Bikespace
(2023)
(2023)
Individual project
Individual project
Timeline:
5 weeks
5 weeks
Bikespace is a free, community-driven bicycle repair workshop in Wellington, New Zealand that empowers users to build bike confidence and skills. This project aimed to improve its digital presence, usability, and overall user experience by addressing key pain points and barriers for cyclists.
Bikespace is a free, community-driven bicycle repair workshop in Wellington, New Zealand that empowers users to build bike confidence and skills. This project aimed to improve its digital presence, usability, and overall user experience by addressing key pain points and barriers for cyclists.
Role
Research
Ideation
Prototype
Usability Testing
Research
Ideation
Prototype
Usability Testing
Tools
Miro
Figma
Otter.ai
Miro
Figma
Otter.ai
Supervisor
Dr Gillian McCarthy
Dr Gillian McCarthy
Research
See full case study on desktop.
Background
See full case study on desktop.
The Bikespace project was a university assignment inspired by my reliance on biking and Wellington’s growing cyclist infrastructure. It explored ways to support non-cyclists by creating opportunities for skill-building, fostering connections, and providing access to cycling-related resources. Guided by the Double Diamond framework, the project involved iterative design, prototyping, and usability testing, concluding with a presentation of outcomes and recommendations for further development.
Problem Statement
Bikespace lacked an online presence, which hindered its ability to engage users, schedule appointments effectively, and communicate with local councils. Moreover, there were usability issues such as scattered appointment details, inefficient booking processes, and a disorganized landing page.
Usability Testing Insights
Appointment Display and Management
Efficient Appointment Creation
Flexible Appointment Modification
Landing Page Organization
Design Heuristics
#4 - Consistency and Standards
I drew inspiration from various scheduling systems and bike shop practices to ensure consistency and adherence to industry standards. By incorporating familiar and proven elements, I aimed to create a reliable, intuitive design that aligns with user expectations and best practices.
#8 - Aesthetic and Minimal Design
The design emphasizes simplicity and clarity with a white and dark blue color scheme, accented to highlight key elements. Recognizable icons and organized information in distinct boxes ensure intuitive navigation, balancing aesthetics and functionality for a user-friendly experience.
10 Usability Heuristics for User Interface Design. Nielsen Norman Group. Retrieved from https://www.nngroup.com/articles/ten-usability-heuristics/
Accesibility Standards
Contrast Ratios
The color combinations for the Contract Checker Buttons were designed with accessibility in mind. Contrast ratios of 6.9:1 (yellow and blue), 6.53:1 (light blue and blue), and 9.76:1 (white and blue) exceed the recommended minimums, ensuring text and elements are easily readable and interactable for individuals with visual impairments.
Button Names
Using descriptive button names is essential for accessibility. Clear and concise labels that accurately convey the button's purpose or action enable all users, including those relying on screen readers or assistive technologies, to navigate and interact with the interface effectively.
Font Size and Icon Dimensions
Font size and icon dimensions are carefully designed to ensure readability and ease of interaction. A 16pt font size ensures legible text, while 44x44 pixel icons provide sufficient space for interaction, particularly benefiting users with dexterity or motor skill limitations.
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. Retrieved from https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/
Future Enhancements
How-To Videos
Bikespace mechanics suggested creating instructional videos to address common questions. These videos would empower users to perform basic tasks independently and serve as a reference for mechanics when assistance is needed, improving efficiency and accessibility while balancing self-sufficiency with expert support.
Community Page
The community page is a collaborative platform where users can discuss, seek advice, and ask questions, with input from both community members and Bikespace mechanics. Inspired by Reddit's user-friendly design, the page encourages active participation and intuitive navigation. Mechanics can address recurring issues by creating instructional videos, fostering a feedback loop that enhances service quality and promotes a supportive cycling community.
Connecting with Local Bike Shops
Since Bikespace doesn’t sell bike parts, it can connect users with local bike shops to source components. This supports community engagement, boosts local businesses, and promotes sustainability by reducing shipping and packaging waste. The initiative fosters a sense of community while aligning with environmentally friendly practices.