LEAN UX PHASE 2
Documentation (Group 6)
Submitted By
Mohit Shah
Rupesh Gaur
Aashiya
Goutham Yadav
Jinyung Park
1. Problem Statement:
Whenever there are unwanted or unused items at home, it becomes a real challenge for
consumers to dispose of them properly, safely, and sustainably. The current handling,
disposal of the equipment and furnishings, including leaving big items outside homes or
relying on existing second-hand market is ineffective and wasteful. Besides, these
approaches raise issues to personal privacy, cleanliness and safety when it comes to
contacting strangers or leaving exposed objects.
There are also people who could use these abandoned products, but for one reason or
the other cannot easily find each other to efficiently exchange these products. The
existence of the chasm between those people who longer need the items and those
who seek to find an application for them means that opportunities for reuse are passed
up, and a lot of litter is produced.
The difficulty is to come up with a system that enables households to dispose of goods
they no longer use or have no use for in a seamless manner while guaranteeing that
such goods whenever they are used again are done in a hygienically proper manner
and in a way that will not cause a lot of wastage.
2. Proto Persona
1. Donor: The user who donates the unwanted items to the needy people.
2. Recipient: The user who collects the unwanted or thrown-out goods.
3. Ideation
• How-Might-We (HMW) Statements: Based on the core values of users from the
previous problem statement, the following HMW statements were developed:
Convenience of sharing, Secured privacy, Efficient search.
✓ How can we make it easier to share disposal items with our neighbours
where ever possible?
✓ How can we reduce privacy issues about sharing of items that are
discarded?
✓ How might we help people quickly find and check the condition of
disposal items?
• Questions & Assumptions:
What methods do users perceive as the easiest and most convenient way that
can make them willing to share their items with others?
- There is a high demand for reusing large disposal items, but there is
currently no efficient way to connect people who want to give them away
with those who need them.
- Users would be more likely to share their items if the sharing process is
simpler.
How do users want to control their privacy when they are sharing their disposals?
- Users will prioritize privacy and may avoid sharing if their personal
information is exposed.
- Users would be less likely to concern about using the sharing service if the
users are allowed to decide how much personal information they want to
reveal.
What methods of searching and checking the condition of disposal items would
users prefer?
- People are willing to reuse products as long as they feel sure that the
items are clean and in good condition.
- This will save the users' time when finding an item and hence be more
efficient in searching and filtering; thus, they are more likely to use the
platform.
- If the cleanliness and hygiene status of an item could be easily shared
with the receiver without input from the user, it would satisfy both the
person sharing and the person receiving the item.
• Crazy 6s Sketching:
Main Page
Log-in Page:
Uploading Page:
Profile Page:
4. Convergence & Hypothesis
• Converge on the best solution idea from the sketches.
• Final Proposed Solution: Write a brief description
• Hypothesis:
• Our proposed mobile application is that any house holder who wishes to dispose
unwanted or unused items can easily transfer the products directly to any needy
individual or any organization of choice and ensure they are sanitized and safe
for re-use instead of just dumping the products and taking advantage of the poor
sanitation and making the environment dirty.
• Sub hypotheses:
• 1. To this, we suppose a simple and easy sharing service as a part of this
platform will enhance confidence while disposing items i.e; huge household items
to ensure a hygienic process, a process that is most likely to reduce accumulated
undesirable wastes.
• 2. We anticipate clients will be more at ease using the platform because a private
and touchless delivery or collection system will alleviate concerns related to
safety and hygiene than when using second-hand markets or direct exchange.
• 3. We propose that matching up users through a database of items that are being
parted out will make a match up in between the people discarding the item and
people who will be needing them easier and thus reduce the amount of wastage
on items in households.
5. Reflection
Individual Reflection
Reflection of the project phase-2 by Jinyung Park:
• What we did well:
Our group performed well in managing schedule. After we discuss our solution
ideas, we were able to distribute the roles effectively for making initial ideas
tangible. We worked together remotely and in-person under the clear guideline of
roles and responsibilities. This especially worked well when we developed initial
ideas and prototypes because we could deep dive into each idea and come back
to synthesize and discuss again efficiently.
