Certified Pre-Owned Inspection App

Note: This is a case study of work done by Sam Rojas at a consulting firm. It does not depict work produced independently by ROJI Design. The images used here are scrubbed re-creations of designs for reference and do not represent the entire completed project.
In response to the ever-evolving demands of the automotive industry, our design team embarked on a project to revolutionize the certified pre-owned inspection process for a prestigious client in the automotive sector. This case study delves into the journey of designing a user-centric, digital inspection experience, impacting both sales managers and inspection workers.

Project Goals

The primary goal was to create a streamlined, mobile-centric experience for the certified pre-owned assignment process. Starting with the perspective of sales managers receiving enrollments, the aim was to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and data richness. This project, though working with a high-profile client (not explicitly mentioned), underscored the commitment to delivering excellence in the automotive sector.

Role and Responsibility

As the lead designer on the project, the focus was on crafting the mobile experience. Working alongside another designer, the task was to create comprehensive mockups within a tight three-week timeline. The project was executed without direct communication with end-users, relying on high-level requirements provided by executives.

Design Process

Sales Manager's Perspective

Starting from the sales manager's viewpoint, the desktop platform was designed to display crucial information about certified pre-owned assignments. This included insights into inspection status, estimated repair costs, and a streamlined process for assigning inspections or certifying a vehicle.

Inspection Worker's Perspective

For the inspection worker in the garage, the design transitioned to a mobile-centric approach. The goal was to digitize the inspection process, replacing the traditional paper checklist with a user-friendly mobile interface. This not only simplified and modernized their tasks but also ensured more accurate data capture through VIN information, digital input fields, and media uploads.

Rapid Iterations

Given the time constraints and minimal user interaction, the design decisions heavily relied on instinct and UX expertise. The mobile experience was crafted with an emphasis on intuitive navigation, ease of use, and efficiency in the inspection workflow.

Conclusion

Outcomes

The designs were well-received, leading to a large-scale project to implement the envisioned solution. While Sam shifted to another client project role, this project continued to evolve becoming heavily influenced by user needs. In-person user discovery sessions revealed positive feedback from garage personnel about the app-based inspection process, many who were eager to contribute ideas for improvement.

The project is poised to have a significant impact across North America and Europe, a testament to its potential to revolutionize the certified pre-owned inspection process on a global scale. The initial influence and positive reception marked a promising beginning for the continued development and implementation of this innovative solution.

Reflection

Reflecting on the project, the initial three weeks laid the foundation for a transformative digital experience. The success of the designs and subsequent developments underscore the importance of rapid yet thoughtful iterations in influencing the work on improving process flows for large clients. In conclusion, this case study illuminates the journey of designing a mobile-centric user experience for the certified pre-owned inspection process. From high-level requirements to huge project success, the project showcases the impact of intuitive design on the automotive industry's evolving landscape.