Introduction    Problem     User Research         Wireframing      Prototyping       Testing       Iteration      Figma Prototype     Accessibility


ISHRAQ

Multidisciplinary Designer




PROJECTS

1. VOWD
2. HeartStone
3. Exert Platforms
4. Dissolution
5. LiDAR Try-On
6. Performing Arts Center
7. Q-Uniform
 8. SERO Mask
9. California Wildfire 
10. Raccoonada







About
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Contact
  

Project Three | 2024 

Exert Platforms


Project
UX for Social Good and Interaction Design 

Role
UX & Interaction Designer, User Researcher
Description
This design for social good project reflects my hands-on approach to concept design, brainstorming, sketching, prototyping, testing, and iterating on ideas. Exert is a community-driven app designed to connect sports enthusiasts of all levels through peer-to-peer skill sharing. It aims to help people pursue their fitness goals without the cost of coaching or training.


Takeaway
This project strengthened my understanding of design thinking and user-centered design. I learned to conduct user research, identify needs, and translate those findings into design decisions. Prototyping and usability testing helped me refine the experience, while accessibility considerations reinforced the importance of inclusive design.

The app is designed to help sports enthusiasts connect, share skills, and support one another. Its peer-to-peer approach could make learning more accessible and help users work toward their fitness goals and healthier lifestyles.



Problem
Many sports enthusiasts struggle to find affordable and
accessible opportunities to improve their skills and connect
with like-minded individuals. Training options, 
such as hiring a personal trainer or joining a gym, can be costly
and time-consuming.Goal
Exert is designed to connect people based on their sports interests and skill levels so they can share knowledge without financial barriers. The goal is to help users learn new skills, improve their performance, and build a supportive community. 
We plan to measure effectiveness by tracking the number of skill-sharing sessions initiated and users’ satisfaction with the learning experience.

Understanding the User
We conducted user interviews and created personas to understand users’ needs and pain points. Initially, we assumed that the main challenge for sports 
enthusiasts was finding training partners.
Our research showed that accessibility, affordability, and community were equally important. These findings will guide the app’s design to better 
address users’ needs.
Pain points:

  1. Difficulty finding reliable and compatible training partners
  2. Lack of accessible and affordable coaching or training
  3. Limited opportunities for community building and social interaction
  4. Challenges in tracking progress and setting goals
User Persona 1

“I want to improve my tennis game and get in shape, but I need a training partner and a gym buddy.”



Jake is a busy professional who wants to stay fit and improve his tennis game. He is looking for a partner to train with and exchange skills in tennis and weightlifting.


Age: 23
Education: Bachelor's in Business Administration
Hometown: Kingston, ON
Family: Lives with roommates
Occupation: Marketing Analyst



Goals
  • Develop tennis and weightlifting skills with a knowledgeable partner
  • Share his skills and support a training partner
Frustrations
  • Difficulty finding a consistent training partner
  • Lack of access to affordable personal training
  • Limited opportunities to learn new sports skills


Problem StatementJake needs a convenient way to connect with people who share his interest in fitness and sports. Exchanging skills and support would help him work toward his goals without the high cost of personal training.



User Persona 2

"I love playing chess, but I can't find people to play with who are patient and understanding."



Sara is a passionate chess player who uses a wheelchair. Accessibility barriers make it difficult for her to participate in traditional chess clubs and tournaments. She is looking for a platform where she can meet patient, understanding players for games online or in person.

Age: 25
Education: Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Family: Lives with parents
Occupation: Online tutor



Goals
  • Find chess opponents who are patient and understanding
  • Learn new chess strategies and tactics
  • Join a supportive community of chess enthusiasts
Frustrations
  • Difficulty finding accessible chess clubs or tournaments
  • Limited opportunities to play chess with others
  • Difficulty finding opponents who can accommodate her accessibility needs


Problem StatementSara needs a way to connect with a supportive community of chess players so she can enjoy the game and improve her skills without accessibility barriers.
User Journey Map

Crazy Eights (Rapid Sketching)



  1. Choosing a Sport - A screen where users can choose from a list of sports they are interested in or want to learn.

  2. Sharing Skills - A feature where users can offer skills they can teach or request help with skills they want to learn.

  3. Finding a Match - A screen that suggests potential training partners based on shared interests, location, and skill level.

  4. Exploring Events - A section that lists local sports events.

  5. Tracking Progress - A personalized dashboard where users can track their workouts, set goals, and monitor their improvement.

  6. Sharing on Social Media - Users share their fitness journey on social media platforms.

  7. Meeting New People in Public

  8. Paying for Training - A feature that allows users to connect with trainers and pay for personalized training sessions.
User Flow
Paper and Digital Wireframes





































                                            








Low-Fidelity Prototype
The low-fidelity prototypes show a flow through the app’s key features. Users begin by creating a profile with their sports interests and skill levels. The proposed matching feature suggests training partners based on shared interests, location, and availability. Once connected, users would be able to exchange messages and schedule training sessions.

I used peer feedback to refine the wireframes, simplify onboarding, and improve readability and navigation. I also developed the skill-sharing features further and added a personalized feed to highlight content based on users’ preferences.


View the prototype in Figma
Usability Research Plan
Research Questions
  • How easy is it for users to create a profile and
    complete the required information?
  • Can users successfully search for and find potential
    training partners based on their interests and location?

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
  • Time on task
  • User error rates
  • Conversion rates

Methodology
  • Unmoderated usability study.
  • Location: United States, remote (participants will complete the study at home). 
  • Date: Sessions will take place on October 23 and 24.
  • Five participants will independently complete tasks to create a profile and find potential training partners. Each participant will then complete a questionnaire about the experience. 
  • Each session will last 45 minutes and will include an introduction, a list of tasks, and a short questionnaire.

Participants
  • Participants will be people who want to improve their skills or find training partners and can offer guidance to others. 
  • Two men, two women, and one nonbinary participant, all aged 18–50.
  • Incentive: $10 Starbucks gift card redeemable at any location or online.


Introduction
Title: Designing Exert, a sports skill-sharing app
Author: Ishraq Ashtarian, UX researcher, ishraqashtarian@gmail.com
Stakeholders: Exert app users

Date: 08-10-2023

Project Background: This project aims to develop a mobile app for peer-to-peer skill sharing among sports enthusiasts. By connecting people with similar interests, it aims to support learning, build community, and make training and coaching more affordable.

Research Goal: Assess how easily people can use the current prototype to complete key tasks, including creating a profile and connecting with other users.
Script
  • Prompt 1: Profile Creation 
    Please create a profile on the app, providing your name, preferred sports, skill level, and location.
  • Prompt 2: Search Functionality
    Search for potential training partners who share your interests and are located in your area.
  • Prompt 3: Connect with a Partner 
    Initiate a conversation with a potential training partner by sending them a message.
  • Prompt 4: Messages
    Send a message to a potential training partner to introduce yourself and discuss potential training opportunities.
  • Prompt 5: Schedule a Training Session 
    Use the app’s messaging features to arrange a training session with a partner, including its location, time, and duration.