2020

Mobile App, Product Design, UX, User Research, Desktop App

AssemblyDrop

AssemblyDrop is a home improvement materials shopping app that connects DIY shoppers and contractors with sellers who can provide large items and delivery via trucks. It bridges the gap between high-demand materials and logistics for convenient and efficient access to large, heavy items.

Wacth
Wacth
Wacth

Problem

The rise of the 'instant generation' and the increasing popularity of DIY projects have created a demand for a modern, flexible shopping platform. Traditional home improvement stores and apps often lack an efficient way to connect shoppers with sellers for large-item purchases and delivery, especially for materials that require trucks or specialized handling. This gap in service resulted in a fragmented shopping experience, limiting convenience for DIY enthusiasts and contractors alike.

Sulution

AssemblyDrop was designed to create a seamless shopping experience for large and heavy items. The platform’s key features include: Streamlined Product Search and Browsing: A user-friendly interface allows shoppers to easily find the items they need, with clear categorization and filters tailored to DIY and home improvement materials. Delivery Scheduling and Tracking: Users can select convenient delivery times based on truck availability, with real-time tracking options for added assurance and convenience. Cart and Checkout Optimization: The cart and checkout process is simplified to ensure an efficient experience. Users can view item specifics, select quantities, and confirm delivery logistics all in one place. Desktop and Mobile Support: Designed for flexibility, AssemblyDrop provides a cohesive experience across mobile and desktop platforms, catering to users on-site or at home. With these features, AssemblyDrop offers a comprehensive solution that caters to the specific needs of the DIY and home improvement market, enabling easy access to large materials and a streamlined delivery process.

Interactive Prototype

(might take a few seconds to load)

Interactive Prototype

(might take a few seconds to load)

Interactive Prototype

(might take a few seconds to load)

Process

User Research & Ideation
I conducted interviews and surveys with DIY enthusiasts and contractors to understand pain points in sourcing and transporting heavy materials. These insights shaped the app’s features and guided the creation of user personas.


Information Architecture & Flowcharting
I mapped out the information architecture and user flow to outline key touchpoints, streamline navigation, and anticipate friction points, ensuring a smooth shopping experience.


Wireframing & Prototyping

I created low-fidelity wireframes to establish structure and functionality, then developed interactive prototypes for early testing. This iterative approach allowed us to refine the design before high-fidelity mockups.


Design System & Style Guide
To maintain consistency, I developed a style guide with color, typography, and icon standards, ensuring accessibility and cohesive design across mobile and desktop platforms.

Pivoted to Cement Delivery

Problems


  • Low Productivity Growth: The $1.4 trillion construction industry is lagging significantly in productivity, growing at only 1% annually—far behind other sectors.

  • High Costs of Material Runs: Builders spend approximately 780 hours and waste around $80,000 per worker each year on material runs, leading to significant financial and time inefficiencies.

  • Lack of Automation for 'Rough' Materials: The ordering process for essential materials (like sand, gravel, lumber, and concrete) remains largely manual, with error-prone, paper-based orders causing frequent delays. This lack of automation not only increases the potential for costly mistakes but also inflates project timelines, raising overall expenses for general contractors.

Solutions


  • E-commerce Platform for 'Rough' Materials:
    Our platform focuses on providing essential construction materials such as sand, gravel, lumber, rebar, ready-mix concrete, and pump services. By centralizing these resources, AssemblyDrop simplifies the procurement process, allowing contractors to easily access and order the materials they need.

  • 3-Minute Intake for Ready-Mix Concrete Orders:
    To streamline the ordering process, we implemented a quick 3-minute intake system for ready-mix concrete and related materials. This automation minimizes manual input, reduces delays, and ensures that materials are promptly scheduled for delivery.

  • Automated Smart Orders & Tracking:
    All orders are processed with automated tracking, allowing for real-time visibility from dispatch to delivery. Materials are shipped directly by the original supplier, enhancing efficiency and ensuring timely arrival at the job site.

  • Contactless Delivery Solution:
    Our platform offers a fully contactless delivery option. We schedule deliveries and coordinate with our representatives to oversee the process at the job site, ensuring safe and efficient drop-offs without disrupting the work environment.

Personas

To create a user-centered platform, we identified three key personas, each representing a distinct role within the construction process. These personas were integral in understanding the pain points of the manual procurement process and guided the design of features that address their specific needs.

How the Manual Cement Ordering Process Works

For inspiration, we looked to industry-leading apps such as Amazon, Instacart, and The Home Depot, aiming to create a seamless and intuitive shopping experience. Our collaboration with Home Depot further guided our design choices, ensuring that existing customers would find the platform familiar and easy to use. By incorporating best practices from these popular platforms, we focused on optimizing usability, accessibility, and convenience for our users.

Authorization Flow

The Authorization Flow was designed to provide a secure and seamless login experience for users. This flow accommodates both new and returning users, with options for quick registration through social media and traditional login methods. New users are guided through a straightforward registration process, including phone and password verification for added security, while existing users can easily recover their account if they forget their password.

By streamlining these steps, the authorization process minimizes friction, ensuring users can quickly access their accounts and proceed with their shopping experience without delays.

Design

The login and registration screens for AssemblyDrop were designed with simplicity and accessibility in mind. These screens provide users with a clean and intuitive interface, offering multiple login options, including social media integration, to streamline access. Error messages are clear and guide users through corrective actions, ensuring a smooth experience even when issues arise.

From registration to account recovery, each step of the user journey is crafted to be user-friendly and efficient, reducing barriers to entry and enhancing the overall onboarding experience.

Web Application Flow

The Web Application Flow for AssemblyDrop was designed to create a smooth and intuitive shopping experience, guiding users from product selection to checkout. The flow begins with a zip code entry, allowing the platform to tailor available products and delivery options based on location. Users can then browse a catalog of products, choose specific items through a selection modal, and schedule delivery at their convenience.

This step-by-step approach ensures that users have a clear path from product discovery to order completion, with options to save items for later or proceed directly to checkout. Each stage in the flow is optimized to reduce friction, making it easy for users to find what they need and complete their purchases efficiently.

Web Application Design (MVP)