Advice

A Booking platform for expert advice that enables founders to make better business decisions.

A Booking platform for expert advice that enables founders to make better business decisions.

A Booking platform for expert advice that enables founders to make better business decisions.

The aim of the project was to give founders who are facing professional challenges access to proven experts in order to get urgent questions answered quickly.

Role

Product Designer

Role

Product Designer

Role

Product Designer

Tools Used

Figma, Affinity Photo

Tools Used

Figma, Affinity Photo

Tools Used

Figma, Affinity Photo

Deliverables

UX, UI , Branding

Deliverables

UX, UI , Branding

Deliverables

UX, UI , Branding

Duration

3 Month

Duration

3 Month

Duration

3 Month

main hero image
main hero image
main hero image

Design Process

Double Diamond Strategy.

The Double Diamond Strategy provides a structured framework for problem-solving and innovation in the design process.

The four key phases: Discover, Define, Develop, and Deliver, makes sure that you explore problems, understand user needs and generate multiple ideas before moving on to developing and delivering the best solutions.

Design Process

Double Diamond Strategy.

The Double Diamond Strategy provides a structured framework for problem-solving and innovation in the design process.

The four key phases: Discover, Define, Develop, and Deliver, makes sure that you explore problems, understand user needs and generate multiple ideas before moving on to developing and delivering the best solutions.

Design Process

Double Diamond Strategy.

The Double Diamond Strategy provides a structured framework for problem-solving and innovation in the design process.

The four key phases: Discover, Define, Develop, and Deliver, makes sure that you explore problems, understand user needs and generate multiple ideas before moving on to developing and delivering the best solutions.

Discover

Competitive Analysis.

The competition in the startup sector is very diverse. On the one hand, there are accelerators and incubators that provide knowledge to startups, and on the other, there are local institutions or mentoring programs from the startup environment.

In addition to the largest direct competitor, Clarity.fm, which offers telephone advice on start-up and business topics, services such as JustAnswer, Calltheone and Howly were identified, which provide answers to a wide range of topics. There are also learning platforms such as Udemy, Upwork, Fiverr or Domestika, or blogs such as Medium, which impart knowledge but not in the form of one-on-one advice.

Discover

Competitive Analysis.

The competition in the startup sector is very diverse. On the one hand, there are accelerators and incubators that provide knowledge to startups, and on the other, there are local institutions or mentoring programs from the startup environment.

In addition to the largest direct competitor, Clarity.fm, which offers telephone advice on start-up and business topics, services such as JustAnswer, Calltheone and Howly were identified, which provide answers to a wide range of topics. There are also learning platforms such as Udemy, Upwork, Fiverr or Domestika, or blogs such as Medium, which impart knowledge but not in the form of one-on-one advice.

Discover

Competitive Analysis.

The competition in the startup sector is very diverse. On the one hand, there are accelerators and incubators that provide knowledge to startups, and on the other, there are local institutions or mentoring programs from the startup environment.

In addition to the largest direct competitor, Clarity.fm, which offers telephone advice on start-up and business topics, services such as JustAnswer, Calltheone and Howly were identified, which provide answers to a wide range of topics. There are also learning platforms such as Udemy, Upwork, Fiverr or Domestika, or blogs such as Medium, which impart knowledge but not in the form of one-on-one advice.

Competitive Analysis

Clarity

Competitive Analysis

Clarity

Competitive Analysis

Clarity

Competitive Analysis

JustAnswer

Competitive Analysis

JustAnswer

Competitive Analysis

JustAnswer

Key findings from competitor analysis

Key findings from competitor analysis

Key findings from competitor analysis

User Research & Goals.

User research began with establishing specific research objectives to guide the research process and ensure that research findings were relevant and actionable.

User Research & Goals.

User research began with establishing specific research objectives to guide the research process and ensure that research findings were relevant and actionable.

User Research & Goals.

User research began with establishing specific research objectives to guide the research process and ensure that research findings were relevant and actionable.

Goal 1

Identify the specific types of expertise or areas of knowledge that founders most often seek assistance with.

Goal 1

Identify the specific types of expertise or areas of knowledge that founders most often seek assistance with.

Goal 1

Identify the specific types of expertise or areas of knowledge that founders most often seek assistance with.

Goal 2

Discover how users currently find answers to pressing questions and how they verify their accuracy.

Goal 2

Discover how users currently find answers to pressing questions and how they verify their accuracy.

Goal 2

Discover how users currently find answers to pressing questions and how they verify their accuracy.

