Detroitr
Designing an app that supports small businesses in Detroit
Proof of concept
Mobile
User Research
Wireframing
Brand Design
Prototyping
Usability Testing
Figma
4 months
How might we help Detroit’s local businesses expand their reach and thrive post-pandemic?
The pandemic has left numerous businesses struggling and some have permanently closed. There are no apps or websites that promote the 50,000+ local businesses in Detroit. Therefore, fewer people are informed of what is out there. Reach plays a big role in sustaining these businesses and it is essential that they receive the support they need to thrive in a post-pandemic world.
Detroitr (pronounced “Detroiter”) is a mobile application that displays all the Detroit businesses so the public can be made aware of what’s out there and show their support by buying locally. Discover Detroit's local gems with Detroitr: shop small, support big!
The pandemic has left numerous businesses struggling and some have permanently closed. There are no apps or websites that promote the 50,000+ local businesses in Detroit. Therefore, fewer people are informed of what is out there. Reach plays a big role in sustaining these businesses and it is essential that they receive the support they need to thrive in a post-pandemic world.
Detroitr (pronounced “Detroiter”) is a mobile application that displays all the Detroit businesses so the public can be made aware of what’s out there and show their support by buying locally. Discover Detroit's local gems with Detroitr: shop small, support big!
THE PROBLEM
During the pandemic, small businesses have been hit the hardest. There is currently no platform that supports and informs people of the local shops available in Detroit.
During the pandemic, small businesses have been hit the hardest. There is currently no platform that supports and informs people of the local shops available in Detroit.
THE SOLUTION
Create a mobile app that showcases all the local businesses in Detroit ensuring a greater reach among people and encouraging them to support small businesses.
Create a mobile app that showcases all the local businesses in Detroit ensuring a greater reach among people and encouraging them to support small businesses.
I wanted to do a further investigation on similar apps to see what Detroitr could offer that the others could not.
To ensure that my mobile app aligned with the needs and preferences of my target audience, I conducted a thorough competitive analysis of similar apps.
Competitive Analysis
Yelp appeared to be the closest fit based on my criteria, although it lacked a specific feature to filter for local shopping. Additionally, Yelp's search results included both small and large businesses, which may have caused confusion for users seeking a more local experience. While Shop had some promising features, it fell short in that it did not offer user reviews of local shops nor any incentives to encourage local shopping. By contrast, my app will be specifically tailored to the city of Detroit and its local businesses, providing a unique and more targeted experience for users seeking to support their community.
Persona
I created two personas. A persona for a user who would be a frequent small business supporter. An antipersona for a user who has no interest to shop local. Marcy Hill is our primary persona and represents a small business supporter that Detroitr is hoping to build a positive experience for.
Storyboard
I created a storyboard to show a use case in which our persona, Marcy, has moved to Detroit seeking to support small businesses in Detroit. She is frustrated because there is no one-stop to find all the small businesses in the city. She then comes across Detroitr, which is able to locate shops and much more!
To ensure that my mobile app aligned with the needs and preferences of my target audience, I conducted a thorough competitive analysis of similar apps.
Competitive Analysis
Yelp appeared to be the closest fit based on my criteria, although it lacked a specific feature to filter for local shopping. Additionally, Yelp's search results included both small and large businesses, which may have caused confusion for users seeking a more local experience. While Shop had some promising features, it fell short in that it did not offer user reviews of local shops nor any incentives to encourage local shopping. By contrast, my app will be specifically tailored to the city of Detroit and its local businesses, providing a unique and more targeted experience for users seeking to support their community.
Persona
I created two personas. A persona for a user who would be a frequent small business supporter. An antipersona for a user who has no interest to shop local. Marcy Hill is our primary persona and represents a small business supporter that Detroitr is hoping to build a positive experience for.
Storyboard
I created a storyboard to show a use case in which our persona, Marcy, has moved to Detroit seeking to support small businesses in Detroit. She is frustrated because there is no one-stop to find all the small businesses in the city. She then comes across Detroitr, which is able to locate shops and much more!
Detroitr offers personalized content and promotions based on user interests, allowing them to discover local businesses, leave reviews, and access discounts.
Onboarding screens
Users will be introduced to features of the mobile app. The last screen gauges the users interests so they can see a personalized, content feed on their homepage.
Users will be introduced to features of the mobile app. The last screen gauges the users interests so they can see a personalized, content feed on their homepage.
Homepage + Search Page
The homepage displays a curated feed pertaining to the user’s interest. It features weekly promotions with discounts that can be used at the local businesses. The search page allows the user to look for any shop from the list of categories.
The homepage displays a curated feed pertaining to the user’s interest. It features weekly promotions with discounts that can be used at the local businesses. The search page allows the user to look for any shop from the list of categories.
Store page + Reviews
When clicking on the ‘Clothing’ category, a list of stores will populate. A user can see reviews and the detail page. From there, users have an option to leave a review and will be rewarded for points once it is submitted.
When clicking on the ‘Clothing’ category, a list of stores will populate. A user can see reviews and the detail page. From there, users have an option to leave a review and will be rewarded for points once it is submitted.