Vehicle maintenance experience for Mazda: Enhancing user experience on the MyMazda app by aligning various touchpoints.
EMPOWERED MAZDA OWNERS WITH DECISION-MAKING
ELEVATED BRAND PERCEPTION AND LOYALTY
STREAMLINED SERVICE BOOKING AND PAYMENTS
![Centered Image](img/mazda-hero-new.png)
Team:
PAIGE HEATHERINGTON
TYLER BARLOW
SINA OMIDALLAH
CHINMAYEE KUSNUR
My Role:
UI DESIGN (DESIGN SYSTEMS)
UX DESIGN
VIDEO POST PRODUCTION
Duration:
5 WEEKS
Project Overview
A senior design course project focused on experience design.
Our objective was to address a business problem by applying
design principles to find a solution. Our direction involved
enhancing the Mazda dealership vehicle maintenance product,
with a focus on leveraging existing touchpoints to elevate
the overall vehicle maintenance experience for Mazda owners.
In this project, my main responsibilities revolved around
crafting a unified design system using Figma and refining
the user experience of the app.
Problem
50% of car dealership gross profits are
from maintenance and repair services. However, according to
Cox Automative maintenance and repair study 65% of vehicle
owners do not get their vehicle serviced at a dealership due
to a poor experience caused by:
PERCEIVED UNFAIR PRICING
LACK OF TRANSPARENCY
TIME COST & UNCERTAINTY
![Centered Image](img/portmoody.png)
Area of Intervention
After gathering feedback from numerous vehicle
owners, we discovered that many of them preferred alternative service
options like Jiffy Lube, Midas, or independent mechanics over
dealerships. The prevailing perception was that dealerships were more
costly and time-consuming, leading to a lack of trust in their services.
To combat these misconceptions and increase the perceived value of
dealership services, we decided to address the emerging needs of
vehicle owners regarding transparency and uncertainty in the services
provided. Our goal was to enhance the overall experience of Mazda owners
throughout the entire service process, from the moment they arrive until
the completion of the service.
![Centered Image](img/areaofintervention.png)
Framing the Problem
In 2021, Mazda launched MyMazda, a mobile app enabling
users to lock/unlock the car, adjust heating, and control fundamental vehicle
features. Despite its functionality, the app had some limitations as users
were redirected multiple times to various third-party sites for tasks such
as booking service appointments, making payments, and getting service.
Recognizing this opportunity for improvement, we aimed to integrate all
touchpoints directly within the app. Our objective was to enhance
transparency by providing users with clear information about the time and
cost of the service, all within the seamless experience of the MyMazda app.
![Centered Image](img/framingtheproblem.png)
Solution
Bringing Awareness to Maintenance Needs
We wanted Mazda owners to know all of the service
details of their cars through this app. Hence, we created a service section
in one of the apps where they get complete information about upcoming
services and maintenance required for specific car parts. This allows us
to increase the transparency of their repair services, communicate both
the “what” and “why” of service and remove booking friction, thereby
increasing the number of owners who follow through with the appointment.
![Centered Image](img/A1.png)
![Centered Image](img/A2.png)
Keeping the Owner Informed During the Service
One of the main reasons vehicle owners didn't go to
dealerships was the lack of trust. By giving step-by-step details of the
service, we can establish a trustworthy connection between the owner and
service team, accommodate busy schedules by providing live updates and
provide price transparency to mitigate owner frustration and anxiety.
![Centered Image](img/B1.png)
![Centered Image](img/B2.png)
Allowing the Owner to Make Informed Decisions
Every time before the service begins, the mechanic
performs an inspection to check if any additional services are required.
Instead of asking the vehicle owner through third-party applications,
they can send a video of the issue and ask via the app. By giving the
control to the owner to make decisions for their vehicle, we can provide
transparency through updating vehicle status throughout service and
additional evidence through video and facilitate more informed decision making.
![Centered Image](img/C1.png)
![Centered Image](img/C2-1.png)
Keeping the Owner Within One Touchpoint
By bringing the payment touchpoint inside the app, we
can remove any kind of payment friction to provide a thoughtful end-of-service
experience and strengthen the brand perception with a better experience.
![Centered Image](img/D1.png)
![Centered Image](img/D2-1.png)
Providing a Detailed Service History
A service history folder is essential for any vehicle owner,
especially when selling the car, and we decided to digitalize it and integrate it
into the MyMazda App. The service history tab includes the service summary, service
videos, inspection reports and the receipt. Additionally, it acts as a touchpoint
for a new owner to onboard the MyMazda application.
![Centered Image](img/E1.png)
![Centered Image](img/E2.png)
What Did I Learn?
1. Importance of Design Research: Throughout the project, I gained valuable experience in conducting thorough design research, delving into user preferences, pain points, and behaviors. This process allowed me to uncover insights that guided our design decisions and ensured that the MyMazda app catered to the specific needs and expectations of Mazda owners.
2. Collaboration: Working collaboratively with the team, I learned the importance of combining diverse perspectives and expertise to create holistic and innovative solutions. Embracing the ideology of adding value to the business, brand, and design, I ensured that our design choices aligned with the overarching goal of enhancing the user experience and increasing customer trust in dealership services.
3. Experience Design Foundation: This project served as a practical application of experience design principles. By focusing on transparency, user-friendliness, and seamless integration of touchpoints, I grasped the fundamental aspects of experience design and how it can positively impact user engagement and satisfaction in digital products like the MyMazda app.