AUTONEST

2021

Introduction

I wanted to design an application that creates a forum for drivers. This is meant to collect data about cars, help current drivers keep track of maintenance and also provide new drivers with information cars from everyday drivers. This was a project that was an idea to pitch out during Startup week. This Penn State event was a week that allowed students to put their great ideas into action and solve a problem.

why?

We noticed that the majority of the students at Penn State University experienced many challenges when it came to obtaining a car and then understanding how to take care of that vehicle through repairs. This was true for individuals who were new to driving, older drivers looking for new cars, and families with children who wanted an affordable car for their younger drivers. Our goal is to provide resources that will help students learn about safer driving practices, auto maintenance, and repairs as well as providing information about vehicle financing options, insurance quotes,and other services available in Central Pennsylvania. Ultimately, we hope this will help people save money on their vehicles while also receiving valuable lessons from experienced drivers who are willing to help anyone get started off right.

Project Deliverables

Research
User Flow
Survey
Wireframes

Role

UI/UX Designer and Research in a team of two.

RESEARCH

ENGINE, MAJOR: Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain, or belt.
ENGINE, MINOR: Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, difficult to fill up the gas tank, fuel leaks, oil leaks.
ENGINE COOLING: Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.
TRANSMISSION, MAJOR: Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.
TRANSMISSION, MINOR: Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.
DRIVE SYSTEM: Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, and electronic stability control (ESC).
FUEL SYSTEM/EMISSIONS: Sensors (O2 or oxygen sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Alternator, starter, hybrid/electric battery replacement, hybrid/electric battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure.
CLIMATE SYSTEM: A/C compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

Reference.- Consumer Reports, Carfax, USA Today, CarTalkCommunity

Survey

To gather user input, I surveyed 50 students about their car-buying experiences and their thoughts about an application that helps connect drivers in a forum. The survey revealed that many people face difficulties when they shop for a car. It also highlighted that many people make their car-purchasing decisions based on information gathered from friends and family members.

UML FlowChart SiteMapDiagram

WireFrame

Conclusion

Working on this project was a great experience for me because it allowed me to pitch my ideas to investors and compete against other candidates in start-up week. My idea gained a ton of positive feedback and also some criticism, which was needed because it showcased that there was plenty of room for improvement. This was a completely different experience for me because it was the first time I was competing with my design. I learned a great deal from this experience, including improving my networking skills, my presentation skills, and even organizational skills. These are soft skills that will go a long way in many of my future projects.

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