Android Mobile App
Android Mobile App
Android Mobile App
The Passport Program
From a pocket-sized booklet passport to a digital passport app by offering 2-for-1 deals of local establishments in Denver, CO.
From a pocket-sized booklet passport to a digital passport app by offering 2-for-1 deals of local establishments in Denver, CO.
Context
Context
The Passport Program is a seasonal initiative designed to encourage the exploration of Denver's vibrant food and beverage scene by offering 2-for-1 deals at a curated selection of local establishments. Participants purchase a pocket-sized booklet, known as the Denver Passport, which provides access to these exclusive offers at various bars, restaurants, breweries, wineries, coffee shops, and more throughout the city.
The Passport Program is a seasonal initiative designed to encourage the exploration of Denver's vibrant food and beverage scene by offering 2-for-1 deals at a curated selection of local establishments. Participants purchase a pocket-sized booklet, known as the Denver Passport, which provides access to these exclusive offers at various bars, restaurants, breweries, wineries, coffee shops, and more throughout the city.
The Challenge
The Challenge
Our team was tasked with conceptualizing a printed booklet that is awarded physical stamps to show the deal has been redeemed into an app. An app that aids and adds to the Passport Experience. This could be logistical (a central database that allows restaurants to log and tally folks redeeming the deals), experiential (anything from a digital map to an integrated AR experience), or simply a replacement to the analog (it’s easy to lose a physical book, an app could be a more secure way of dealing with purchases).
Our team was tasked with conceptualizing a printed booklet that is awarded physical stamps to show the deal has been redeemed into an app. An app that aids and adds to the Passport Experience. This could be logistical (a central database that allows restaurants to log and tally folks redeeming the deals), experiential (anything from a digital map to an integrated AR experience), or simply a replacement to the analog (it’s easy to lose a physical book, an app could be a more secure way of dealing with purchases).
Solution
Solution
During our 3-week design sprint, we created an app with core functionality focused on incentivizing users to explore new places in Denver, CO.
Gamification and feature prioritization were crucial in making this possible.
During our 3-week design sprint, we created an app with core functionality focused on incentivizing users to explore new places in Denver, CO.
Gamification and feature prioritization were crucial in making this possible.
The Process
Before proceeding with this assignment, we were wondering what the pros and cons of having a digital passport without losing track of the physical booklet are. Additionally will help us to address some needs and potential features that can be leveraged to give an outstanding experience.
Before proceeding with this assignment, we were wondering what the pros and cons of having a digital passport without losing track of the physical booklet are. Additionally will help us to address some needs and potential features that can be leveraged to give an outstanding experience.
Digital Passport App
Pros
Can integrate GPS tracking, notifications, and real-time updates (new locations)
Digital Check-ins (QR codes, NFC scans).
Automatically tracks user activity and redemptions
Users don’t risk losing progress.
Data can be backed up and retrieved anytime.
Can gamify experiences with leaderboards, digital badges, or social media sharing.
Personalization allows recommendations based on user preferences and habits.
Cons
Lack of satisfaction of flipping pages and collecting tangible stamps.
Less special compared to a physical souvenir.
Users may face app crashes, and glitches.
Older generations or less tech-savvy individuals may struggle with app navigation.
Based on the previous analysis, we considered a high level of functionality and engagement that could be captured through an app. Our next step was to conduct a competitive and comparative analysis of current apps that offer potential features, which could help inform our Design Studio methodology.
Based on the previous analysis, we considered a high level of functionality and engagement that could be captured through an app. Our next step was to conduct a competitive and comparative analysis of current apps that offer potential features, which could help inform our Design Studio methodology.
Strengths
Very detailed previews and rating system
Very Strong local business category for food and service.
A lot of visual content to help users make a decision.
Weaknesses
No reward system
Feels cluttered due to excessive.
Strengths
Very personalized customization based on users' needs.
Location Driven Insights
Keeps the users engaged with hidden gems and unique experiences
Weaknesses
There are not as many users which reduce the amount of reviews
Fewer photos and visual elements.
Strengths
Strong focus on rewards and cash back.
The platform is easy to navigate.
Offers cash back incentives to encourage repeat business.
Weaknesses
Does not have community-driven reviews like Yelp.
More focus on online shopping than in-person experiences.
Getting into the “Passporters”
We implemented a qualitative approach by conducting four user interviews to understand how users discover and visit local businesses, their goals, challenges, and pain points.
We implemented a qualitative approach by conducting four user interviews to understand how users discover and visit local businesses, their goals, challenges, and pain points.
Passporter 1
"I discovered places by social media (Instagram) and mostly Yelp. Big yelper family."
