Parking Time

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Parking made simple with digital P-disk

PROJECT SUMMARY

Parking Time Sweden, is a tech start-up offering a digital parking disc app to address forgetfulness, a common issue with traditional P-disks. Despite its simplicity and ease of use, the app faces challenges in attracting users to its digital alternative. We’ve improved the app to make it more convenient and harder to forget to set P-disk, ensuring users can easily manage their parking sessions and comply with regulations.

Role (Team of 5):

Design Lead, User Research

Duration :

March 2024 (2,5 weeks)

Website :

Parking time Sweden

Tools :

Figma, Surveys, Usability testing

Role (Team of 5):

Design Lead, User Research

Duration :

March 2024 (2,5 weeks)

Website :

Parking time Sweden

Tools :

Figma, Surveys, Usability testing

CONTEXT

What is P-disk?

A "P-disk" is a parking tool used in Sweden and parts of Europe for time-restricted parking, allowing drivers to set their arrival time.

Parking Time Sweden aims to implement their digital solution in small municipalities to combat misuse of visitor parking by residents. The app prompts users to move their cars to avoid exceeding parking limits and potential tickets.

Current challenges with the app

Drivers are used to traditional paper P-disks. The digital version by Parking Time Sweden is not widely recognized, with only around 1000 downloads on the Play Store. Their brand lacks visibility compared to competitors, and the outdated user interface, offering just one core function, doesn't stand out. This makes the app less appealing and valuable for potential users.

Drivers are used to a traditional paper P-disk. Digital P-disk by Parking time Sweden is not very well known to the wider public. Only around 1000+ downloads on Play store.

Their brand is also not well-recognized compared to competitors in their category.

UNDERSTANDING the client and THE USER

Is there really a demand for this kind of service?

First, we investigated the value and need for this type of service among users. We interviewed individuals with prior experience with P-disk, conducted usability tests with the existing solution, observed parking patterns, sent out surveys, and performed competitor analyses.

We wanted to get the answers to crucial questions:

What is missing in the existing parking apps, as well as the traditional P-disk?

In which situations did problems arise with traditional P-disk and why?

Is there a realistic demand for this feature among drivers?

Have other competitors implemented similar solutions?

Usability tests
Testing revealed that the current Parking Time app significantly reduces time efficiency compared to the traditional parking disc. While the app addresses the issue of losing a parking disc, it fails to solve other problems such as forgetting to activate it or the frustration of using an additional app. Users expect technology to be intuitive and efficient.
Observations
Using traditional P-disk was fast but required users to stay in their cars. However, users often experienced frustration when they forgot to set the disk, having to return to the vehicle.
SWOT
Some companies offer automatic parking, but it has limitations and risks. Parking Time Sweden sees a unique opportunity with its digital P-disc. Even as a small company this can be an opportunity to establish a strong presence in the market and draw in new customers.
Surveys
67% had no issues with traditional parking disks, 33% either forgot to set or lost them, while some forgot to end their parking sessions. Despite the digital version's appeal, managing multiple apps can be tiresome.
Usability tests
Testing revealed that the current Parking Time app significantly reduces time efficiency compared to the traditional parking disc. While the app addresses the issue of losing a parking disc, it fails to solve other problems such as forgetting to activate it or the frustration of using an additional app. Users expect technology to be intuitive and efficient.
Observations
Using traditional P-disk was fast but required users to stay in their cars. However, users often experienced frustration when they forgot to set the disk, having to return to the vehicle.
SWOT
Some companies offer automatic parking, but it has limitations and risks. Parking Time Sweden sees a unique opportunity with its digital P-disc. Even as a small company this can be an opportunity to establish a strong presence in the market and draw in new customers.
Surveys
67% had no issues with traditional parking disks, 33% either forgot to set or lost them, while some forgot to end their parking sessions. Despite the digital version's appeal, managing multiple apps can be tiresome.
Usability tests
Testing revealed that the current Parking Time app significantly reduces time efficiency compared to the traditional parking disc. While the app addresses the issue of losing a parking disc, it fails to solve other problems such as forgetting to activate it or the frustration of using an additional app. Users expect technology to be intuitive and efficient.
Observations
Using traditional P-disk was fast but required users to stay in their cars. However, users often experienced frustration when they forgot to set the disk, having to return to the vehicle.
SWOT
Some companies offer automatic parking, but it has limitations and risks. Parking Time Sweden sees a unique opportunity with its digital P-disc. Even as a small company this can be an opportunity to establish a strong presence in the market and draw in new customers.
Surveys
67% had no issues with traditional parking disks, 33% either forgot to set or lost them, while some forgot to end their parking sessions. Despite the digital version's appeal, managing multiple apps can be tiresome.
Usability tests
Testing revealed that the current Parking Time app significantly reduces time efficiency compared to the traditional parking disc. While the app addresses the issue of losing a parking disc, it fails to solve other problems such as forgetting to activate it or the frustration of using an additional app. Users expect technology to be intuitive and efficient.
Observations
Using traditional P-disk was fast but required users to stay in their cars. However, users often experienced frustration when they forgot to set the disk, having to return to the vehicle.
SWOT
Some companies offer automatic parking, but it has limitations and risks. Parking Time Sweden sees a unique opportunity with its digital P-disc. Even as a small company this can be an opportunity to establish a strong presence in the market and draw in new customers.
Surveys
67% had no issues with traditional parking disks, 33% either forgot to set or lost them, while some forgot to end their parking sessions. Despite the digital version's appeal, managing multiple apps can be tiresome.

