Ciclo is the ultimate cycling companion, designed for cyclist who want to take their rides to the next level.
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, cycling has experienced a resurgence as people seek safer transportation alternatives to buses and trains. This trend has contributed to a remarkable growth projection for the global bicycle market, expected to reach $34.6 billion by 2027. Due to its cost-effectiveness and accessibility, cycling has gained immense popularity on a global scale. Notably, statistics reveal that an increasing number of individuals now prefer cycling as a dependable and often faster means of commuting and running errands. This shift in preferences not only promotes healthier lifestyles but also aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly transportation options worldwide.
CONTRIBUTIONS
UX Research
Product Design
Visual Design
Prototyping
Branding
RECOGNITION
Silver Award Spring Show 2023
Academy of Art University
TOOLS
Figma
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
TIMELINE
5 weeks
INITIAL PROBLEM DISCOVERY
Cyclists often use different apps and devices for tracking and planning their rides, leading to fragmentation in route data
One main pain point in the cycling app industry is seamlessly integrating and standardizing route data across various cycling platforms and devices. Some leading existing cycling apps don't prioritize interoperability, causing frustration in cyclers who may need to switch between multiple apps, losing the continuity of their cycling data and experiences. Addressing this challenge requires a multi-platform collaboration to establish common standards, providing cyclists with a cohesive system and enhancing the overall user experience.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
How might we consolidate key features to improve and optimize the riding experience for both recreational and professional cyclists across various devices?
INITIAL RESEARCH
Navigating the Essence of the Cycling World
BACKGROUND RESEARCH & COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
The feature matrix revealed promising opportunities and highlighted what mistakes to avoid
While Strava and MapMyRide have their strengths, they also have drawbacks. Strava's premium subscription can be expensive, and some users may find its competitive focus less appealing if they prefer a more casual experience. Strava's detailed statistics and social features may be overwhelming for users seeking a more straightforward interface.
MapMyRide, on the other hand, may be criticized for occasional glitches in its GPS tracking, potentially affecting the accuracy of recorded routes. Some users also note that its social community is less extensive and competitive than Strava's, which could be a drawback.
USER INTERVIEWS
Asking SFCC members for their insights
Through numerous interviews with members of the San Francisco Cycling Club, I had the privilege to delve into the city's vibrant and diverse cycling culture. Following a brief brainstorming session, I discovered valuable insights.
TARGET AUDIENCE
Understanding the different types of cyclers
The number of bike riders in the USA has increased from 43 to 47.5 million over the past 3 years. While the number of cyclists has decreased amongst the aged between 6-17 over the past 10 years, the trend among young adults between 18 to 28 years is slightly different. The number of young adults who participated in bicycling has remained relatively stable at around four million.
DESIGN GOALS
A meticulously crafted cycling app that redefines the user experience, prioritizing safety, community, and seamless functionality. The interface integrates intuitive navigation with real-time data, empowering cyclists of all levels. It smoothly adapts to wearable, mobile, and web devices, delivering a cohesive and accessible cycling experience across all platforms.
DEISGN OPPORTUNITIES
Identify & create strategic solutions
INITIAL IDEATION
Conceptualization of all platforms through low fidelity sketches
Developing multiple prototypes enables me to delve into a range of design solutions and assess various interaction patterns during the initial phases. This approach empowers me to experiment with and fine-tune concepts before advancing to the A/B testing stage. Embracing this iterative strategy acts as a safeguard against potential errors, ensuring that the design aligns seamlessly with the intended objectives.
USER TESTING
Evaluating the interface & usability in all devices through A/B testing
The testers play a pivotal role in developing the cycling app, ensuring a seamless user experience and optimal functionality. They were carefully selected based on their familiarity with various cycling scenarios, ranging from leisurely rides to more intense and challenging routes. Their diverse biking backgrounds enable them to evaluate the app's performance across different devices.
WEB - LOGIN
The vague login steps instill a sense of insecurity within the testers. So, I incorporated more typical questions, aiming for a more efficient system. Striking a balance between security and user convenience is crucial for optimizing the login experience's effectiveness.
MOBILE - DASHBOARD
Insufficient track data for the Latest Ride prompted the addition of the map route, enhancing user experience with personalized insights for a more engaging interaction for the users.
WATCH - TRACK
Insufficient information results in a vague tracking experience for the wearable device. To address this, I enhance data collection mechanisms and provide more explicit user guidance for improved tracking precision and overall usability.
FINAL DESIGN
Saddle up for the ultimate spin, an immersive cycling experience
Having solidified a robust design framework, I seamlessly integrated feedback collected from multiple testing sessions to initiate the creation of the final composition. A key aspect of this process involved iterative prototyping and continuous refinement, prioritizing accessibility considerations to accommodate users with diverse needs. Additionally, I adjust the color palette across the entire design, aiming to enhance communication through a more unified and cohesive interface.
APPLE WATCH DESIGN
Precision in Motion
MOBILE DESIGN
The wearable device prioritizes seamless connections to mobile and web interfaces. This focus aims to cultivate a more comprehensive and reflective tracking journey.
Unleash connectivity and master your tracking
WEB DESIGN
The portable dashboard is a valuable tool for cyclists to monitor and enhance their performance, remain motivated, and accomplish their fitness objectives. It provides crucial insights into training and performance, enabling cyclists to optimize their rides for maximum efficiency and enjoyment.
Seamless onboarding and collecting your data
The onboarding process ensures clarity, personalization, and engagement, establishing a foundation for a lasting user relationship. The web dashboard provides real-time data on a cyclist's performance, allowing customization of key metrics. Using sensors and GPS technology, the interface tracks location, speed, and route, offering visual feedback on performance. Users can set goals, track achievements, and share data with others or on social networks.
CONSTRAINTS & RESULTS
Adapting through a timeline-constrained and adjusting strategies accordingly
Considering the project's short timeline, the pressure for quick decision-making surfaced by reduced iteration cycles, which impacted the refinement process, emphasizing the need for efficient workflows. In response, during the initial testing phase, I asked all users (all cyclists) about the feature they considered most crucial.
In the first evaluation, 9/10 testers emphasized that Ciclo's most crucial feature should involve tracking and collecting ride data across all devices. Most testers highlighted the primary challenge was dealing with the inconvenience of switching between multiple platforms, which aligns with the initial problem discovery. As a result, my high-impact task focused on customizing and tracking data for each ride to maximize its impact on all platforms. Time constraints, while posing challenges, serve as catalysts for innovation and refined project management practices.
REFLECTION
Looking back on the journey
Throughout the process, I gained valuable experience by iterating between design solutions tailored to different devices. It allowed me to understand better how to approach specific layout sizes and effectively prioritize user needs. Establishing a feature with a substantial impact on all devices was equally important, as was enhancing the overall user experience.
Looking ahead with Ciclo, my vision involves further development for wearable and mobile devices, accompanied by expanded opportunities for user testing.