Passporter 2
"It would be nice to have, you know, more options to try new coffee shops and other places."
Passporter 3
Passporter 3
"I like the idea of having business directory for different businesses like a list of coffee shops"
Passporter 4
"I love a reward system because of the engagement and sense of accomplishment"
Additionally, we wanted to apply Design Studio, a collaborative methodology where we can diverge and converge ideas from the discovery to the design phase. For this exercise, we decided that each member would generate an affinity map individually so we could compare our findings after that to keep us on the same page when discovering our new passporters. We uncovered key challenges and opportunities through affinity mapping:
Additionally, we wanted to apply Design Studio, a collaborative methodology where we can diverge and converge ideas from the discovery to the design phase. For this exercise, we decided that each member would generate an affinity map individually so we could compare our findings after that to keep us on the same page when discovering our new passporters. We uncovered key challenges and opportunities through affinity mapping:
Here are the insights from the affinity map:
Availability: I would like to try new places with good drinks on my free time.
Availability: I would like to try new places with good drinks on my free time.
"I don't mind driving that far, as long as it has the features that I like"
"I go to new places at least one a week"
"Explores local businesses once or twice a week, mostly restaurants and coffee shops."
"Explores local businesses once or twice a week, mostly restaurants and coffee shops."
"Explores local businesses once or twice a week, mostly restaurants and coffee shops."
Guidance: I feel overwhelmed by too many options and not having tailored recommendations
Guidance: I feel overwhelmed by too many options and not having tailored recommendations
"When I feel overwhelmed by too many choices, I just to stick to familiar spots."
"I’m overwhelmed by too many options. I just decide by making the call and if it’s disappointing I don’t go back"
"I’m overwhelmed by too many options. I just decide by making the call and if it’s disappointing I don’t go back"
"I’m overwhelmed by too many options. I just decide by making the call and if it’s disappointing I don’t go back"
"Too many businesses rely on social media popularity instead of focusing on customer experience."
"I just kind of get sick and tired of not having tailored recommendations"
Opportunity: I would like an app that provides options and reviews when discovering new places.
Opportunity: I would like an app that provides options and reviews when discovering new places.
"I don’t have an app to help me to find new places"
"Have an app where people find places, ambiance and good atmosphere"
"if I'm just looking for coffee, I just want a list of local coffee shops. I don't want to see Starbucks. Like, if I can filter out Starbucks"
"It would be nice to have an app that gives you popular places in town or popular events going on that week."
Accomplishment and rewards: I value a reward system to keep me motivated and maintain a crucial engagement with the app. Importance of badges and celebration
Accomplishment and rewards: I value a reward system to keep me motivated and maintain a crucial engagement with the app. Importance of badges and celebration
"I love a reward system, I'll do anything to maintain a streak, God forbid I ever lose a streak"
"I’m always motivated to return to a place that offers rewards or discounts"
"It’s a nice bonus to the experience, especially when I’m a regular at certain spots"
"I'll get, like, a buy one, get one half off, or buy something, some type of incentive"
These insights helped us shape a solution that bridges The Passport Program functionality and engagement with the unique needs of our passporters, setting the stage for a product tailored to this emerging audience.
These insights helped us shape a solution that bridges The Passport Program functionality and engagement with the unique needs of our passporters, setting the stage for a product tailored to this emerging audience.
Onboarding the user persona
Onboarding the user persona
Based on the convergent thinking we could be able to synthesize the users’ insights and this led to the development of our user persona: Jasmine.
Based on the convergent thinking we could be able to synthesize the users’ insights and this led to the development of our user persona: Jasmine.
Based on the convergent thinking we could be able to synthesize the users’ insights and this led to the development of our user persona: Jasmine.
Behaviors
I tend to go on to social media when discovering new places.
I have enough time on my day to check out new places.
I enjoy discovering new restaurants, bars, and coffee shops.
Needs
I need an incentive to explore new places.
I need name of places where to go on my free time.
I need to know where I can find good deals.
Jasmine, The Explorer
“I really want to find good deals around my area for International Women’s Month!!”
Goals
I want to feel more confident and motivated to explore new places.
Loves the social aspect of going and wants to connect with others who share her interests.
Find places to return with friends next time.
Frustrations
I feel overwhelmed by too many options and not having recommendations tailored to me.
I fear of missing good deals in places near me.
I feel frustrated when I don’t have relevant information about deals in the area.
Problem Statement: Jasmine, a 26-year-old designer based in Denver, enjoys discovering new restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. Jasmine needs an incentive way to discover places that align with her free time with local spots that has good deals. Because current apps don’t show relevant information about deals in her area.
