ALPHASHINE

The Future of Car Detailing.

ALPHASHINE, a subscription-based mobile app for car detailing services, was designed to simplify car cleaning for users by offering monthly cleanings and detailing, complete with convenient features such as valet pick-up and remote cleaning.

In this case study, I'll introduce an extended version of the project—an exploratory endeavor born out of curiosity. This project builds upon the work I initially undertook at ALPHASHINE but takes a broader direction, targeting a more diverse user base than ALPHASHINE's original focus. This endeavor emerged as a personal project after the ALPHASHINE leadership decided on a different direction, allowing me to pursue my vision and satisfy my creative itch by creating this alternative version.

My Role
I primarily worked as their Senior Product Designer and UX Researcher and later on worked as their interim Marketing Growth Manager for 6 month.

Client
ALPHASHINE Inc.
Project Details
Duration: April 2022 - March 2023
Scope: MVP + exploration of future usage

During our research, we found that 89% of our customers considered cleaning their cars beforehand to be a hassle.

Before using our service, many didn't clean their cars regularly. Now, they prefer dropping off their cars due to a positive customer service experience and are interested in a hybrid approach. We identified three groups in our research: Parents, Automotive Novices, and Car Enthusiasts.

26

User Interviews

600

Survey responses
from customers

750

Non-user survey
responses

parents

  1. Don't have the money
  2. Don't have the time
  3. Don't know where to go
  4. Not sure who is reliable
  5. Don't have the time to lose your car for so long.

Auto Niveous

  1. Don't have the money
  2. Don't have the time
  3. Don't know where to go
  4. Not sure who is reliable
  5. Intimidated by the automotive industry
  6. Location often felt unsafe or misogynistic

Car Enthusiasts

  1. Don't have the money
  2. Don't have the time
  3. Hard to find a location they like
  4. Hard to find quality service
  5. Hard to find knowledgeable services
  6. Lack of technology used

Our MVP resolved many previous issues, including complex workflows, confusing service options, location ambiguity, and subscription model clarity.

However, during post-design reflection and beta testing interviews, areas for improvement were identified. Users strongly favored a text-based booking option, with a chat room for questions and service confirmation. Furthermore, post-MVP interviews emphasized the necessity for enhanced Subscription model features, such as reminders and improved visibility of unused monthly services, along with a comprehensive dashboard for suggestions and account information.

Top uX/UI Issues
Base on the MVP Redesign

  1. Chat booking flow
  2. Chat area for questions
  3. Focus on subscription details
  4. Service reminder front and center
  5. Automated recommendations

The Solutions: I will illustrate the differences between the MVP and the new design, highlighting how I sought to enhance the designs based on research and user feedback.

home screenLocation info screenAsk blu chatProfile dashboard

Simplified Log in & Sign-up

There are two ways to sign up for the service. You can either download the app and enter your name and phone number there, or you can provide your information to the cashier at the point of sale when you check out.

Home Screen

The app detects the store you're in and updates your home screen with its branding and promotions. Additionally, you'll receive a notification about the Blu Discount offered by the store.

App Navigation

Navigating through the app is incredibly easy. To access the menu bar, simply pull it down. If you'd like to access our map view (called bluCommunity), just swipe up.

Dynamic Island

Upon entering a partner store, you will receive a notification informing you that you are eligible for savings. By tapping on the dynamic island, you can view the store's reviews and access your reward bar code, which can be easily scanned or tapped without having to unlock your phone.

POS Interaction

At checkout, access your client card via the notification with NFC, display your QR code by rotating your phone if NFC is unavailable, or through your phone/smartwatch E-Wallet.

Access QR Code by titling phone into portrait.

blu Community

The "bluCommunity" tab features your main map menu, along with some search options and unique categories like "Vibes." It also includes a list of the nearest retail stores that offer BluCard discounts.

blu Suggestions

Blu Suggestion is an AI chatbot recommending local businesses and attractions based on your interests and preferences. It uses data from the Blucommunity and Blu-partner locations to provide personalized suggestions like "fun date ideas for thrill-seekers" or "exotic food markets to visit".

