digs.
web design | mobile design | experience design
In an age where tech is increasingly leveraged to streamline day-to-day activities, this project aims to apply that notion to the simple act of home control and access.
Timeline
My Role
Individual project completed during Carnegie Mellon University’s Product Design Innovation certificate
The Challenge
introducing tech to coming home
Whereas traditionally one might rely on physical keys to unlock a door, this project proposes using a mobile app paired with a proprietary smart doorlock to revolutionize home access. Learning from other less-successful home control applications, DIGS aims to distinguish itself by being more user-friendly, visually appealing, and efficient.
The Concept
TWO PARTS MAKE A WHOLE
DIGS consists of two parts: a mobile application and a smart lock. The mobile application allows for the user to view and control their door locks, as well admit guests into their home. The door lock is bluetooth enabled and also has a keypad in order to allow for residents to access their home both with and without their phone. The door lock also has a sleek, contemporary look as a way to emphasize the distinction with which it aims to make the process of coming home.
The Design System
Atomic design approach
In order to allow for scaling and building out future features, this project takes on an atomic design approach, starting with components that can be combined in different ways across the design system. The buttons and icons are all designed specifically for use in this app with the goal to maximize clarity and efficient use.
ICONS
TEXT STYLES
User Research
Learning from precedents
DIGS learns from an existing home control app. Through interviews with its users, the competing app had proven to have many shortcomings in its mobile UI design, the hardware’s ability to connect to cell phones, and the way the app mediates the relationship between units and building management. Interviews of users of this service were conducted to better understand opportunities for improvement.
Prototyping and Feedback
making design decisions
Conducting user research led to the creation of preliminary designs. For the overall structure of the application, I considered a home screen widget, an application with little hierarchy and several swipe screens, and a hamburger menu. As I developed these initial screens, I showed them to my user group and received comments such regarding the hierarchy or order of buttons on the screen.
Final Design
Capturing Audiences and Staying Competitive
Ultimately, the home page screen features a section where users can add their favorite doors, as well as a section that allows users to share their door code. There is a static menu at the bottom of the screen that allows users to complete any door-related tasks as quickly as possible. Also included in the design is an animated “Door Unlocking” button which allows the user a visual understanding of how long their door is open for.
HOMESCREEN
MY DOORS
MY GUESTS
MY ENTRIES
Reflection
LOOKING FORWARD
After thorough research, analysis, and prototyping, I have developed a service that allows users to efficiently come home using only their cellphone. Learning from the recommendations about security, efficiency, aesthetics, and accessibility, I was able to produce a final design that builds upon an existing service but ultimately learns from its shortcomings and improves it.
Through the interviews and shadowing exercises, I was able to map out the channels and identify touchpoints that users find unsuccessful.
During the mockup and prototyping phase, I experimented with different user journeys within the mobile applications and the opportunities they offer. By speaking with potential users during this process, I was able to conclude what would be the best possible design. Finally, I refined the interaction and visual designs in Figma and created a rendering of the door hardware.
By following this thorough and methodical process, I believe that I have arrived at the best possible design of Digs, the smart lock service.