The MentorMe app was created to support small business owners, freelancers, and professionals by connecting them with industry-specific experts for advice—allowing them to find quick, viable solutions to various business-related questions.
Research & Discovery
Using a combination of research methods, pain points, motivations, frequently used tools, and workplace knowledge gaps for users were discovered to help determine the level of need for a mentor-type service.
User needs that surfaced were: 1) Desire for recurring, professional, project-based advice 2) Desire for personable interactions via video or chat messaging
Create User Personas, Journeys and Flows
After compiling and analyzing the data from user interviews, 2 primary personas were created each with their respective journeys and flows.
Design, Test & Iterate
Once the initial site map was created, a card sort was conducted to assess and refine the site architecture from the user's perspective. At this point, the iterations of the design began with low-fidelity wireframes and paper prototypes. Later, designs transitioned into mid-fidelity wireframes and a clickable prototype. The prototype was used to test functionality issues through in-person user tests. Low-fidelity sketches were frequently used to work through early and late phase flow issues discovered in testing.
Preference Tests
A preference test was conducted to determine user preference between an illustrative vs. a photographic splash screen design. While the results were statistically inconclusive at 55/45, participant comments revealed that user's wanted the visuals to feel inclusive, cooperative, and community-oriented. The illustrated version received 55% of the vote, so the determination was made to adjust the illustration style and colors to further enhance the feelings of engagement and inclusivity.
Refining the Design
The app's design fidelity improved throughout the iteration process each time user flow issues, functionality, and grid restrictions were addressed. The calendar screen went through multiple iterations that improved visibility of elements, reduction of clicks, and simplification of date/time toggling.
Final Result
The initial goal of this project was to create an app that connects business professionals to industry experts, enabling them to solve project-based problems while keeping the interface and interaction simple, friendly, and trustworthy. User research, revealed that a need exists for professional and small-businesses that desire a product that can connect them to knowledgeable experts with beneficial experience and advice that addresses specific small business challenges.
During user testing, a few participants commented on the ease of flow within certain portions of the app's functionality. This feedback, helped inform functionality issues that emerged in other features during testing, resulting in simplified user flows. Splash screen A/B preference testing revealed a user desire for the app to feel inclusive, which reinforced the initial goal for a friendly and trustworthy experience. Now the app connects mentor to mentee in a friendly, easy-to-use way
