Wunder-
Carpool App
The WunderCarpool App helps companies enable employees to organize shared rides to work, promoting cost savings, reduced carbon footprints, and a stronger sense of workplace community.
Case study: Verifying carpools to issue parking tickets
The Challenge
Companies aim to provide benefits exclusively to those who have earned them.
Carpooling and parking go hand-in-hand. Reserved parking spaces serve as a strong incentive for employees to carpool.
More carpools = Less cars on the lots = Less parking costs
Companies need to ensure that only genuine carpoolers receive these incentives.
Client
Companies
Companies with more than 500 employees. Motivated by a desire to reduce carbon footprints and foster a stronger sense of workplace community.
End Users
Drivers & Passengers
Colleagues looking to organize shared rides to work and secure better parking options.
Challenges & Constraints
How can we ensure companies have high confidence in the validity of carpools while seamlessly integrating with users' daily commutes?
User’s Friction (Funnel Drop-offs)
Existing Usability Problems
Technology and Cross-Platform
Scope (Quick Win)
User Research
What’s the best way to verify a carpool?
Findings
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Drivers require more detailed explanations than passengers to verify carpool.
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The parking ticket reward was unclear.
Outcome
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The QR Code version performed better due to its simplicity and familiarity for users.
Role & Responsibilities
Product Design & User Research
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Conduct user research
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Perform competitive analysis
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Facilitate workshops (Design Sprint) and refine ideas
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Develop concepts and design solutions
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Conduct user testing
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Define events and analyze data
Team: 1 Head of Product, 1 Product Owner, 3 Back-End Devs, 2 iOS Devs, 2 Android Devs, 1 Data Analyst, 1 Product Designer
Context
Premises
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The driver has an organized carpool with passengers.
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A parking spot is reserved for the driver.
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The driver must confirm a passenger to verify the carpool and receive the parking ticket.
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The driver is about to begin the ride.
Users
How do we address the user’s needs and their context?
Cons
Requires microphone access
Limited by technology constraints (use cases)
Multiple friction points causing drop-offs
Costly and requires significant team effort
Pros
Difficult to fake or bypass
Enhances system reliability
Provides a "wow" factor
Engaging and enjoyable to use
Design explorations
2. “Magic Code” (PIN)
The driver presents a code or PIN to the passenger as part of the carpool verification process. This code or PIN is displayed on the driver's app, and the passenger is required to enter it into their own device to confirm the carpool arrangement.
The process helps to authenticate the carpool efficiently, providing a straightforward and secure way to confirm the carpool.
Cons
Could be easy to fake or bypass
Potentially tedious for drivers
Pros
Simple to understand
Familiar and intuitive pattern
Cost-effective
Engaging and enjoyable to use
Design explorations
3. QR code
The driver scans a QR code provided by the passenger to verify the carpool. This process involves the passenger displaying a unique QR code on their mobile device. The driver uses their smartphone to read the QR code, which then verifies the passenger's identity and confirms their participation in the carpool.
This method streamlines the verification process by quickly and accurately linking the driver and passenger, ensuring that the carpool arrangement is legitimate and both parties are correctly authenticated.
Cons
Requires microphone access
Needs an internet connection to generate QR
Scanning may take some time
Pros
Simple to use and understand
Difficult to fake or bypass
Fewer steps involved
Unique and trackable QR codes
Cost-effective
Learnings
Test, learn, iterate, and learn again.
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Business decisions directly impact the user experience.
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Proper problem framing is crucial.
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Validating assumptions early is essential.
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Team refinement sessions are invaluable.
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A B2B model complicates access to end-users.
Data Analysis
Success metrics and outcomes
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Task Success Rate
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Time on Task
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User Satisfaction
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Ease of Use
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User Engagement
User Satisfaction, Ease of Use, Engagement
100%
Task Success Rate
~10 sec
Time on Task
The QR code concept excelled in several key areas: it achieved a higher task success rate, reduced time on task, and enhanced user satisfaction. It was also noted for its ease of use and proved to be the most cost-effective option for the team.
Reflection
What would I change in retrospect?
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Explore other technologies like NFC (Near Field Communication).
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Clarify business goals and success metrics before start exploring.
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Develop better reward systems for users.
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Declutter current UI and simplify flows while addressing existing usability issues in the app.
Design explorations
1. Ultrasound
Driver and Passenger use ultrasound technology to verify carpool.
The technology ensures accurate and secure verification by detecting and confirming the proximity and identity of both individuals, providing a reliable method to authenticate the carpool without the need for manual checks.
