TIMELINE
2 Months, Portfolio Project
RESPONSIBILITIES
UX Research
UX/UI Mobile Design
DISCIPLINES
User Research, Ideation,
User experience strategy, Prototyping
TOOLS
Figma, Framer,Illustrator,Procreate
WHAT'S THE PROBLEM !
Struggling to say 'no'? That can be a challenge in a professional setting.
Freelancers often encounter unique challenges when collaborating with clients, particularly in areas that affect communication, clarity, and time management. Communication gaps can arise when freelancers struggle to articulate their design ideas effectively, especially if clients are unfamiliar with design concepts. Additionally, project ambiguity due to unclear briefs can result in misunderstandings, requiring freelancers to spend extra time clarifying expectations and objectives, while frequent revisions consume valuable time, impacting productivity and project timelines.
“I have difficulty in communicating and articulating my ideas with clients.”
“Sometimes client doesn’t provide clear project briefs”
“At times, we need to educate the client"!
“Corrections take up most of my time”
Freelancers who work in creative fields, struggle with effective communication with clients. Implementing a collaborative platform with transparency features, to their task completion apps, by providing effective communication aids, would help both parties to work in a proactive workspace.
HOW'S THIS A PROBLEM ?
• Meeting client expectations 🤼🏼
When client expectations are unclear or constantly changing, freelancers face setbacks like extended timelines, overworked hours, and reduced focus on other tasks.
• Conversational void 🤔💭
Gaps in communication, or conversational voids, between a client and freelancer poses challenges for collaboration, leading to confusion and unclear objectives. These challenges can lead to delays, increased rework, and a loss of trust, ultimately impacting the project's timely execution and quality.
• Unacknowledged effort 🔇
A lack of motivation can significantly impact freelancers' productivity in collaborative work by reducing engagement and enthusiasm. Freelancers can face a lack of motivation due to various factors. Overlooking successes and the lessons they offer, leading to missed growth opportunities.
DESIGN DIRECTION
Most freelancers use Google Workspace for easier communication with clients, as it offers a seamless suite of collaborative tools that enhance real-time collaboration, file sharing, and project management. Considering “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush,” principle, the approach make use of existing google workspace and adding a the collaborative feature to it.
THE PROCESS
FINDING THE OPPORTUNITY
Why does people like freelancing?
Interview insights suggest that freelancers like the their working style since they can be their own boss and are in control of their work. They appreciate the flexibility that comes with their job since it gives them the freedom to structure their routine. Freelancers like the creative freedom since they can create and work in their own style.
Let’s explore the motivations and goals of the users.
Here lies the opportunity to build on something that’s already existing!
Presenting a collaborative feature to the google workspace, that aligns with it’s existing structure.
INTRODUCING COLLAB-PRO (drum rolls)
introducing screens like ad, with feature statements.
Existing g chat screens
wireframes pic
FEATURES
Milestone tracker - Accomodate and Educate
Milestone tracker is a simplified version of the informal project brief discussed between freelancer and the client to ensure transparency in project progress.
A wizard flow from ‘get started’ action in the welcoming screen leads user to set milestones in the ‘task’ tab.
Beyond Feedback - Helpful prompts
“Every human being is entitled to courtesy and consideration.Constructive criticism is not only to be expected but sought.”
- Margaret Chase Smith (1972).
•Giving helpful prompts, smart replies structuring conversations for building stronger Freelancer-Client Connections
•Specificity,objectivity,action-ability.
•Actionable suggestions.
‘Wrapped up space journey’- Don’t keep quiet about it!
This feature aims at celebrating and getting insightful about efforts.
Appreciate your clients for their collaboration, their trust, and their success.
By celebrating and acknowledging your clients, you can strengthen your relationship, enhance your reputation, and create repeat customers.
THE P.O.V POWER!
HMM..DOES IT SOLVE?
The overall impact of the project was positive. Nevertheless, there were tons of learning and a lot of areas to improve upon.
LEARNINGS
After completing this case study for my Portfolio, I reflected on how much stronger I have become as a designer. I tried to make my designs more consistent and structured. Additionally, I practiced prototyping on how users would realistically click certain buttons and anticipate their interactions. However, I believe the most significant growth for me was in my design thinking. I now approach design with a stronger focus on finding details for improvement and incorporating more UX thinking before diving into designs. I eagerly anticipate the next project I undertake!
A UX case study focused on optimizing Google -workspace’s collaboration and communication features for the unique needs of freelancers.
This case study aims to design a user-friendly collaboration feature in the existing google workspace to ensure transparency in communication for freelancers and their clients, and to provide a proactive workspace for both parties.
Category:
Google chat feature Design
Client:
Duration:
.
Collaborate with no Confusion, Just Creation! : a ux case study on ‘collaboration and communication feature for freelancers’
This case study aims to create a proactive work environment for creative freelancers and clients by enhancing effective communication.
TIMELINE:
ROLE:
Understanding Productivity
To address user challenges in productivity, the preliminary research started with an exploration of the concept of productivity.This included researching its history, impact on human behaviour, and the various methods people use to stay productive, all aimed at improving user decision-making and design thinking. Additionally, market trends were analysed to align these insights with business objectives, guiding the wise use of resources, better product development, effective marketing strategies, and overall performance improvement.
Understanding Freelancers
My vision is to set new standards in web design by embracing cutting-edge technologies and design trends. I am committed to pushing the boundaries of creativity to ensure that each project I undertake reflects the latest industry innovations.