Research revealed there are a number of furniture stores introducing advanced technical aspects to their business. They are having to reinvent themselves to keep up with technology of today. More than 60% of consumers want to shop for furniture with AR and the majority of users fall within the 25 - 34 year old range followed by the 35 - 44 year olds.

Next, I looked at apps of direct and indirect competitors including houzz, DecorMatters, Homestyler, IKEA Place and Wayfair. I was able to see pros and cons of their apps to see where HEEM might stand out of the gate.

Through the interviews I performed, I was able to get a good understanding of users and their furniture shopping habits – experiences, feelings and concerns with shopping for furniture. Using an empathy map, I was able to organize this data to better synthesis my research findings. This helped me identify patterns and discover insights and needs of the user.

Next, I created a persona "Shannon" based on the findings from the empathy map. Shannon represents HEEM's target demographic. With Shannon, we can better empathize with the target user throughout the design process.

After defining the target user, Shannon, I needed to better understand how I can help Shannon with HEEM and its features and functionality. I created point-of-view statements and how-might-we questions to help encourage solutions for those needs.

To start, I referenced the how-might-we questions, and conducted a short, brainstorming session to generate possible solutions.

After brainstorming, I was able to gather all the potential features and create a product roadmap focusing on a few of those features presented. Below is a list of features chosen for each of the how-might-we questions.

Next, I created a sitemap in order to visualize the information architecture of the app. This helped me determine the best location for each of the features.

To better understand how users will navigate through the app performing specific tasks, I produced a task flow diagram. This allowed me to think through the user's process and make sure all possible screens are designed to help the user perform the given task at hand.

I also created a user flow diagram. This helped me think through different scenarios while a user explores the app and gets the information they are searching for.

I sketched out several low-fidelity wireframes of various sections within the app. Using general design patterns, I added annotation so that sections were clearly defined allowing me to gather quick feedback.

From the sketches, I designed some mid-fidelity wireframes. These wireframes are what I plan on using for my usability testing in the prototyping phase.

I conducted 5 in-person interviews and had each participant perform certain tasks based on different scenarios. I was able to collect valuable usability feedback from each participant.

Test Objectives
• Test if users can accomplish tasks successfully
• Identify areas of difficulty with the app design that can be improved
• Determine the overall usability of the app
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Tasks
• Browse for an ottoman, use AR mode to see how it looks, share with [husband/wife/roommate]
• Check status of order and setup notification for recent order

After conducting the usability testing, I was able to identify key insights and generate the top recommendations from test users through an affinity map. Taking these recommendations, I now had areas of the app I could improve upon, making for a better user experience.

Before moving into the high-fidelity wireframes, I began the process of creating HEEM's brand. I created a logo, selected a color palette and fonts as well as styling for imagery. I also created a mood board to help gather ideas for these various elements.

Next, I created the high-fidelity wireframes using Sketch continuing to use common design patterns for iOS and the new branding for HEEM. Overall, I ended up with 25 screens to help bring life to the chosen features and HEEM's app. Feel free to view the high-fidelity prototype below.

Once I began prototyping, I maintained a UI kit throughout the process to document UI elements and patterns for future reference. I created all elements using Illustrator and Sketch for use in my high-fidelity wireframes.