SpotFeed

What is SpotFeed?

SpotFeed is an app for Skateboarders, Videographers, and Photographers that allows them to map, document, research, and share skateboard spots in order to improve organization, time management, and communication. 

The Problem?

There is no fully functional app that is directly dedicated to skateboarders and filmers/photographers to help them to map, find, document, and research skateboard spots.

How can I create an app that is functional and easy to use for skateboarders, videographers, and photographers while still aligning with their needs and goals?

Research

Directed Storytelling Interviews

In order to effectively answer my question, I had to first remove my own bias and reached out to four Established videographers and photographers.  Christian Spraungel, a talented videographer with a mean kickflip, Dan Rusin, skateboard guru, Highly published photographer Trevor Slattery and local filming legend, Shane Brown.  These four individuals sat down with me for a directed storytelling interview to better understand their process and approach with skateboarding and finding spots. 

Through these interviews,  5 key values were commonly identified between all users including time management, organization, communication, privacy, and knowledge/research. Pain points were found relating to a lack of usable apps, difficulties in research, cataloging and sharing spots.

User Goal Statement

Based on the storytelling interview findings, a user goal statement was crafted and is as follows:

Competitive Analysis

Three competitor apps and websites were identified during the directed storytelling interviews. They were then analyzed to gain a better understanding of what would make a skateboard app successful.

In general, the existing sites were easy to use and had a simple design, but lacked relevant spot information, modern messaging features, and a reliable map.

Prototyping

AI Diagram Version 1.0

After the competitive analysis, an initial AI Diagram was created to map out essential features and user flow. 

Prototyping and Usability Testing

With our AI Diagram as our map, a series of low fidelity prototypes were created and a usability test was conducted with skate experts and another UX designer to better understand what was and was not working.

Key findings from testing included that users found the app was intuitive, useful, and flowed well, but that the pages were crowded, lacked consistency and that the layout was conducive to current IOS trends. Missing features included an onboarding page, privacy settings, and links to outside resources. 

AI Diagram Version 2.0

Based on the research, the AI diagram was revised and a second version was created to fill in the missing gaps.

Onboarding Pages

To begin, onboarding feature pages were added to introduce the app and how it works for new users and set expectations, this concept came directly from the feedback provided in the usability testing.

Settings and Profile Pages

Settings and profile pages were created to add customizable features, privacy settings and reinforce the instructions.

Homepage

The homepage is very intuitive, it is easy to maneuver through the app and choose how to view spots in your area. It incorporates searches, lists, and map views with an option to easily communicate and share spots with other users.  The navigation bar at the bottom features easy-to-understand icons like the map view, favorite spots, messages, spots page, and account information.

Spot Pages

Spot pages are an essential feature of the app. Users are able to add spots with photos, location services, customizable sharing options, general spot notes, and trick notes. 

Chat Feature

An easy-to-use and navigate communication platform was created to promote better communication and time management with videographers, photographers, and skateboarders. Users are able to share spots in private groups or individual messages.