Some names, numbers and elements have been changed or omitted for confidentiality.
Overview
A finder service typically involves simple search and option selection. But choices like location, privacy, and others can require modifications to the UI model.
While searching for a Psychologist (or lawyer or doctor) we naturally tend to have several preferences and biases around location, services, qualifications and work history. This requires an interface with multiple search filters
My Role
As the illustrator and UI designer on this project, I created the illustration styles, icons and the user interface – as well the UX & website architecture process.
Our Approach
A platform that solves this challenge would need to integrate different filters into a single area without overwhelming or clogging the user interface. We also use a playful illustration style that radiates friendliness and openness.
Some pain points identified
- Need: People need a psychologist, but do not know how/where to search
- Uncertainty: People need data on background, work etc before getting in touch
- Location: People need control over search radius
- Interface: People need an empathic platform. The style should not come across as ambiguous or intimidating
- Method: People need control over how the service is delivered be it in person, or virtually
- Agency: People need to give consent before being contacted
- Records: A database will optimize service delivery for both parties
A typical search process
Internet search has evolved significantly over the years. The concept of finding your result just by tapping a button has gone from a magical experience to a daily inconvenience that can be slow, complex or even frustrating to use. The specificity of desired results is on the rise, and failure to deliver on first try usually leads to high bounce rates
Can we bring back the magic?
Our goal here was recreating the magic of the early search experience. However, instead of trying to revert to a simple past, we created a model that embraced a rapidly evolving business and more diverse user base.
Some high-level goals for this:
- Make it fast, helpful and easy to use for everyone.
- Give users more control over their time and money.
- Create a platform for innovation and deeper engagement.
UX Design
Prioritization: Which features matter most at the moment?
We filtered our proposed solutions by comparing the levels of effort required against the levels of fulfilment and satisfaction
Where are you? Or rather, where do you prefer?
The user can limit their search results to a preferred Location from a list of Counties or Cities by using the location dropdown, which is the first primary filter.
How would you like the service delivered?
Every service provider has a “menu,” and you want to be sure that the folks that appear in your search results only provide the particular services you require. This is the second most important search criteria.
The primary solution is presented as a double search bar with a checklist option for location, and a radio button for services. This leaves us with the other search parameters such as academic history, work history etc
Are we asking the right questions?
This product comprised of two key actors: the client looking for a psychologist, and a psychologist offering services. Reviewing the primary criteria is necessary in order to create an experience that is distinct from what already exists. Three primary questions informed my design strategy:
- How do we design for everyone in the target demographic
- What contexts need to be considered?
- What is the perfect experience?
Adding a service
Multiple parameters like price, booking limit, duration, percentage increases had to be designed into the process. The psychologist also needs to edit the service without disrupting current appointments
Outcome
The handover phase of this project included 100+ custom illustrations, components and styles, all created and shipped in less than 2 months.
