charmainetolentino-larin
charmainetolentino-larin
charmainetolentino-larin

Larin, Your automotive service on the go.

Sunset, april 2018
Mobile app
Automotive
Pre-seed startup

Role

Product Design Consultant

Founder, Software Engineer, QA Engineer

Team

  • Founder

  • Software Engineer

  • QA Engineer

Founder, Software Engineer, QA Engineer

Tools

  • Founder

  • Software Engineer

  • QA Engineer

Founder, Software Engineer, QA Engineer

Contribution

  • Strategy

  • Project Management

  • User Research & Testing

  • Human Interface Design

  • Design System

  • Front-End Development

Strategy, Project Management, User Research & Testing, Human Interface Design, Design System, Front-End Development

Overview

A mobile app that quickly connects vehicle owners to a skilled mechanic through a smartphone. Once you use the app to get help, Larin will quickly send a nearby mechanic to service and fix your vehicle.


I closely work with the founder to craft an intuitive and user-friendly app that puts the power of a skilled mechanic right in your pocket. From designing the core user interface to creating clear and concise diagnostic flows, my focus was on creating a seamless experience that alleviates stress and simplifies car care for everyone.

Results

  1. More than 1,000 new users: new users organically grew within a month through word of mouth and social media without using any expensive marketing.

  1. Pilot Testing: 94% of the feedback was positive and the users felt secured that an app like Larin exists to help them with their car problems at any time of the day.

  1. Startup Competition Ideaspace, Top 14: we joined the 2018 startup competition Ideaspace, and was able to land the top 14 (out of more than 50 competitors).

  1. MVP Go-Live: Larin was successfully build and shipped to the market on both iOS and Android app.

Design process

In summary, using the MVP process in UX design helps validate assumptions, reduce waste, gather valuable feedback, improve user adoption, enable agile development, and ensure a user-centered approach.

Research

By conducting thorough user interviews and survey to our target market which are mostly Millenials (20-35 year-olds both male and female and are 2nd hand car owners) I had a better understanding of what their pain points are when it comes to having vehicle problems in the middle of the road.

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Problems

  1. The car owner doesn't know any mechanic or auto shop nearby when their vehicle brakes down outside of their town (resulting in calling their family and friends or using google to search for a nearby auto shop).


  2. Dishonest mechanics taking advantage of the situation, living the owner with no choice but to comply since they don't have anyone else to fix the vehicle.

Solution & Goal for MVP

Easily connect car owners to nearby auto shops that can provide high-quality car services by having skillful mechanics that will be able to do car diagnostics or repairs on site.


  1. Partner with high-quality auto shops around our first targeted area (which is in Pampanga, Philippines).


  2. Build MVP mobile app with the following features:

    · Users will be able to contact an expert car mechanic nearby and ask for help.

    · Users will be able to see nearby automotive shops on the map.

    · Backend system that can quickly locate the user.


  3. Run a pilot testing in target location (My co-founder who's a car enthusiast, will do the car servicing and diagnostics to see how the interaction goes with the users.

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User Journey

The user, A car owner in this situation, should quickly see the help button on the screen and easily get help from a nearby mechanic.


A Larin representative will ask the driver to provide further information regarding their broken vehicle and after the confirmation, a nearby mechanic will go to the user's location and fix the broken vehicle, once the vehicle is fixed the mechanic will inform Larin representative that the service is completed.

  1. Download / Open the app: Available on iOS and Android.


  1. Describe your car issue: Whether it's a flat tire, overheating engine, or mysterious warning light, Larin guides you through a quick diagnostic process to pinpoint the problem.


  2. Get matched with a mechanic: Larin's algorithm instantly connects you with a qualified mechanic in your area, based on their expertise, availability, and proximity.


  3. Track your mechanic's arrival: See your mechanic's location in real-time on a map, so you know exactly when to expect help.


  4. Transparent pricing and estimates: No more hidden fees or surprise bills. Larin provides upfront pricing for common repairs, ensuring you know the cost before the mechanic arrives.


  5. Secure and convenient payment: Pay securely through the app using your preferred payment method. No cash exchanges, no hassle.


  6. Rate and review your mechanic: Share your experience to help other Larin users make informed decisions.

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Final Designs

A Larin design library was created using adobe XD and marvel for the hand-off to act as a developer guideline and keep the brand identity cohesive.

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Final designs

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Startup Competition

Larin also joined the Ideaspace startup competition — bridging the gap between Philippine tech talent and global markets, IdeaSpace offers tailored incubator and accelerator programs, bolstered by strategic partnerships.

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Takeaway

Although we no longer be able to sustain the service we strive to provide, I'm still thrilled by Larin's potential, I embraced the ambiguity as designer. It was a wild ride crafting a car care revolution for smartphones, no map, just pixelbrush and wrenches.

Looking back, the ambiguity wasn't just a challenge; it was a secret ingredient in Larin's unique flavor. It forced us to be creative, to think outside the oil pan, and to build something truly innovative. Even though the engine has been temporarily put on hold, the lessons learned from that wild ride still hum in my design toolbox.

Team

Founder, Software Engineer, QA Engineer

Tools

Founder, Software Engineer, QA Engineer

Skills

Strategy, Project Management, User Research & Testing, Human Interface Design, Design System, Front-End Development