Usability tests
Testing revealed that the current Parking Time app significantly reduces time efficiency compared to the traditional parking disc. While the app addresses the issue of losing a parking disc, it fails to solve other problems such as forgetting to activate it or the frustration of using an additional app. Users expect technology to be intuitive and efficient.
Observations
Using traditional P-disk was fast but required users to stay in their cars. However, users often experienced frustration when they forgot to set the disk, having to return to the vehicle.
SWOT
Some companies offer automatic parking, but it has limitations and risks. Parking Time Sweden sees a unique opportunity with its digital P-disc. Even as a small company this can be an opportunity to establish a strong presence in the market and draw in new customers.
Surveys
67% had no issues with traditional parking disks, 33% either forgot to set or lost them, while some forgot to end their parking sessions. Despite the digital version's appeal, managing multiple apps can be tiresome.
Usability tests
Testing revealed that the current Parking Time app significantly reduces time efficiency compared to the traditional parking disc. While the app addresses the issue of losing a parking disc, it fails to solve other problems such as forgetting to activate it or the frustration of using an additional app. Users expect technology to be intuitive and efficient.
Observations
Using traditional P-disk was fast but required users to stay in their cars. However, users often experienced frustration when they forgot to set the disk, having to return to the vehicle.
SWOT
Some companies offer automatic parking, but it has limitations and risks. Parking Time Sweden sees a unique opportunity with its digital P-disc. Even as a small company this can be an opportunity to establish a strong presence in the market and draw in new customers.
Surveys
67% had no issues with traditional parking disks, 33% either forgot to set or lost them, while some forgot to end their parking sessions. Despite the digital version's appeal, managing multiple apps can be tiresome.
Usability tests
Testing revealed that the current Parking Time app significantly reduces time efficiency compared to the traditional parking disc. While the app addresses the issue of losing a parking disc, it fails to solve other problems such as forgetting to activate it or the frustration of using an additional app. Users expect technology to be intuitive and efficient.
Observations
Using traditional P-disk was fast but required users to stay in their cars. However, users often experienced frustration when they forgot to set the disk, having to return to the vehicle.
SWOT
Some companies offer automatic parking, but it has limitations and risks. Parking Time Sweden sees a unique opportunity with its digital P-disc. Even as a small company this can be an opportunity to establish a strong presence in the market and draw in new customers.
Surveys
67% had no issues with traditional parking disks, 33% either forgot to set or lost them, while some forgot to end their parking sessions. Despite the digital version's appeal, managing multiple apps can be tiresome.
Usability tests
Testing revealed that the current Parking Time app significantly reduces time efficiency compared to the traditional parking disc. While the app addresses the issue of losing a parking disc, it fails to solve other problems such as forgetting to activate it or the frustration of using an additional app. Users expect technology to be intuitive and efficient.
Observations
Using traditional P-disk was fast but required users to stay in their cars. However, users often experienced frustration when they forgot to set the disk, having to return to the vehicle.
SWOT
Some companies offer automatic parking, but it has limitations and risks. Parking Time Sweden sees a unique opportunity with its digital P-disc. Even as a small company this can be an opportunity to establish a strong presence in the market and draw in new customers.
Surveys
67% had no issues with traditional parking disks, 33% either forgot to set or lost them, while some forgot to end their parking sessions. Despite the digital version's appeal, managing multiple apps can be tiresome.

Usability tests

Testing revealed that the current Parking Time app significantly reduces time efficiency compared to the traditional parking disc. While the app addresses the issue of losing a parking disc, it fails to solve other problems such as forgetting to activate it or the frustration of using an additional app. Users expect technology to be intuitive and efficient.

SWOT

Some companies offer automatic parking, but it has limitations and risks. Parking Time Sweden sees a unique opportunity with its digital P-disc. Even as a small company this can be an opportunity to establish a strong presence in the market and draw in new customers.

Surveys

67% had no issues with traditional parking disks, 33% either forgot to set or lost them, while some forgot to end their parking sessions. Despite the digital version's appeal, managing multiple apps can be tiresome.

