dataPlor Explorers - Transforming Business Data in LATAM
Role: UX/UI Designer
Year: 2020
The Journey Begins
The dataPlor Explorers app made its debut on the Play Store in 2018, ushering in a revolutionary approach to collecting data from Latin American businesses lacking an online presence. Our secret weapon: a network of on-the-ground users known as Explorers.
Map view on dark and light modes
Discovering Pain Points and Navigating Government Regulations
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The Sign Up process included 4 steps, training, quiz, test run and a chat to confirm all the information.
Our mission was clear: gather data from businesses across Latin America that operated offline. Thousands of users joined our ranks, motivated by the opportunity to earn money while supporting their local communities. These dedicated Explorers captured crucial information, including storefront photos, business names, and addresses.
Each iteration of the app had to adhere to government regulations, a complex endeavor that required collaboration with legal experts and local stakeholders. We ventured into diverse markets, including Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, and Aruba.
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In the create a business screen our explorers could add all the business details by sections.
Our journey was significantly enriched by user research. We conducted extensive shadowing sessions with our on-the-ground Explorers across Latin America to gather valuable feedback on their interactions with the app. By observing firsthand how they navigated the interface and performed tasks, we gained insights into their motivations, pain points, and usage patterns. This immersive approach allowed us to identify areas for improvement and tailor the app's design to better meet the needs of our diverse user base across different regions.
Explorers Journey
My leadership role took me to Brazil and Aruba, each with its own registration flows and unique tasks for Explorers. However, we encountered a significant challenge: the previous app version could only handle one type of project. As our client base expanded, we found ourselves catering to various data needs—collection, enhancement, and verification. These diverse requirements demanded a flexible UI that could adapt to different project types.
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Explorers could unlock projects and keep track of them in the My Projects section.
Translating Customer Needs into Engaging Experiences
Despite the distinct project requirements in each country, we realized that we could utilize reusable UI components. Our primary focus was on creating a UI that provided ample space for Explorers to navigate the map and identify areas of opportunity.
With the potential for a wealth of information, user engagement became a critical concern. We introduced gamification elements into the app design, making project participation a more exciting experience. Users could now see tasks that offered bonuses upon completion. We revamped progress tracking, incorporating visual elements like progress bars, bonus notifications, and alerts. These changes significantly boosted user engagement across various project types, transcending the standard data acquisition task.
My submissions screen showcases all the work done by explorers and the money they have earned
Preventing Fraud and Ensuring Data Quality
Maintaining data integrity was paramount. To achieve this, I spearheaded a comprehensive training program for Explorers. The process was streamlined: sign up, receive task-specific training, complete a quiz, and, for those seeking additional guidance, take a test drive before venturing into the field.
Training material, it was different for each project but they all contained the same steps.
One of the most substantial challenges I tackled was the prevention of fraud. Identifying fraudulent data required extensive effort. We decoded patterns and reverse-engineered how false information was sourced by our users. Subsequently, we implemented real-time data verification processes utilizing GPS and photo metadata. Given the challenges of cellular data speed in LATAM, I collaborated closely with the engineering team to optimize data usage when Explorers accessed our app.
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Notifications Feature
User-centered design is the cornerstone of any successful project. This endeavor, in particular, deepened my empathy for users. Working closely with diverse users across international markets allowed me to understand their motivations and pain points. The research became an integral and enriching part of the project experience.In conclusion, the dataPlor Explorers app revolutionized the data collection landscape in Latin America, thanks to the dedication of our on-the-ground Explorers and a user-centric approach to design and engagement.
Other Projects
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