back to projects

designing

an app for digital nomads

About

A service designed for people who travel and work remotely, known as digital nomads, enables them to discover top coworking spaces and events, as well as to form professional and personal connections.
my role
researcherux designerui designer
18.1 million
Americans referred to themselves as digital nomads in 2024.
+ 147%
more full-time employees became digital nomads from 2019.
+ 11%
of the U.S. workforce are digital nomads.

The opportunity

problem

Digital nomads, embracing a lifestyle free from location constraints and frequently working while on the move, depend on a range of apps to aid their distinct circumstances, with their primary goal being to form connections, whether professional or personal.
challenge
How can we create a supportive community of people who work remotly?
main goal
Number of active users developing their contacts.
processprocessprocess

I implemented the six-step approach that I considered most suitable for this task.

01

research

market competition

discovery
There are just two platforms that offer various options for digital nomads, but they still lack some important features:
Nomadago - application and Nomad List - website.

Interviews conclusions

discovery
The main need of digital nomads is to establish connections, both professional and personal.
insight
The application should establish a community for remote workers, offering opportunities for improved collaboration, networking, emotional support, and the ability to find suitable workspaces irrespective of their location. This is directly tied to the desire for social interaction and a clear boundary between personal and professional life.
02

main goal

Selected approach

Creating a detailed storyboard – "AS IT IS" – that depicted a user scenario enabled me to visualise the situation that the user might encounter. This visualisation process not only allowed me to empathise with the user's journey, but also helped me generate solutions known as "How might we" questions, paving the way for effective problem-solving and product development.

selected approach

Creating a matrix allowed me to prioritize and organize the "How might we" ideas, enabling me to focus on the most promising solutions.
insight
The app needs to be a useful tool for finding remote work locations, but the approach used to define the main goal clearly shows that the primary metric the app should prioritize is the number of users growing their network of connections.

Selected approach

I have identified the user's "Job to be done" and the primary objective of the application—the North Star Metric. Furthermore, I have developed an issue tree, which helped outline the essential features the application should have initially, as well as those it may include in the future.
03

improving the idea

Selected approach

Drafting a GOAL storyboard helped me generate ideas for motivators to improve the overall application concept.

Selected approach

I used the Octalysis method and integrated motivators to enhance the app's appeal through gamification, a design approach that incorporates game elements into applications to leverage human motivation and drive behaviour change, ultimately boosting user engagement.
04

shaping the idea

Wireframes and breadboard

I developed the idea by creating breadboard and wireframe sketches, aiming to take into account every design aspect of the app.
05

Final Design

font
General sans
variants
Bold, semibold, medium, regular, light

typography and colors

AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHh
black
#171717
dark grey
#434343
grey
‍#B3B3B3
white
‍#FF
red
‍#CE3535
yellow
‍#EDAF10
blue
‍#4F8BFF

how might we improve the search for places that suit the user?

The home screen includes lists of nearby coworking spaces and events, as well as recommended contacts based on the user's current location.
search screens
The app revolves around three primary features: locating coworking spaces, events, and contacts. Users can easily search for nearby coworking spaces to work from, discover upcoming events to connect with other professionals, and find and save contacts within the app. To make the search process even more user-friendly, each of these categories is color-coded, simplifying and enhancing the overall experience.

How might we enable users to consciously select the essential amenities in their workspace?

Based on data collected from user interviews, the selection of a coworking space is influenced by its proximity to the user's residence, recommendations from other users, and the availability of essential amenities. The screen displays all the necessary information to streamline and expedite the decision-making process.
booking benefits
The user selects the desk type, date, and time to finalize the coworking place reservation. After completing the reservation, they earn redeemable points that can be traded for rewards such as free coffee or a desk.

How might we make it easier for users to join events and meet new contacts?

The event registration process is straightforward. Users receive recommendations for nearby events or can search for events and easily register within the app.
Registering for the event has its perks
Similar to reserving a coworking space, users receive loyalty points for signing up for an event.

How might we help the user expand her/his professional network?

Considering the findings from the extensive research conducted and the established North Star Metric for the entire application, the "Connect" screen has been meticulously designed to include four tabs, each serving a distinct purpose: Connect, Converse, Cooperate, and Contact. This design enables users not only to establish both personal and professional contacts, but also to seamlessly collaborate with other users and actively engage with the vibrant community of digital nomads, thereby enriching their overall experience.
insight
Being part of a thriving digital nomad community enables individuals to connect and collaborate with like-minded professionals from diverse backgrounds, fostering creativity and knowledge sharing. The community provides a valuable platform for networking, connecting with potential customers, partners, and even forming lasting friendships. Being surrounded by other digital nomads who understand the unique challenges and opportunities of this lifestyle offers emotional support and a sense of belonging.

login and creating a profile

User creates a profile by adding personal information, but also attaching CV and portfolio.
motivating the user
By collecting points, users can receive rewards that fulfill their desire for achievement and help them attain higher ranks, which strengthens their position. These solutions are designed to enhance users' motivation to interact with the app on a daily basis.
06

Prototype

prototype test

I've prepared the assignment for the users, which included reserving a coworking space. The MAZE tool helped me to generate a visual report from the test, providing valuable feedback for potential improvements.
Testers followed the flow path I envisioned, leading me to believe that the app will address all user needs.

what have i learned?

This project taught me the significant importance of thoroughly understanding user needs and how they interact with digital products. Creating the user interface was not only a pleasure but also a remarkable opportunity for in-depth learning and personal growth. The entire process made me appreciate the delicate balance between functionality and aesthetics, making it one of my favourite projects to date. It allowed me to explore innovative design solutions while ensuring the end-user experience was engaging and intuitive.
back to projects
contact

get in touch

Send me a message. I am currently seeking new professional opportunities in the field of recruitment.

© 2024 Aleksandra Dobrzańska. All right reserved.