Wayne Metropolitan
Recognizing the critical role of digital tools in proving aid to underserved communities, our design team at the Apple Developer Academy embarked on an internal project to transform the Wayne Metro’s user interface and information architecture. Through a Lean UX approach, we aimed to address key usability and accessibility challenges identified in the existing app.
Timeline
October - November 2023
Skills
User Research
Interaction Design
Lean UX
Project Overview
Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency is a non-profit based out of Detroit, Michigan. It is committed to enhancing the livelihoods of its community by providing support and opportunities for individuals to reach their fullest potential. Our team developed a comprehensive design system and appropriate documentation, laying a foundation for Wayne Metro to integrate these improvements into their long-term initiatives. This redesign not only elevates the user experience but also aligns with the non-profit's mission to empower its community towards upward mobility with accessible and effective digital tools.
The Problem
Wayne Metro has significantly impacted numerous households across the Wayne Metro area through its wide array of programs and services. However, the current application falls short in usability and does not fully address the diverse needs of its users, particularly because its focus is primarily school-related. To truly serve the entire community, the application must be redesigned to be more user-friendly and to comprehensively include all services offered by WayneMetro.
Solution
Our core objective centers around dramatically enhancing the navigational experience within the Wayne Metro app, facilitating seamless access to the agency’s diverse programs and services. This is primarily due to the crucial role that efficient digital navigation plays in empowering users, enabling them to effortlessly explore and leverage the resources available to them.
Identifying User Pain Points
In order to understand why users were having similar concerns about the concurrent app, we conducted interviews and asked the following questions to users:
- How have your previous interactions with the app prevented you from using it?
- Can you describe a specific instance where the app did not meet your expectations or needs, and how that impacted your task or goal at the time?
- What features or functionalities do you feel are missing or underperforming in the app, and how would their improvement or inclusion enhance your experience?
User Persona
Claudia Ramirez
Wayne County Resident
“I had just been released from the hospital after receiving cancer treatments, and to find standing water in my home was overwhelming. After I notified the Agency and explained my problem, their staff jumped right in to help me resolve the issue.
I lost my job, and I needed urgent help, but I could not find any assistance information on the app.”
Frustrations
- Finding out whether her household qualifies for assistance
- Determining what service would best suit her needs
Goals
- Receive assistance for plumbing issues at home
- Recover from her health ailments
- Start working again
- Get her life back on track
Value Proposition Canvas
How can we best deliver a product to users that not only addresses their needs but also delivers a seamless navigational experience.
Card Sorting
We asked users to engage in a card sorting exercise, inviting them to categorize cards according to what they associated through their intuition.
