Mitchell International
1998 - 1999
Mitchell published the definitive reference books for automobile repair shops, listing all the parts and components for cars. Additionally, they created a PC software application enabling body shops to quickly create repair estimates. These applications were complex and meant to be used by trained experts. I provided interaction design consulting, wherein I partnered with product managers and developers to refine the existing application in hopes of improving its usability. The images to the right show some of the wireframes I created and used in scenario-based storyboards.
GOALS:
- First project: refine and improve the existing auto-repair-estimate creator software application (called Catalyst)
- Second project: explore and re-imagine an alternative and simplified web-based approach
ACTIONS:
- Field research: visited and observed auto-repair shops; interviewed repair personnel and body-shop managers
- Created task-flow diagrams, UI sketches and wireframes
- Storyboarded various scenarios to illustrate new UI flow and behavior
- Authored a 165 page design specifications document
- Partnered with development team to bring designs to life via Visual Basic prototypes
- Partnered with visual design to transform wireframes into high fidelity screen comps
RESULTS:
- Mitchell International ultimately changed course and pursued a web-based solution for simplified distribution, updates, and operations
- Previously, all solutions were created by the development team. The involvement of Interaction Architects showed the value of design and changed their approach to the product development process