Goal 3

Explore the willingness of experts to share their expertise with others.

Goal 3

Explore the willingness of experts to share their expertise with others.

Goal 3

Explore the willingness of experts to share their expertise with others.

User Interviews.

To get quick feedback and validate existing assumptions, 5 people were recruited from the professional network and via LinkedIn for short video call interviews.

To get as close as possible to the potential user base, a pre-screening was used to ensure that all participants had experience in founding a company or had already worked for startups.

User Interviews.

To get quick feedback and validate existing assumptions, 5 people were recruited from the professional network and via LinkedIn for short video call interviews.

To get as close as possible to the potential user base, a pre-screening was used to ensure that all participants had experience in founding a company or had already worked for startups.

User Interviews.

To get quick feedback and validate existing assumptions, 5 people were recruited from the professional network and via LinkedIn for short video call interviews.

To get as close as possible to the potential user base, a pre-screening was used to ensure that all participants had experience in founding a company or had already worked for startups.

USER INTERVIEW

Luigi

Senior of Data Science

USER INTERVIEW

Luigi

Senior of Data Science

USER INTERVIEW

Luigi

Senior of Data Science

USER INTERVIEW

John

Founder & Managing Director

USER INTERVIEW

John

Founder & Managing Director

USER INTERVIEW

John

Founder & Managing Director

USER INTERVIEW

Denise

User Experience Specialist

USER INTERVIEW

Denise

User Experience Specialist

USER INTERVIEW

Denise

User Experience Specialist

USER INTERVIEW

Julia

Co-Founder & Creative Director

USER INTERVIEW

Julia

Co-Founder & Creative Director

USER INTERVIEW

Julia

Co-Founder & Creative Director

USER INTERVIEW

Greg

Founder & CEO

USER INTERVIEW

Greg

Founder & CEO

USER INTERVIEW

Greg

Founder & CEO

Key findings from the user interviews

Key findings from the user interviews

Key findings from the user interviews

Problem Statement.
Refining the problem statement with all new findings.

Through user research, I've learned that business owners and employees alike value fast, reliable access to expert advice to overcome specific business hurdles.

They both prefer a streamlined solution that fits into their busy schedules and provides personalized guidance from industry experts.

Problem Statement.
Refining the problem statement with all new findings.

Through user research, I've learned that business owners and employees alike value fast, reliable access to expert advice to overcome specific business hurdles.

They both prefer a streamlined solution that fits into their busy schedules and provides personalized guidance from industry experts.

Problem Statement.
Refining the problem statement with all new findings.

Through user research, I've learned that business owners and employees alike value fast, reliable access to expert advice to overcome specific business hurdles.

They both prefer a streamlined solution that fits into their busy schedules and provides personalized guidance from industry experts.

People starting a business, making a career change or being promoted need a way to find and contact experts, as these new positions raise many questions that often cannot be answered quickly without the advice of experienced experts

People starting a business, making a career change or being promoted need a way to find and contact experts, as these new positions raise many questions that often cannot be answered quickly without the advice of experienced experts

People starting a business, making a career change or being promoted need a way to find and contact experts, as these new positions raise many questions that often cannot be answered quickly without the advice of experienced experts

Define

User Personas.

The interviews also helped develop a good understanding of the target audience.

With the new insights gained from the user research, it was easy to create two user personas, Jack and Priyanka, which ideally represented the demographics, goals, and challenges of the target audience.

Define

User Personas.

The interviews also helped develop a good understanding of the target audience.

With the new insights gained from the user research, it was easy to create two user personas, Jack and Priyanka, which ideally represented the demographics, goals, and challenges of the target audience.

Define

User Personas.

The interviews also helped develop a good understanding of the target audience.

With the new insights gained from the user research, it was easy to create two user personas, Jack and Priyanka, which ideally represented the demographics, goals, and challenges of the target audience.

USER PERSONA

Zoè

"The Overarchiver"

USER PERSONA

Zoè

"The Overarchiver"

USER PERSONA

Zoè

"The Overarchiver"

USER PERSONA

Tiago

“The Entrepreneur”

USER PERSONA

Tiago

“The Entrepreneur”

USER PERSONA

Tiago

“The Entrepreneur”

User Journeys & User Flows.

User journeys help visually represent the end-to-end experience of users when interacting with a product.

They are also a great tool to understand user needs, pain points, and emotions at every touchpoint and help identifying opportunities for improvement and design solutions that improve the overall user experience.