Problem Statement: Jasmine, a 26-year-old designer based in Denver, enjoys discovering new restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. Jasmine needs an incentive way to discover places that align with her free time with local spots that has good deals. Because current apps don’t show relevant information about deals in her area.
Problem Statement: Jasmine, a 26-year-old designer based in Denver, enjoys discovering new restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. Jasmine needs an incentive way to discover places that align with her free time with local spots that has good deals. Because current apps don’t show relevant information about deals in her area.
Clarifying our focus: Uniting Design Vision Within Team Collaboration
With a deeper understanding of our users, we shifted to design, aligning the app with Jasmine’s goals. We identified guide availability, guidance, opportunity, accomplishment, and rewards as key pillars to incorporate. We used Design Studio to explore ideas and refine key features, balancing creativity with the design sprint's time constraints.
With a deeper understanding of our users, we shifted to design, aligning the app with Jasmine’s goals. We identified guide availability, guidance, opportunity, accomplishment, and rewards as key pillars to incorporate. We used Design Studio to explore ideas and refine key features, balancing creativity with the design sprint's time constraints.
Analyzing the real-world behavior of using a physical booklet passport to collect stamps—essentially a game—I considered whether incorporating gamification could enhance and support the app’s objectives. This insight validated the idea that adding gamification to The Passport Program could not only appeal to our users but also encourage sustained engagement for Jasmine.
Analyzing the real-world behavior of using a physical booklet passport to collect stamps—essentially a game—I considered whether incorporating gamification could enhance and support the app’s objectives. This insight validated the idea that adding gamification to The Passport Program could not only appeal to our users but also encourage sustained engagement for Jasmine.
While the rest of my team focused on creating an app that rewards users when they redeem deals, I prioritized a user-centric design that emphasized guidance, redemption opportunities, and accomplishment to differentiate The Passport Program.
The design studio session was challenging but offered valuable opportunities for collaboration and growth. I implemented a user-centric approach, ensuring that the app’s primary function stayed true to the unique concept. To foster alignment within the team, I proposed using a feature prioritization framework.
While the rest of my team focused on creating an app that rewards users when they redeem deals, I prioritized a user-centric design that emphasized guidance, redemption opportunities, and accomplishment to differentiate The Passport Program.
The design studio session was challenging but offered valuable opportunities for collaboration and growth. I implemented a user-centric approach, ensuring that the app’s primary function stayed true to the unique concept. To foster alignment within the team, I proposed using a feature prioritization framework.
I created a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with only the core features needed to validate our product idea and gather early user feedback. I wanted to guide my team with a vision that emphasized functionality, usability, and reliability. Additionally, incorporating emotional design and technical capabilities—such as the ability to scan QR codes (as Near-Field Communication technology), utilize geolocation (GPS), and support offline features could create a much richer user experience.
I created a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with only the core features needed to validate our product idea and gather early user feedback. I wanted to guide my team with a vision that emphasized functionality, usability, and reliability. Additionally, incorporating emotional design and technical capabilities—such as the ability to scan QR codes (as Near-Field Communication technology), utilize geolocation (GPS), and support offline features could create a much richer user experience.
This approach allowed each team member to contribute to our collective user flow and explore ideas by sketching and wireframing through strong visual storytelling. I felt that this collaborative process would help us refine our direction and build consensus around the most impactful solution.
This approach allowed each team member to contribute to our collective user flow and explore ideas by sketching and wireframing through strong visual storytelling. I felt that this collaborative process would help us refine our direction and build consensus around the most impactful solution.
Sketch first, design later.
Considering the previously discussed features, we can begin translating them into visual designs. Keeping the user flow and key features in mind, we decided to individually research ideas and create sketches for each page in the flow.
Considering the previously discussed features, we can begin translating them into visual designs. Keeping the user flow and key features in mind, we decided to individually research ideas and create sketches for each page in the flow.
For my sketches, I drew inspiration from current apps used for discovering places to ideate the login and sign-up pages. Additionally, designing an app requires outlining an onboarding process, where I created a guided tutorial to help users navigate through the app—from search to stamps, history, and the profile page. It is also important to include geolocation and notification permission prompts so users can receive relevant recommendations based on their location.
For my sketches, I drew inspiration from current apps used for discovering places to ideate the login and sign-up pages. Additionally, designing an app requires outlining an onboarding process, where I created a guided tutorial to help users navigate through the app—from search to stamps, history, and the profile page. It is also important to include geolocation and notification permission prompts so users can receive relevant recommendations based on their location.