User Profile

You can view your membership status, access your account details, and see how much you've saved on the account page. The awards section displays milestones you can achieve based on your interactions with the bluCommunity and usage.

Dark & Night Mode

BluCard comes in both light & dark modes to fit you own personal preference.

Home Page

The old homepage mainly highlighted nearby locations and let you start booking via drop-off or valet. The new version acts like a dashboard, showing services, locations, and marketing tips with internal ads at the bottom. We added quick tips for customers who lack knowledge and expanded the menu for more features without clutter.

Home Page

The old homepage mainly highlighted nearby locations and let you start booking via drop-off or valet. The new version acts like a dashboard, showing services, locations, and marketing tips with internal ads at the bottom. We added quick tips for customers who lack knowledge and expanded the menu for more features without clutter.

Our Loyalty Program

To provide an immediate upfront reward, we choose a discount-based loyalty program.

A study by McKinsey revealed that discount-based loyalty programs can increase transaction size by up to 70%. The study also found that paid membership tiers resulted in 62% more purchases compared to free tiers, which supported their own research. To balance customer attraction with profitability, we considered industry retail markup rates and offered a 15% discount for the entry-level free tier and a 20% discount for the paid tier. This provided sufficient incentive for customers to sign up while ensuring the costs remain manageable for small businesses.

Product Features

During the app design process, we added helpful features to create a positive user experience that encourages frequent app use, promoting habit-forming.

Improvement Opportunity

  • Notify users upon entering partner locations
  • Allow easy customization of marketing material
  • Simplify discount acceptance
  • Help users locate partner locations
  • Enable users to track and save money

Individual Store App Experience

Each home screen is customize with the companies logo and backsplash along with any area for them to run promos.

Geo Location

Get notified when you enter partner store.

E-Wallet Access

Just tap or scan your card at check out.

Blu Assistant

Blu acts as your guide throughout the app, providing suggestions on places to go and new activities to try. As your personal assistant, Blu helps you connect with local businesses.

Simplified Log in & Sign-up

There are two ways to sign up for the service. You can either download the app and enter your name and phone number there, or you can provide your information to the cashier at the point of sale when you check out.

Home Screen

The app detects the store you're in and updates your home screen with its branding and promotions. Additionally, you'll receive a notification about the Blu Discount offered by the store.

App Navigation

Navigating through the app is incredibly easy. To access the menu bar, simply pull it down. If you'd like to access our map view (called bluCommunity), just swipe up.

Dynamic Island

Upon entering a partner store, you will receive a notification informing you that you are eligible for savings. By tapping on the dynamic island, you can view the store's reviews and access your reward bar code, which can be easily scanned or tapped without having to unlock your phone.

POS Interaction

At checkout, access your client card via the notification with NFC, display your QR code by rotating your phone if NFC is unavailable, or through your phone/smartwatch E-Wallet.

Access QR Code by titling phone into portrait.

blu Community

The "bluCommunity" tab features your main map menu, along with some search options and unique categories like "Vibes." It also includes a list of the nearest retail stores that offer BluCard discounts.

blu Suggestions

Blu Suggestion is an AI chatbot recommending local businesses and attractions based on your interests and preferences. It uses data from the Blucommunity and Blu-partner locations to provide personalized suggestions like "fun date ideas for thrill-seekers" or "exotic food markets to visit".

User Profile

You can view your membership status, access your account details, and see how much you've saved on the account page. The awards section displays milestones you can achieve based on your interactions with the bluCommunity and usage.

Dark & Night Mode

BluCard comes in both light & dark modes to fit you own personal preference.

During our research, we found that 89% of our customers considered cleaning their cars beforehand to be a hassle.

Before using our services, many of them either didn't clean their cars regularly or only did so when absolutely necessary. However, after joining our service, they increasingly prefer the option of dropping off their cars instead of using valet. This shift is due to their positive experience with our customer service. Still, they expressed interest in a hybrid approach that includes remote maintenance cleaning along with seasonal detailing.

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