User Journeys & User Flows.

User journeys help visually represent the end-to-end experience of users when interacting with a product.

They are also a great tool to understand user needs, pain points, and emotions at every touchpoint and help identifying opportunities for improvement and design solutions that improve the overall user experience.

User Journeys & User Flows.

User journeys help visually represent the end-to-end experience of users when interacting with a product.

They are also a great tool to understand user needs, pain points, and emotions at every touchpoint and help identifying opportunities for improvement and design solutions that improve the overall user experience.

Scenario 1

Find an expert and save him or her to your favorites.

Scenario 1

Find an expert and save him or her to your favorites.

Scenario 1

Find an expert and save him or her to your favorites.

Scenario 2

Select a previously saved expert to create and send a booking request.

Scenario 2

Select a previously saved expert to create and send a booking request.

Scenario 2

Select a previously saved expert to create and send a booking request.

Features.
Defining the main features

Using previous research, created user personalities and user processes, three main functions of the app were identified.

Features.
Defining the main features

Using previous research, created user personalities and user processes, three main functions of the app were identified.

Features.
Defining the main features

Using previous research, created user personalities and user processes, three main functions of the app were identified.

Feature 1

Find Experts

Users can find various experts within curated categories or through a search by entering topics.

Feature 1

Find Experts

Users can find various experts within curated categories or through a search by entering topics.

Feature 1

Find Experts

Users can find various experts within curated categories or through a search by entering topics.

Feature 2

Booking Request

Users can send quick booking requests with 15-minute time slots for instant consultations and detailed information about the problem that needs to be solved to a selected expert. 

Feature 2

Booking Request

Users can send quick booking requests with 15-minute time slots for instant consultations and detailed information about the problem that needs to be solved to a selected expert. 

Feature 2

Booking Request

Users can send quick booking requests with 15-minute time slots for instant consultations and detailed information about the problem that needs to be solved to a selected expert. 

Feature 3

Favorites

Users can add experts to their favorites and access previously saved experts.

Feature 3

Favorites

Users can add experts to their favorites and access previously saved experts.

Feature 3

Favorites

Users can add experts to their favorites and access previously saved experts.

Sitemap.

Before outlining individual functions, the information architecture of the app was defined using a sitemap that was tailored to the user flows.

Sitemap.

Before outlining individual functions, the information architecture of the app was defined using a sitemap that was tailored to the user flows.

Sitemap.

Before outlining individual functions, the information architecture of the app was defined using a sitemap that was tailored to the user flows.

Card Sort.
Testing the information architecture with real users

To test the sitemap structure, a hybrid Card sort was performed using OptimalSort.

Users sorted 13 maps into 5 categories, with the option to create new categories if needed.

Card Sort.

To test the sitemap structure, a hybrid Card sort was performed using OptimalSort.

Users sorted 13 maps into 5 categories, with the option to create new categories if needed.

Card Sort.
Testing the information architecture with real users

To test the sitemap structure, a hybrid Card sort was performed using OptimalSort.

Users sorted 13 maps into 5 categories, with the option to create new categories if needed.

Key findings from the Card Sort

Key findings from the Card Sort

Key findings from the Card Sort

Refined Sitemap.
That's what the card sort pointed out

The card sort showed that the information architecture was on the right track.

Therefore, only minor adjustments were made to the sitemap.

Refined Sitemap.

The card sort showed that the information architecture was on the right track.

Therefore, only minor adjustments were made to the sitemap.

Refined Sitemap.
That's what the card sort pointed out

The card sort showed that the information architecture was on the right track.

Therefore, only minor adjustments were made to the sitemap.

Develop

Low-Fidelity Wireframes & First Prototype.

After revising the sitemap, the most important screens were sketched.

Develop

Low-Fidelity Wireframes & First Prototype.

After revising the sitemap, the most important screens were sketched.

Develop

Low-Fidelity Wireframes & First Prototype.

After revising the sitemap, the most important screens were sketched.

Usability Testing.

The usability test took place in form of moderated in-person usability tests.

Findings identified in the usability test were examined and prioritized according to severity. 

Usability Testing.

The usability test took place in form of moderated in-person usability tests.

Findings identified in the usability test were examined and prioritized according to severity. 

Usability Testing.

The usability test took place in form of moderated in-person usability tests.

Findings identified in the usability test were examined and prioritized according to severity. 