• Areas for improvement:
Since I used Balsamiq for the first time to create our initial wireframe sketches, it
took me some time to get familiar with the tool. Although I eventually managed to
produce the required wireframes, I realized that I need to improve my proficiency
in UX prototyping tools to work more efficiently in the future.
• Lessons learned:
During this project, I learned how to communicate clearly and distribute all the
roles within the team, especially when working remotely. I also acquired vital
experience in the use of Balsamiq for wireframe construction and learned that
one has to master the tool prototyping to see the ideas across effectively. I also
realized how important weighing the user needs at every instance, such as
privacy and ease of use, is during solution design.
• Moving forward:
From this point forward, I need to spend more time acquiring the relevant skills
on UX prototyping tools such as Balsamiq and others so I can work faster and
more efficiently on projects in the future. As equally important, I want to continue
improving my collaboration skills so I can work with people both physically and
remotely, as well. The last thing is that I intend to include user feedback within
the early design process so that there is much more iteration developed.
Personal Reflection on Phase-2 by Mohit Shah
What I did well:
• In Phase 2, one of the major successes was the team getting aligned on a single
problem area to solve. Properly addressing a real-world problem with massive
impact required that we converged on the key issue of household waste
management and item reuse.
• I played a big role in sketching (including 'Crazy 6s') during the sketching
process for potential app interfaces. My sketches aided our team quickly see the
design's possibilities and its user-friendly side.
• I also helped keep the team on track by ensuring we stayed on track in meetings,
with our agenda, managing our time and tasks. With this there are two sides to it:
We first meet the submission requirements and then have time to do final
refinements.
Areas for Improvement:
• When we looked back, our initial sketches could have been more refined before
the first presentation to class. While speed was on point during ideation, we
could have bettered the clarity and design elements of the sketches, those things
really buck the feeling of what the final should look like.
• Also, our prototyping process felt a bit rushed. While we were able to create
three panel sketches from each member, there was a more collaborative process
that would potentially enhance the final product.
• A second area for improvement will be to explore deeper technical feasibility. We
brainstormed tons of great ideas, but didn't really dig into how each of those
features could be built from a development perspective.
Lessons Learned:
• First, I found that quick iteration during ideation, including sketching and
prototyping, is helpful, but designing the smooth transition from rough sketch to
polished solution is critical.
• Moving forward efficiently required team convergence. Gaining alignment early
on, and focusing down on our ideas earlier, allowed for a smoother and more
focused development process.
Moving Forward:
• For future phases or projects, I will spend more time on refining sketches and
doing prototyping early. To produce our designs that are both functional and
visually pleasing it’s very important to have an equilibrium of speed and quality.
• Additionally, I would like to improve the integration of technical constraints into
our ideation process. Ensuring that we consistently consider feasibility from the
outset will help avoid potential roadblocks later.
• Finally, I will be improving how we utilize quantitative data in the design process.
In the future phases, we will include more metrics, surveys or analytical tools to
better inform our decisions and to ensure that we can more correctly verify
assumptions.
Personal Reflection on Phase-2 by Rupesh Gaur
What Went Well:
I felt I contributed well by solving and engaging a lot and making efforts to my areas
of experience. Also, designing and researching more on the users. By creating the
wireframes in Balsamiq we were able to take thoughts and convert them into tangible
products and talking to the team on a regular basis keeps the focus sharp.
What I Could Do Better:
One thing I realize I need to do is be more proficient in setting specific timeline for my
tasks. At times, I lagged that created the respective problem with the flow. I also learn
that I can submit for feedback earlier to get more feedback with the intention of
enhancing the ideas in the progress.
What I Learned:
Innovation is a team sport—everyone has the best ideas, and it is okay to conspire and
consult with individuals. I also found out that user needs vary with a given context hence
the solutions being offered should be dynamic as well.
