organization and complex navigation in existing platforms
    • Automotive Industry: Clear, step-by-step search process (e.g., AutoZone, O’Reilly Auto Parts)
    • Research Insight: The automotive search process offers a user-friendly, scalable solution adaptable to other industries.

    Design Solution

    Streamlined Search Page

    We redesigned the “Browse” function into a dynamic “Search” feature:
    Added filters and sorting options tailored to diverse user needs

    • Created a scalable framework to accommodate future categories
    • Implemented a step-by-step search process inspired by automotive industry best practices

     

    Intuitive Wiki Interface

    For the repair guides, we developed a clear, user-friendly wiki layout:

     

    • Structured content for easy integration of multimedia
    • Designed for future AI animation integration
    • Created a scalable layout accommodating both user-generated content and official repair guides

    From Concept to Code

    As a small startup aiming for a strong MVP, my involvement concluded with handing off the designs to the development team. During this crucial phase, I:

    • Worked closely with developers to ensure seamless translation of the design vision
    • Answered questions and clarified design decisions
    • Provided support to set the stage for future iterations and growth

    Key Takeaways

    1. Emphasize Simplicity in Complex Systems: Reaffirmed the importance of a straightforward user experience for efficient information retrieval.
    2. Prioritize Scalability from the Start: Designed search and wiki features with future growth across multiple industries in mind.
    3. Collaboration with Development: Highlighted the value of strong communication during the handoff phase.
    4. Focus on User-Centric Iteration: Recognized the importance of integrating user testing early for improved usability and refined user experience.