Findings.
The top 3 results of user testing and analysis

Findings.
The top 3 results of user testing and analysis

Findings.
The top 3 results of user testing and analysis

Finding 1

low severity

Users couldn’t find the CTA to finish the Sign Up

Finding 1

low severity

Users couldn’t find the CTA to finish the Sign Up

Finding 1

low severity

Users couldn’t find the CTA to finish the Sign Up

Finding 2

medium severity

Users expected that clicking the box would open the next step in the booking process

Finding 2

medium severity

Users expected that clicking the box would open the next step in the booking process

Finding 2

medium severity

Users expected that clicking the box would open the next step in the booking process

Finding 3

high severity

Users expected a deadline field to define by when a response is needed

Finding 3

high severity

Users expected a deadline field to define by when a response is needed

Finding 3

high severity

Users expected a deadline field to define by when a response is needed

Features 2.0.
Rethinking the main features

Based on insights from the card sort, conducted interviews and the usability tests, I’ve made adjustments to the initial features planned for the first iteration of “Advice”.

Specifically, the "Favorites" feature was replaced with a new feature called "Shortcuts" to better align with user preferences and behaviors.

Features 2.0.
Rethinking the main features

Based on insights from the card sort, conducted interviews and the usability tests, I’ve made adjustments to the initial features planned for the first iteration of “Advice”.

Specifically, the "Favorites" feature was replaced with a new feature called "Shortcuts" to better align with user preferences and behaviors.

Features 2.0.
Rethinking the main features

Based on insights from the card sort, conducted interviews and the usability tests, I’ve made adjustments to the initial features planned for the first iteration of “Advice”.

Specifically, the "Favorites" feature was replaced with a new feature called "Shortcuts" to better align with user preferences and behaviors.

Feature 1

Find Experts

Users can find various experts within curated categories or through a search by entering topics.

Feature 1

Find Experts

Users can find various experts within curated categories or through a search by entering topics.

Feature 1

Find Experts

Users can find various experts within curated categories or through a search by entering topics.

Feature 2

Booking Request

Users can send quick booking requests with 15-minute time slots for instant consultations and detailed information about the problem that needs to be solved to a selected expert. 

Feature 2

Booking Request

Users can send quick booking requests with 15-minute time slots for instant consultations and detailed information about the problem that needs to be solved to a selected expert. 

Feature 2

Booking Request

Users can send quick booking requests with 15-minute time slots for instant consultations and detailed information about the problem that needs to be solved to a selected expert. 

Feature 3

New

Shortcut

Instead of selecting individual experts, users can choose to post open booking requests, which will be shown to all relevant and available experts so that if they are interested, they can react immediately and apply.

Feature 3

New

Shortcut

Instead of selecting individual experts, users can choose to post open booking requests, which will be shown to all relevant and available experts so that if they are interested, they can react immediately and apply.

Feature 3

New

Shortcut

Instead of selecting individual experts, users can choose to post open booking requests, which will be shown to all relevant and available experts so that if they are interested, they can react immediately and apply.

Why do we adjust the main functions?

Why do we adjust the main functions?

Why do we adjust the main functions?

Deliver

High Fidelity Wireframes & Prototypes.

Based on the user tests and the corresponding user testing analysis, the high-fidelity wireframes could be implemented.

The UI design uses some elements of Google's Material Design and other customized elements, which were also developed as part of a own corporate design and UI style guide.

Deliver

High Fidelity Wireframes & Prototypes.

Based on the user tests and the corresponding user testing analysis, the high-fidelity wireframes could be implemented.

The UI design uses some elements of Google's Material Design and other customized elements, which were also developed as part of a own corporate design and UI style guide.

Deliver

High Fidelity Wireframes & Prototypes.

Based on the user tests and the corresponding user testing analysis, the high-fidelity wireframes could be implemented.

The UI design uses some elements of Google's Material Design and other customized elements, which were also developed as part of a own corporate design and UI style guide.

Sign Up or Log In.

Users can sign up via email or Google and also have the option to reset their password if they have forgotten it.

Sign Up or Log In.

Users can sign up via email or Google and also have the option to reset their password if they have forgotten it.

Sign Up or Log In.

Users can sign up via email or Google and also have the option to reset their password if they have forgotten it.

Find Experts.

Users can identify relevant Experts using the search function or using tags and categories. They can then view the Expert's profile and add him or her to their favorites.

Find Experts.

Users can identify relevant Experts using the search function or using tags and categories. They can then view the Expert's profile and add him or her to their favorites.

Find Experts.

Users can identify relevant Experts using the search function or using tags and categories. They can then view the Expert's profile and add him or her to their favorites.

