tinkl app: Research and Design Iteration
Project Overview
As a UX researcher and designer, I worked with a team of 3 colleagues to evaluate the usability level of tinkl, an app that helps trans and non-binary people find gender-neutral restrooms in public places. Each team member also designed and iterated additional features to improve upon the existing app.
My Role: UX/UI researcher and designer.
​
Methods
Cognitive Walkthrough, User Research, Contextual Inquiry, Digital Wireframing, and Prototyping.
Tools
Google Docs, Google Sheets, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Zoom, Figma, Loom, and Keynote.
59% of Transgender Americans Avoid Using Public Restrooms
Defining The Problem
Despite the increasing availability of gender-neutral restrooms in public places, trans and non-binary people seeking restrooms need to know if they will be safe and if businesses require people to make a purchase before using the restroom.
User Research
Cognitive Walkthrough
The team conducted a cognitive walkthrough to determine the usability level of the tinkl app from the user perspective before conducting a walkthrough with a representative primary user.
The user was asked to complete 13 different tasks to better understand the user experience within the existing version of the app. This approach generated contextual inquiry data for the team.
This is one of 13 tasks our team evaluated during the first cognitive walkthrough session. Select to view cognitive walkthrough.
Contextual Inquiry Findings
What Went Well
“As a trans person, I really like the idea of being able to plan ahead and stay safe.”
“Low barrier to use the app.”
“This makes bathrooms more accessible.”
What Can Be Improved
“Can you use the bathroom without having purchased anything at the business?”
“Are people using tinkl actually safe?”
“Opportunity for creating a safe network as a way to get business.”
Iterated Design Concepts
Digital Concept Sketches
These are concept sketches that focus on new safety and business information features.
Interactive Prototype
Select The Prototype to Try It!
Iterated Prototype Demo Walkthrough Video
Select To Watch The Video
Next Steps
-
Meet with the tinkl app stakeholders to discuss research findings and proposed prototyped solutions.
​
-
Iterate on the app design based on stakeholder and user feedback.
​
-
Conduct additional user research.