Airbrowz
Connecting locals with small businesses
Art direction/Branding/UI/UX
SERVICES
Art direction
Branding
UI/UX
Airbrowz is an Ottawa based startup aiming to promote small businesses to locals in their neighbourhood.
Challenge
Redesign and improve the existing prototype app to better reach businesses and customers, all within a very limited timeframe.
Solution
Improve the user experience of the app through a brand refresh, redesign and flesh out the structure of the app - all within a 3 week time period.
Overview
When the project began, the client had a prototype product which was developed and functional. But without any brand presence, copywriting or instructional text, the product was confusing and functions were too basic.
I worked closely with Airbrowz for a three week timeframe to overhaul the app’s user experience and branding. This involved redesigning every app screen as well as adding new features, providing basic branding and art direction for imagery/colour/typography to give the app personality and presence.
The goal was to provide a design that could be built out with limited resources and presented to investors, and eventually be scaled up with added features in the future.
Branding
The branding process began with conversations with the client to define the intentions of the company and the app, its target audience, and desired goals for the future. We chatted about who their ideal customer is, and what the brand needed to say to them. After that, I went through a process of research, sketches and moodboards to brainstorm ideas.
The final concept is a clean, simple logo that combines iconography for a shopping bag, and a location pin. Airbrowz is all about shopping local, and supporting local businesses, as this is what differentiates it within its market. The branding itself is modern and simple, while making use of friendly illustrations. Illustrative imagery and branded elements are kept geometric and friendly, so as not to compete with any content within the app. I wanted Airbrowz to feel simple and friendly, and to immediately communicate that this was an app created to support local business.
App Design
The app redesign began with testing the existing product to define areas of confusion. I explored the app, and watched others use the app and perform basic tasks. After noting down problematic or confusing areas, I sketched out solutions which were later developed into rough wireframes. Content was blocked out to redefine the hierarchy of content for better communication.
High-fidelity wireframes were then created, and built into a prototype for testing. I proposed instructional, friendly copywriting in areas to clarify tasks and features for the user. Branding was then applied to design and built out final screens to complete the experience.
Browsing as a customer
When logging in for the first time, users can choose to browse the app as a customer. After a quick introductory module, users sign in and can view different promotions from different local businesses in the vicinity.
Viewing promotions
Customers can view promotions from nearby neighbourhood businesses based on their phone’s location. When they select a promotion, users can see the business name, an image gallery, a brief description, and may have the option of buying a product.
Making a purchase
Users can purchase products that are showcased on promotions. Once a purchase has been made, they can view them in the Purchases lander, where they sale information is kept. Users can see which orders have been received, delivered, or ready to pickup.
Using Airbrowz as a business
When a business first enters the app, they are prompted to begin creating promotions for their business. Choosing to add a product reveals more options to add details such as quantity and price, and the option to add variations such as colours, flavours, sizes, etc.
Sales
When a customer purchases a product through a promotion, the business will see the sale appear on the Sales lander (as well as receive a mobile and email notification). Business owners can update the status of the sale as it is received, shipped, delivered, etc.
Business information
Businesses can show details of their business on a public facing profile. This could include the story of their business, contact information, links to their website, neighbourhoods they are located, holiday updates, etc.
Results
By the end of 3 weeks, the client had a brand new logo with branded elements, typography, colours, completely new app design with added features to better serve its customers. The app is currently in development, with feedback being collected by business owners.