Each member presented their ideas, we reviewed our sketches frame by frame as a team and then collaborative we mix them together in order to embark all the key features and following the user flow from each sections and used those to inspire our wireframes.
Each member presented their ideas, we reviewed our sketches frame by frame as a team and then collaborative we mix them together in order to embark all the key features and following the user flow from each sections and used those to inspire our wireframes.
Each member presented their ideas, we reviewed our sketches frame by frame as a team and then collaborative we mix them together in order to embark all the key features and following the user flow from each sections and used those to inspire our wireframes.
From pencil and paper to wireframes.
Although most users in the United States use iPhones, I successfully convinced my team to be the only group in our cohort to take on the challenge of creating an app for Android devices. Many successful apps have experienced rapid growth by being more accessible to users, and the guidelines for launching on the Google Play Store are less strict, making it an ideal choice for long-term benefits. This approach also allowed us to diversify our portfolios with a broader range of development experiences and showcase our skill with Android (Materials) Design Kit.
Although most users in the United States use iPhones, I successfully convinced my team to be the only group in our cohort to take on the challenge of creating an app for Android devices. Many successful apps have experienced rapid growth by being more accessible to users, and the guidelines for launching on the Google Play Store are less strict, making it an ideal choice for long-term benefits. This approach also allowed us to diversify our portfolios with a broader range of development experiences and showcase our skill with Android (Materials) Design Kit.
For the creation of wireframes, I was responsible for diving into the Android (Material 3) Design Kit and then explaining to my team how to pull out components from the assets panel, and elements from the library. I enjoyed this process, as it reminded me of my time as a teacher and allowed me to share knowledge to help ensure the project's success.
For the creation of wireframes, I was responsible for diving into the Android (Material 3) Design Kit and then explaining to my team how to pull out components from the assets panel, and elements from the library. I enjoyed this process, as it reminded me of my time as a teacher and allowed me to share knowledge to help ensure the project's success.
Our designs spoke for themselves.
After building out a functional prototype in grayscale from the wireframes, we conducted two rounds of usability test.
After building out a functional prototype in grayscale from the wireframes, we conducted two rounds of usability test.
Usability Test: Low-Fidelity Wireframes
Goals: Evaluate the functionality and usability of finding stamps and the redemption process
Tasks:
Navigate to the Discover Screen.
Find a Stamp/Deal
Access to the Stamp Booklet
Check the number of stamps
Unlock Stamp 3
Usability Test: Low-Fidelity Wireframes
Goals: Evaluate the functionality and usability of finding stamps and the redemption process
Tasks:
Navigate to the Discover Screen.
Find a Stamp/Deal
Access to the Stamp Booklet
Check the number of stamps
Unlock Stamp 3
Usability Test: Low-Fidelity Wireframes
Goals: Evaluate the functionality and usability of finding stamps and the redemption process
Tasks:
Navigate to the Discover Screen.
Find a Stamp/Deal
Access to the Stamp Booklet
Check the number of stamps
Unlock Stamp 3
Usability Test: Mid-Fidelity Wireframes.
Goals: Gather user feedback on the overall design and layout
Tasks:
Navigate to the Discover Screen.
Go to Cheluna Brewing CO
Show us the Stamp
Find out what you earn in your offer
Claim your offer.
Usability Test: Mid-Fidelity Wireframes.
Goals: Gather user feedback on the overall design and layout
Tasks:
Navigate to the Discover Screen.
Go to Cheluna Brewing CO
Show us the Stamp
Find out what you earn in your offer
Claim your offer.
Usability Test: Mid-Fidelity Wireframes.
Goals: Gather user feedback on the overall design and layout
Tasks:
Navigate to the Discover Screen.
Go to "Cheluna Brewing CO"
Show us the Stamp
Find out what you earn in your offer
Claim your offer.
Following usability testing with our low-fidelity wireframes, we uncovered key insights into our users’ needs and pain points—such as “the design would make more sense when color comes in” and “I didn’t know which stamps were active based on the black-and-white icons.” These insights guided the next steps in our design process.
Our team split into two groups—one focused on refining the wireframes into a polished high-fidelity prototype, and the other on preparing the presentation. I was part of the hi-fi team, where one of my teammates and I had the opportunity to bring color into the app and enhance the user experience.
While my teammate concentrated on finding the perfect color palette, we both worked on creating styles and setting variables for images and components. As we polished the user interface, we refined interactions—focusing on visual hierarchy and consistency to create an engaging and intuitive experience.
