About

PlanIt is a concept for a project management mobile application. It provides an integrated workspace for freelance designers who typically have to juggle separate platforms for client contact, proofing, and invoicing.

Process

Problem

There are dozens of task management and invoicing apps for freelancers and small businesses, however none of them cater specifically to designers. Freelance graphic designers are tasked with taking on several roles in addition to their design work. Managing new work requests, following up with pricing proposals, project proofing, and delivering invoices all take valuable time away from design work.

Actions

Phase 1: Initial Application Goals

To address the task at hand, I conducted research on typical freelance design workflows. I followed by developing a list of required features for the PlanIt application.

Initial list of features & functionality:

User control settings: Designer

• Designers will be able to customize the application to suit their needs and visually reflect their business. They will be able to customize invoice layouts, upload their own branding, and input price points.

User control settings: Client

• Clients will be able to browse and select services, add descriptions and photos, request a meeting or phone call, access and edit their cart, view project timelines, add comments to project updates, view payment calendar, and make payments.

Registration: Designer

• In order to register, businesses/designers will be able to sign in with their email address and password or register via social media.

Registration: Client

• Clients will register by entering their name, email, and phone number. They will choose a password and a primary contact method. Clients will be asked to add a payment method upon checkout, but will not be billed until their work has been delivered.

Integration

• Scheduling for invoices and project timelines will integrate with your preferred calendar application. Users will be required to sign in and accept the terms before the application can make changes. For invoice payments, all credit and debit cards will be accepted. Users will be able to scan their credit card using their smart phone camera and save their payment details for automatic payments.

Notifications: Designer

• The designer will receive push notifications each time a new order is placed, when a payment has been made, or when they have a new message.

Notifications: Client

• Push notifications will only be sent if the user grants access. They will remind the user of payments, alert them when there has been an update to their project, or when they have a new message.

View sitemap

Results & Conclusion

The polished wireframes gave insight into fundamental interactions to add within the prototype. After a few rounds of feedback and some minor adjustments to the navigation, the prototype began to take shape. Once refined, micro-interactions were implemented to enhance the overall experience. I am pleased with the final results and the application's ability to meet the needs of a freelancer looking for the right project management tool. The interface allows any number of projects to populate within a feed in the dashboard that bears a resemblance to popular social media applications. Instead of managing several applications or dealing with a flooded inbox, designers can access their complete workflow from the main dashboard of PlanIt.

Launch prototype