Create anything
“UI is the saddle, the stirrups and the reigns. UX is the feeling you get being able to ride the horse, and rope your cattle.” ~Dain Miller
Bringing New Hartford to Your Fingertips: The Companion App
For ICM517, I was tasked to develop a new app for the Town of New Hartford. Within this process, I developed a new Information Architecture, conducted user interviews, drew wireframes, and finally created a high-fidelity prototype.
SPARC App: The Go-to Place to Support a locally owned aanhpi business
Problem: AAPI-owned businesses often struggle with gaining an online presence. Businesses often get overlooked and underrepresented in mainstream media which can make it difficult for supporters to find these businesses and reach potential customers.
SPARC’s Mission:
To provide a comprehensive directory of Asian and Asian American-owned businesses and resources in the U.S.
My Goal:
To develop a potential mobile app that could make finding these businesses quick and easy!
Action: Conducting User Interviews, Competitive Research, Affinity Maps & more!
In order to find out the purpose of this app and what it could look like, I conducted 10+ User Interviews, finding three key insights as to what consumers are most interested in (Convenience, Community, and a Desire to Support).
Result: A High-Fidelity wireframe of the SPARC app!
After constructing my user flow, it was finally time to begin sketching out my wireframes. My concept for this application was to focus primarily on the directory aspect. I needed to make finding a small-owned business easy and accessible. My secondary goal was to add a social construct by adding features such as favoriting, sharing, and liking your friends’ recently visited/want to visit businesses. Although it is a simple prototype, I am confident in the features that this app brings and am currently working with a website developer on my team to bring this project to life!
Grow with Gao 