The Companion App

The Companion App

All-in-one shop management at your fingertips

All-in-one shop management at your fingertips

Customer

Client

one.com

Webiste

Link to site

Link to site

Year

2022-2024

My role

UX Designer
User Research
UI Designer
DesignOps

Team

Design (UI, UX, DesignOps)
Product Manager
Developers (iOS and Android)
Web Developers

Deliverables

Component Library
High Fidelity Designs
Handovers
Usability Testing

Overview

The “Companion App” is a mobile-first application that empowers users to manage their webshops from anywhere. Designed as an extension of One.com’s platform, the app offers real-time data and streamlined tools for tasks like inventory management, order tracking, and customer interactions.

Key Features:

Mobile-First Design: Optimized for mobile devices, ensuring a responsive and intuitive user experience on the go.

Real-Time Management: Provides up-to-date information on inventory, orders, and customer communications for quick, informed decision-making.

Custom Design System: Built with a new “App Library” design system, ensuring consistency and ease of use across all components.

Seamless Integration: Smoothly integrates with the One.com platform, allowing users to manage their online presence without switching tools.

User-Centric Tools: Includes features for updating product listings, managing inventory, and tracking sales, all optimized for mobile use.

Essential for Modern Entrepreneurs:

The “Companion App” is crucial in today’s mobile-driven world, offering One.com users the flexibility and control needed to manage their webshops efficiently, no matter where they are. Its user-centric, mobile-first approach makes it an indispensable tool for running a modern business.

Research & Discovery

In the initial phase of the “Companion App” project, my primary focus was on conducting a thorough competitive analysis and market research. I investigated existing mobile apps in the e-commerce and management spaces, analyzing their features, usability, and overall user experience. This research was pivotal in identifying gaps in the market and opportunities for innovation within our app.

Drawing from my previous experience in building web apps and native mobile applications at Relesys, I was able to identify key user needs and industry standards that informed our design approach. This foundational research ensured that the “Companion App” would not only meet user expectations but also stand out in a competitive market.

The Challenge

One of the most significant challenges we faced was designing a mobile-first application in an environment that had not previously developed mobile apps. This required a fresh approach to both design and development, particularly since we lacked a mobile-focused design system.

To address this, I collaborated closely with the DesignOps team to create a separate “App Library” design system. This new system was tailored specifically for mobile applications, ensuring consistency and usability across the app. My previous experience at Relesys, where I worked extensively with both web and native applications, was invaluable in this process. It allowed me to anticipate potential issues and design an intuitive, user-friendly interface that would work seamlessly on mobile devices.

The Result & Learnings

The final product was a robust mobile application that allowed users to manage their webshops on the go with ease. The app was well-received, with over 100,000 downloads and a 25% increase in Daily Active Users (DAU/MAU), which was a significant achievement.

Building the “App Library” design system in collaboration with DesignOps not only provided a solid foundation for this project but also set a precedent for future mobile app development within the company. This project reinforced the importance of flexibility and creativity in the face of constraints, and the value of building new systems when existing ones are insufficient.

Through this experience, I learned the critical role that a tailored design system plays in the success of mobile applications, especially when starting from scratch. It also highlighted the importance of drawing on past experiences to navigate new challenges effectively, ensuring that the final product is both innovative and user-friendly.