Boulder B-Cycle
Empowering effortless adoption of sustainable commuting practices
Product Redesign
Sustainable Commute
UX Research
Timeline
3 Weeks
Tools
Figma
Problem
Out of the 100 students who rely on these bikes, only half of the bikes are accessible on campus, with at least one-third of them inoperable. This means that only a mere 34% of the student population can effectively utilize these bikes.
Goal
The objective is to empower CU Boulder students to seamlessly integrate Boulder B Cycle into their daily lives, fostering a culture of sustainable commuting and environmental responsibility. The report should serve as a blueprint for optimizing the Boulder B Cycle service, making it a reliable and enjoyable transportation solution for the CU Boulder
Research
User Interview Insights
Over the course of this project, I conducted 8 user interviews. The participants were CU Boulder students who have had some experience with Boulder B Cycle or other equivalent. Through affinity mapping I was able to identify some common pain points and some emerging themes that will guide my design decisions.
User Survey Insights
Along with user interviews, I also conducted user surveys. I was able to get 52 responses by sharing the survey link on my social media and with my peers and professors. This helped me get some hard data to guide the general information architecture of the app.
Digging Deeper
The users shared diverse perspectives, ranging from a mixed but generally positive experience to a significantly negative one, highlighting various aspects of bike availability, maintenance, and app usability. After analyzing their feedback, I compiled a list of common motivations, needs, and frustrations to gain deeper insights into the user base and identify key areas for enhancement within the Boulder B Cycle system.
Motivations among the users interviewed varied, with themes of eco-friendliness, convenience, and curiosity about alternative transportation methods emerging prominently. For some, the desire to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute positively to the environment drove their choice to use Boulder B Cycle, aligning with their values of sustainability. Others were motivated by the convenience and cost-effectiveness of biking, especially for daily commuting to university campuses. Additionally, there was a sense of curiosity and adventure among users who were new to cycling or exploring Boulder, seeking novel experiences and ways to navigate the city.
Identifying user needs revealed a common desire for reliability, safety, and accessibility within the Boulder B Cycle service. Users expressed the need for well-maintained bikes and responsive maintenance services to ensure a smooth and safe riding experience. Bike availability, particularly during peak hours and in densely populated areas like university campuses, emerged as a crucial factor influencing user satisfaction. Accessibility of docking stations was also highlighted, emphasizing the importance of convenient locations for seamless bike pickup and drop-off.
Users' frustrations centered around recurring issues such as bike unavailability, maintenance delays, and suboptimal app usability. The inability to find a working bike when needed, coupled with slow responses from customer service regarding maintenance issues, led to dissatisfaction among users. Technical problems with bikes, including malfunctioning brakes and gears, not only compromised safety but also hindered the overall enjoyment of using the service. Moreover, users reported challenges with the mobile app, citing difficulties in locating bikes and docking stations, indicating a need for improved functionality and user interface design.
Crafting Personas
To understand user needs within the Boulder B Cycle system, I created personas: Alina, the Frustrated Commuter, and Steve, the Daily Biker. These personas guide the project's focus on improving bike functionality, maintenance, and user support for a more reliable experience.
Narrowing The Scope
Based on the user interviews and identified pain points, I proposed three potential features to enhance the Boulder B Cycle service: an interactive and readable maps, real-time availability updates, and building a sense of community through gamification. Each feature aimed to address specific user concerns regarding bike availability, maintenance issues, and app usability.
However, after careful consideration, I determined that the killer feature for this project would be the implementation of a gamification element rewarding users with eco-conscious badges based on their sustainable commuting behaviors. This decision was driven by the desire to not only address the practical challenges users faced but also to create a unique and engaging experience that incentivizes environmentally friendly commuting habits. By focusing on this killer feature, I aimed to deliver a solution that not only improves user satisfaction but also fosters a sense of community engagement and environmental responsibility within the Boulder B Cycle user base.
"Killer" Feature
The killer feature for this project is the implementation of a gamification element that rewards users with eco-conscious badges based on their sustainable commuting behaviors. By tracking and recognizing users who consistently choose Boulder B Cycle for their rides, complete a certain number of rides, or opt for bikes during peak eco-friendly hours, the system can award badges, fostering a sense of achievement and community engagement.
Additionally, integrating real-time environmental impact updates could inform users about the positive contributions they make with each ride, such as calories burned, carbon emissions reduced, or equivalent car miles avoided. This gamified approach not only incentivizes sustainable choices but also instills a sense of pride and shared responsibility among CU Boulder students, transforming their daily commutes into a rewarding and environmentally impactful experience.
User Testing
I tested the proposed features with seven participants to assess engagement with gamification and response to environmental updates, conducting tests in person and remotely while meticulously documenting feedback for insights.
Observation
Participants responded positively to the idea of a gamification element rewarding sustainable commuting behaviors.
Many users expressed interest in the concept of earning eco-conscious badges and tracking their environmental impact.
Feedback
Engagement Enhancement: Users appreciated the potential of gamification to make the B Cycle experience more engaging and rewarding.
Environmental Awareness: Participants welcomed the idea of real-time environmental impact updates, stating it would contribute to a heightened sense of eco-consciousness.
Recommendation
Implement Gamification: Introduce the proposed gamification element, rewarding users for sustainable commuting habits.
Environmental Impact Updates: Integrate real-time updates to inform users of the positive environmental contributions resulting from their rides.
The results of the user testing were overwhelmingly positive. Participants responded enthusiastically to the gamification element, expressing eagerness to earn eco-conscious badges and track their environmental impact. They found the concept engaging and believed it would enhance their experience with B Cycle. Additionally, users welcomed the idea of real-time environmental impact updates, seeing it as a valuable tool to increase their awareness of their contributions to sustainability. These insights will be invaluable for refining the features during the iteration phase, ensuring an optimal user experience for B Cycle users.
High-Fidelity Wireframes
Onboarding
Home
Bike Selection
Ride Details
Profile
Prototype
Conclusion
Through the long process of researching, testing and iterating I was able to build a project that would be appreciated by my fellow students and more than anything, I am glad I was able to make something that encourages sustainable behaviors. As a designer I believe I hold the power to build sustainable solutions that blend seamlessly into our daily lives. During this time, I learned, the hard way; that I can't do everything as one person working on this project. As much as I wanted to take on many different roles and was heavily involved in this mission, I did have a deadline. With the help of my professors, mentors and my friends, I was able to pull myself back while still remaining positively motivated. In the future I would like to better plan out my tasks, in order to set up the right expectations, not only for the user or the business itself but for me. It would also help me to leave room for any set backs that may occur during the timeline of the project. Overall, I had a lot of fun with this project, it was an incredible learning experience that helped me sharpen my skills as a designers. 10/10 would recommend!