Observations

Using traditional P-disk was fast but required users to stay in their cars. However, users often experienced frustration when they forgot to set the disk, having to return to the vehicle.

GATHERING INSIGHTS

After conducting comprehensive research through different relevant methods, we gathered key insights to help us pinpoint the actual problem we need to solve. This approach helped us address the right issues effectively and create meaningful solutions.

Existing parking apps do not have P-disk function.

Traditional P-disk can be problematic for 33% of users who are forgetful.

Users don't want to download an app that offers minimal value.

There's a need for an app that automates the parking process.

AN opportunity FOR IMPROVEMENT

HMW help users with hassle-free parking system that automates the process and addresses challenges related to forgetfulness, loss of P-disks, and complex parking apps?

This helped us narrow down the behavioral type

BEHAVIORAL USER TYPE

They are practical minded and value efficiency

“I don't want to think too much!”

She/he/they is practical-minded and values efficiency and convenience. They prefer to park without encountering obstacles or complications. Avoiding the need for yet another app is important to them.

IDEATION

So, what can we do?

Create an effective solution that makes the parking process as seamless as possible and also reduces the risk of forgetfulness. We began by brainstorming ideas, categorizing them by priority and defining the functions. Some of our ideas are listed bellow.

Some of the early wireframes.

DEFINING USER FLOWS

After our initial sketches and ideas, we started to narrow down the user flow through the app. It became clear that we would have two types of flows:

Before and after the activation of location services.

First-time users don't need to log in to the app. They can either search for parking spaces manually or enable location services, allowing the app to automatically activate their P-disk the next time they approach a parking space that requires it.

Registered users benefit from automatic parking notifications. When they arrive at a parking space, a pop-up asks, "Do you want to park here?" making the process seamless and convenient.

our solution

To address the previously mentioned pain points related to forgetfulness and simplicity of use, we've developed a solution that includes:

Automatic activation

Improved app UI

An updated logo

You have just parked. Your phone vibrates showing: “Do you want to start your P-disk?” After you confirmed it and have secured your parking space, you go off thinking:

“That was smooth.” No worrying about forgetting the paper P-disk or looking for a parking meter.

You don't need to do that anymore. This small yet crucial feature has made all the difference.

You have just parked.

Your phone vibrates showing: “Do you want to start your P-disk?” After you confirmed it and have secured your parking space, you go off thinking:

“That was smooth.” No worrying about forgetting the paper P-disk or looking for a parking meter.

You don't need to do that anymore. This small yet crucial feature has made all the difference.

Automated notifications

To receive parking notifications, users must enable location services. The app then detects when they enter a Parking Time area and reminds them to set the parking disk. This ensures compliance without manual tracking, letting users focus on their day worry-free.

Smart Parking Widget

The home screen widget lets users start a parking session with one tap, showing a timer and "End" button. It also prompts users to end the session when leaving the area, helping avoid fines and encouraging responsible parking.

Same type of information and service can be accessed through widget on the home screen or smart watch.

Key Features

Search for nearby parking.

View parking availability and information.

Manually start and stop parking sessions.

Check remaining session time.

Select your vehicle.

See distance to the nearest P-disk marked parking space.

Easily access the P-disk for manual use.

LOGO UPDATE

We've updated the logo to enhance brand recognition and make 'Parking Time' easier to find among other apps. During user testing, we found that the new logo stands out more and is easier for users to identify. This update can offer significant advantages.

Logo shown in different situations

RISK ANALYSIS

While our solution offers convenience, there are some risks to consider:

Location sharing

Users may hesitate to share their location due to privacy concerns.

Overwhelming notifications

Users might find too frequent notifications annoying and hard to control.

Reliance on phones

Forgetting the phone or facing battery/internet issues.

Competition

The crowded market might discourage users from downloading another parking app.

KEY LEARNINGS AND AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT

One of our main challenges was understanding the actual need for this app, given the simplicity and widespread use of the traditional P-disk.

Suggestions for future development

Iterative improvements and testing to refine the solution.

Explore deeper technical aspects and develop a more comprehensive solution with enhanced functionality.

UI Improvements to enhance the overall user experience.

Usability testing

Measuring the effectiveness of the app in reducing the time spent finding parking spaces and enhancing overall user satisfaction.

Thorough research was crucial in uncovering less obvious aspects of this project, leading to a better final design. By understanding users' feelings and needs, we made decisions that exceeded their expectations. Users responded positively to the refined design, showing a strong preference for the improved solution. We created something they didn't know they needed.

Danijela is a UX/UI designer with a background

in architecture, currently living and crafting experiences in Stockholm, Sweden.

Projects

Resumé

About

Danijela is a UX/UI designer with a background

in architecture, currently living and crafting experiences in Stockholm, Sweden.

Projects

Resumé

About

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