Moving Forward:
The resolutions that would need to be made next time are to pay attention to the
management of time, and to set specific time frames. I will also aim to seek feedback at
a quicker progress and do additional exploration of users for more diverse ideas that will
aid in creating even better solutions.
Personal Reflection on Phase-2 by Aashiya
What did we do well?
• Learned and achieved knowledge from using a new platform (Balsamiq) by
collaborating with the team members.
• Fully collaborated with the team to ensure that the findings were aligned with the
overall project vision and goals.
• Had communicated and collaborated well throughout the entire project journey.
Areas of Improvement
• Depth of Research: Could have expanded research beyond selected platforms
and engage deeper levels of competitor analysis.
• Task Prioritization: Should successfully address questions having to do with task
choice and time allocation for tasks if they want to be more likely to deepen a specific
subject matter.
Lessons learned:
• Must be able to track feedback and new information on the fast-moving process.
• Use goals already established with respect to team meetings. and new
information in rapid motion.
• Set clear goals regarding team meetings.
• Develop conditions where everyone is encouraged to volunteer their suggestions
• Work and estimate time better, set more reasonable time frames.
• Comment action plans and information for organization.
• Improve time management and set realistic deadlines.
• Document processes and decisions for clarity.
Moving forward:
Individual responsibility will also be improved by setting personal activities for every
member. In this case, specific creativity encouraging methods will be employed; leading
to structured brainstorming sessions and project management tools for tracing the
tasks. This will afford continuous testing with users, who will give continuous feedback
in securing the platform adequate for the needs of the users; the engagement of a wider
community provided an even greater level of understanding and validation of many of
the concepts we have proposed.
Personal Reflection on Phase-2 by Goutham yadav
What did we do well?
• I collaborated with everyone and engaged actively in discussions
• Utilised balsamiq very well for designing
Areas of Improvement
• I contributed effectively in discussions and ideation
• Became more fluent in using Balsamiq for wireframing
• Engaged more in discussions and collaborated with every partner
Lessons Learned
• I need to work on my time management
Moving forward:
Looking ahead, I make sure to manage and utilize time very well in the future, and
making better designs.
Team Reflection:
Things We Did Well:
We communicated regularly and used everyone's strengths that is why we
worked well together. By staying grounded, we focused on user research what
people needed that helps us to come up with solutions. Our teamwork felt
smooth because we appreciated each other work and efforts for this project.
What to Improve:
Communication is another aspect where we can be more precise about when the
particular project should be delivered. We can be clearer with deadlines. We also
need to improve how we give and receive feedback.
What We Learned:
Through this process, we realized that success isn’t just about having a good
plan—it’s about working together in a way that’s coordinated and flexible. We
also saw that user preferences can vary a lot depending on different situations,
so our solutions need to be adaptable to those changes.
Moving Forward:
Next time, we’ll focus on better organizing tasks, setting clear goals, and sticking
to deadlines. We also plan to expand our research to include a broader range of
user experiences and find ways to make our feedback more actionable. By doing
this, we’ll be able to create even better, more effective solutions.
6. Team Protocol
Agenda:
• Evaluate the problem statement and agree upon a final project direction.
• Participate in ideation exercises (Crazy 6s, How Might We’s).
• Three panel sketches to generate the viable option.
• Critique the prototypes, finalize those ones and conduct the presentation.
Completed Tasks (Before Each Meeting):
• Each team member had gone through user research and shared their own
research results.
• I generated ideas for features and app functionalities.
• Participated in sketching exercises and shared my personal iterations for group
critique of an idea.
Self-Assigned Tasks for Next Meeting:
• Mohit Shah: Finalize ideation sketches and refine the visual flow of the app.
• Jin Yung Park: Conduct further competitor analysis and propose enhancements
for our app.
• Aashiya Aashiya/Mohit shah: Begin assembling a rough click-through dummy
for the pilot test.
• Rupesh gaur and Goutham Yadav: Coordinate final presentation slides and
ensure all data and sketches are included.
• Aashiya/Jin Yung park: Prepare a script for the presentation and manage the
time allocation for each section.
