Reimagining a traditional hardware taxi driver app to design and build a new software app that can be integrated into a vehicle's operating system.
Defining the Problem
After conducting stakeholder interviews, heuristic evaluation and user testing, I discovered the following:
More than 90% of existing hardware and software taxi apps don't adhere to Auto Guidelines resulting in poor usability for drivers.
Most taxi apps have a poor user interface layout and too much content on the screen creating a cognitive overload for drivers and safety issues because screens must be viewed "at-a-glance" according to Auto Guidelines.
Most taxi apps offer cash and card payment methods only and are not equipped to cater to user expectations of having multiple payment options available, including split payment, vouchers, cabcharge etc.
Finding a Solution
The following approaches were taken to uncover a solution:
To understand user needs and pain points – I conducted stakeholder interviews.
To recommend actionable feature improvements – I analysed and synthesised data from research.
To develop the first proof of concept – I completed various UI iterations.
To gain feedback from the POC – I led design walkthroughs with external clients.
To finalise the first proof of concept – further iterated the designs from internal and external feedback.
To get the app ready for its first release – I did a handover with front-end developers and conducted testing.
Above image: Taxi driver mobile meter screen displayed in dark and light mode.
Results
The new taxi driver software app has been designed and built to:
Adhere to Android and Apple Auto Guidelines where all screen content can be viewed quickly ie "At-a-glance" to support driver and passenger safety during taxi jobs.
Be fully integrated into a vehicle's operation system and is a fully operational in-vehicle software app to acquire new clients.
Accept multiple payment methods to reduce friction points during the fare payment process to create a more seamless journey for the passenger and driver.