Following usability testing with our low-fidelity wireframes, we uncovered key insights into our users’ needs and pain points—such as “the design would make more sense when color comes in” and “I didn’t know which stamps were active based on the black-and-white icons.” These insights guided the next steps in our design process.
Our team split into two groups—one focused on refining the wireframes into a polished high-fidelity prototype, and the other on preparing the presentation. I was part of the hi-fi team, where one of my teammates and I had the opportunity to bring color into the app and enhance the user experience.
While my teammate concentrated on finding the perfect color palette, we both worked on creating styles and setting variables for images and components. As we polished the user interface, we refined interactions—focusing on visual hierarchy and consistency to create an engaging and intuitive experience.
The Final Design
We made sure the key features of the app aligned with user needs and the overall goal of incentivizing users like Jasmine to explore new places in her city and collect stamps to redeem 2-for-1 deals.
We made sure the key features of the app aligned with user needs and the overall goal of incentivizing users like Jasmine to explore new places in her city and collect stamps to redeem 2-for-1 deals.
Discover Page: Covers information about local establishments, such as location, opening hours, and primarily the rewards that can be redeemed. This was designed based on one of the main insights from the affinity map, which mentions that users like Jasmine need guidance when exploring places due to their limited availability.
Stamps Page: This page offers an opportunity for users—highlighted in the affinity map as a key part of the gamification strategy—to explore places. Here, users can view the stamps available for collection, providing another way to discover establishments based on the rewards they offer.
Rewards: We drew on the insight around the "sense of accomplishment and rewards"—another gamification strategy where we motivate users to explore places in exchange for intrinsic rewards. While time constraints limited the scope of this sprint, the Rewards Page was also planned to showcase at least one reward.
Profile Page: Displays user information such as places visited, number of stamps collected, saved locations, and rewards.
During the prototype, we aimed to showcase the technical capabilities of our app—for example, geolocation through an in-app notification suggesting options based on the user's location. We also demonstrated the ability to save stamps in offline mode so they can be redeemed at the corresponding establishment. Additionally, we simulated the process of saving stamps to Google Wallet to enrich the user experience.
Discover Page: Covers information about local establishments, such as location, opening hours, and primarily the rewards that can be redeemed. This was designed based on one of the main insights from the affinity map, which mentions that users like Jasmine need guidance when exploring places due to their limited availability.
Stamps Page: This page offers an opportunity for users—highlighted in the affinity map as a key part of the gamification strategy—to explore places. Here, users can view the stamps available for collection, providing another way to discover establishments based on the rewards they offer.
Rewards: We drew on the insight around the "sense of accomplishment and rewards"—another gamification strategy where we motivate users to explore places in exchange for intrinsic rewards. While time constraints limited the scope of this sprint, the Rewards Page was also planned to showcase at least one reward.
Profile Page: Displays user information such as places visited, number of stamps collected, saved locations, and rewards.
During the prototype, we aimed to showcase the technical capabilities of our app—for example, geolocation through an in-app notification suggesting options based on the user's location. We also demonstrated the ability to save stamps in offline mode so they can be redeemed at the corresponding establishment. Additionally, we simulated the process of saving stamps to Google Wallet to enrich the user experience.
Product Success
Usability test insights and feature prioritization were crucial during our 3-week design sprint, helping us focus on the key features that would create a richer user experience.
Personally, I enjoyed applying active listening when users provided feedback on our designs, and even more so, being able to make meaningful adjustments to better meet their needs and goals.
Our team’s research and progress during this sprint suggest that future design iterations could explore deeper gamification strategies to keep users engaged, as well as ways to encourage more local establishments to join the program through the partner side of the app.
Usability test insights and feature prioritization were crucial during our 3-week design sprint, helping us focus on the key features that would create a richer user experience.
Personally, I enjoyed applying active listening when users provided feedback on our designs, and even more so, being able to make meaningful adjustments to better meet their needs and goals.
Our team’s research and progress during this sprint suggest that future design iterations could explore deeper gamification strategies to keep users engaged, as well as ways to encourage more local establishments to join the program through the partner side of the app.
What I learned
This design sprint was one of the most enriching learning experience so far. Collaborating with a diverse team challenged me to grow, not only as a designer but as a listener and problem-solver. I was impressed on how each of us approached the same problem from different perspectives and how our ideas came together to create a meaning full app.
This project helped me to see design in a different way. It reminded me that good design isn’t about personal attachment, it’s about empathy, adaptability, and always keeping the user at the center. Embracing collaboration was an opportunity for growth.
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Let's Get in Touch
Let's connect and start with your project ASAP.
Contact
Let's Get in Touch
Let's connect and start with your project ASAP.