Booking Request.

Users create a Booking Request by providing information about their problem and availability and authorizing payment.

Booking Request.

Users create a Booking Request by providing information about their problem and availability and authorizing payment.

Booking Request.

Users create a Booking Request by providing information about their problem and availability and authorizing payment.

Shortcut.

Users publish a shortcut, which is shown to all relevant and available experts so that they can respond immediately if they are interested, so that Users receive faster answers to their problems.

Shortcut.

Users publish a shortcut, which is shown to all relevant and available experts so that they can respond immediately if they are interested, so that Users receive faster answers to their problems.

Shortcut.

Users publish a shortcut, which is shown to all relevant and available experts so that they can respond immediately if they are interested, so that Users receive faster answers to their problems.

Looking Back

Reflection.

My initial goal was to create an app that would bring a sense of fun and engagement to the typically dry field of consulting, making it enjoyable for users to seek advice.

The assumption that founders would be the main target group was confirmed through user interviews, but it also became evident that individuals facing career changes or other professional challenges have a significant need for advice as well.

Looking Back

Reflection.

My initial goal was to create an app that would bring a sense of fun and engagement to the typically dry field of consulting, making it enjoyable for users to seek advice.

The assumption that founders would be the main target group was confirmed through user interviews, but it also became evident that individuals facing career changes or other professional challenges have a significant need for advice as well.

Looking Back

Reflection.

My initial goal was to create an app that would bring a sense of fun and engagement to the typically dry field of consulting, making it enjoyable for users to seek advice.

The assumption that founders would be the main target group was confirmed through user interviews, but it also became evident that individuals facing career changes or other professional challenges have a significant need for advice as well.

Challenges and Solutions

One of the biggest challenges was accommodating the wide range of topics without making the app feel cluttered.

To address this, I developed a color-coded system to visually differentiate the topics while keeping the rest of the user interface simple and clean, minimizing distractions from images, effects, and graphics.

Challenges and Solutions

One of the biggest challenges was accommodating the wide range of topics without making the app feel cluttered.

To address this, I developed a color-coded system to visually differentiate the topics while keeping the rest of the user interface simple and clean, minimizing distractions from images, effects, and graphics.

Challenges and Solutions

One of the biggest challenges was accommodating the wide range of topics without making the app feel cluttered.

To address this, I developed a color-coded system to visually differentiate the topics while keeping the rest of the user interface simple and clean, minimizing distractions from images, effects, and graphics.

User Engagement

Conducting user interviews and tests was highly rewarding.

The process revealed a genuine enthusiasm from users, who felt that the app could effectively address and solve significant issues. Their feedback was instrumental in refining the app’s functionality and design.

User Engagement

Conducting user interviews and tests was highly rewarding.

The process revealed a genuine enthusiasm from users, who felt that the app could effectively address and solve significant issues. Their feedback was instrumental in refining the app’s functionality and design.

User Engagement

Conducting user interviews and tests was highly rewarding.

The process revealed a genuine enthusiasm from users, who felt that the app could effectively address and solve significant issues. Their feedback was instrumental in refining the app’s functionality and design.

Current Status and Future Steps

I am satisfied with the app’s current state but must emphasize the importance of ongoing testing with real users.

Continuous development and adaptation are crucial in the technology sector, where applications can quickly become obsolete.

Regularly questioning the status quo and being open to reinvention will help maintain the app's relevance and effectiveness.

Current Status and Future Steps

I am satisfied with the app’s current state but must emphasize the importance of ongoing testing with real users.

Continuous development and adaptation are crucial in the technology sector, where applications can quickly become obsolete.

Regularly questioning the status quo and being open to reinvention will help maintain the app's relevance and effectiveness.

Current Status and Future Steps

I am satisfied with the app’s current state but must emphasize the importance of ongoing testing with real users.

Continuous development and adaptation are crucial in the technology sector, where applications can quickly become obsolete.

Regularly questioning the status quo and being open to reinvention will help maintain the app's relevance and effectiveness.

Contact.
I’m only one click away

Let's find out how we can work together to develop user-centric products that people love.

Available for work

Contact.
I’m only one click away

Let's find out how we can work together to develop user-centric products that people love.

Available for work

Contact.
I’m only one click away

Let's find out how we can work together to develop user-centric products that people love.

Available for work

© Copyright Marco Sebald

2024

© Copyright Marco Sebald

2024

© Copyright Marco Sebald

2024