Portfolio
Sailing Software-as-a-Service
A web-based platform concept to help take the concept to a beta launch to help a sailboat skipper plan a sail with their crew members and charted course.
Challenge
The client aimed to develop a web-based platform enabling sailboat skippers to efficiently create and share detailed float plans. Essential features included logging departure and return times, crew manifests, emergency contacts, and plotting GPS waypoints using an interactive map. The primary challenge was to design an intuitive interface that streamlined this process, ensuring ease of use for skippers with varying levels of technical proficiency.
Solution
To address the challenge, we implemented a comprehensive design approach:
- Interactive Strategy: We conducted research to understand the specific needs and pain points of sailboat skippers. This informed the creation of user personas and scenarios, guiding the overall design strategy.
- Information Architecture: We structured the platform's content to facilitate quick access to essential features. The architecture prioritized the float plan creation process, ensuring users could easily input and retrieve information.
- Journey Mapping: By mapping the user journey, we identified key touchpoints and potential friction areas. This allowed us to optimize the user flow, reducing the steps required to complete a float plan.
- Rapid Prototyping: We developed interactive prototypes to visualize the platform's functionality. These prototypes were tested with target users, providing valuable feedback that informed iterative design improvements.
Deliverables
- Interactive Strategy: Detailed reports outlining user personas, scenarios, and strategic design decisions.
- Information Architecture: Concepts for illustrating the platform's structural layout.
- User Journey Maps: Visual representations of the user's interaction with the platform, highlighting opportunities for enhancement.
- Interactive Prototypes: Functional models demonstrating the platform's key features and user interface, including being desktop and mobile web-responsive.