Empowered by mobile-first design as a user experience designer, I embarked on a 4-week mission: create an intuitive and accessible app that simplifies document management for suburban residents. I recognized its potential as a digital ID wallet and started on the smallest screen: the phone.

This wasn't just a design choice; it was strategic. By prioritizing core functionalities on the phone, I built a solid foundation for seamless use across all devices. As screens grew, elements gracefully adapted, optimizing usability and engagement for everyone.

But this app is more than convenience; it's about social good. It lets users start ID applications from home in remote areas, eliminating travel burdens. Once completed, it becomes a trusted ID verifier for checks and procedures. And it's a comprehensive hub for diverse documents, from schools to government agencies.

Challenge: Many people struggle to renew their expired ID cards, especially those in underserved areas with limited access to government offices. This leads to inconvenience, potential legal troubles, and barriers to inclusivity.

Goal: Design an app that allows users to:

• Start the ID renewal process from home: No need to travel to a government office, saving time and resources.

• Store ID documents securely: Eliminate the risk of losing physical cards and ensure easy access whenever needed.

user interviews

To gain valuable insights into the needs and challenges faced by users regarding ID renewal and management, I conducted interviews with 8 individuals from my network, encompassing diverse backgrounds and locations. Importantly, all participants had undergone the ID renewal process within the last six months, providing fresh and relevant perspectives. Notably, four of these individuals resided in remote areas, highlighting the unique challenges faced by users outside urban centers. This diverse pool of voices ensured my research captured a comprehensive understanding of user experiences with ID renewal and their aspirations for an ideal electronic ID app.

Here are the key questions I asked during the interviews:

Key insight 1: Rural residents face hardship due to limited access to renewal offices. An electronic ID app can bridge this gap and ensure equal access.

Key insight 2: Users want secure storage for their ID information. An app with robust security features can build trust and confidence.

personas

To better understand the needs and motivations of potential users, I crafted user personas that represent key demographics and usage scenarios. By analyzing their behaviors, goals, and pain points, I gained valuable insights that helped me shape the design of the electronic ID app for optimal user experience.

Odile problem's statement: Odile is a Widowed Grandmother who needs A way to renew and keep her ID because She doesn’t want to lose it anymore and get her life insurance benefits every month.

Amoul problem's statement: Amoul is a Young Entrepreneur and Farmer who needs A way to get his ID all the time because he wants to be able to manage his banking transactions.

Key insight 3: Users' struggles with physical IDs and temporary ID limitations reveal the urgent need for a secure and user-friendly electronic ID app.

Competitor analysis

An audit of competitor products revealed valuable insights for addressing gaps and opportunities in the Electronic ID App's development for the mobile and desktop version:

Here are the findings I made after analyzing ID Mobile, ID 123 and Smartpass :

• First impressions: While the other apps offer visually appealing experiences with beautiful color palettes, ID Mobile's design needs improvement.

• Interactions: Appreciated the visual aesthetics and multi-e-pass functionality in ID 123. However, the text size in ID Mobile is unacceptably small, requiring urgent attention for accessibility and usability.

• Visual design: The brand identity consistently utilizes rounded corners, a wise choice that promotes a welcoming and user-friendly interface despite the app's serious nature.

• Content: Although these apps strike a balance between casualness and conciseness, Smartpass's text descriptions require further development to provide users with clear and informative guidance 

How might we?

To deepen my understanding of user pain points and identify suitable solutions, I employed several "How Might We" questions during the ideation process. 

User journey maps

To ensure a seamless and user-friendly experience, I meticulously mapped the user journey through the Electronic ID App. This involved charting the user flow through each stage:

This comprehensive user journey map laid the groundwork for crafting wireframes, the next crucial step in bringing the Electronic ID App to life.

Paper & digital wireframes

Paper wireframes.

I conducted a rapid ideation exercise to generate solutions for addressing the gaps identified during the competitive audit. My primary focus was on streamlining the initiation of the ID application process and ensuring secure storage and convenient retrieval when required.​ 

Digital wireframes.

After brainstorming and sketching paper wireframes, I developed the initial designs for the Electronic ID App. These designs centered around providing users with personalized guidance to streamline the ID application process and ensure secure storage and accessibility of their identification documents.​ 

Lo-Fi prototype

Equipped with a wealth of insights from the ideation phase, I was excited to embark on the prototyping journey. Recognizing the mobile-first reality, I prioritized crafting a seamless mobile experience, laying the groundwork for future adaptations to other platforms. 

The registration process

The task selection process

The active task process

The account management process

Testing my app

I created a prototype of the electronic ID app and conducted an unmoderated usability study with six (06) participants each. In each study, I guided participants through different tasks to complete. 

Here are my findings : 

Refining my design

Final design

My journey from sketches to pixels culminates in this final design, featuring key functionalities like Actions to start with when the onboarding is completed or ID status at a glance. It embodies my unwavering dedication to user experience and minimalistic allure.

Electronic ID App Prototype

Accessibility considerations

Guided by inclusive design principles and rigorous research, I've prioritized accessibility in my ID app development. This commitment ensures a seamless and empowering experience for users with diverse abilities.

These accessibility features were implemented with inclusivity in mind, ensuring a smooth and empowering experience for all users of my electronic ID app.

Responsive design

I designed the application for different screen sizes, including mobile, tablet, and desktop. Each device and screen size received tailored optimization to meet specific user needs. 

However, I proposed an alternative approach for the desktop version due to its anticipated usage patterns. As the primary desktop function is card management and monitoring, I crafted a dedicated experience to streamline these tasks :

This app isn't just about identification; it's about closing the access gap. Like Food Saver changed food waste perception, the Electronic ID app simplifies ID acquisition for users facing limited resources, whether in rural Africa or slow-internet India. Personalization meets convenience, empowering individuals to navigate essential services with ease.

My biggest takeaway? Even in the face of tough challenges, a user-focused design process can forge impactful solutions. The Electronic ID App is a testament to that, paving the way for a future where everyone has the right to a seamless and empowering identification experience.

But the journey doesn't end there. To ensure a lasting impact, we must take the next steps:

• Refine and Research: Rigorous research will measure the app's effectiveness in empowering home-based ID applications, allowing us to tailor it for maximum impact.

• Educate and Enlighten: By integrating accessible educational resources, we can elevate user understanding of the importance of secure IDs, building trust, and fostering responsible engagement.

• Collaboration for Success: Partnering with public authorities is crucial for strengthening legal compliance, data security, and overall sustainability of the Electronic ID App.

The Electronic ID App is more than just technology; it's an opportunity to bridge the digital divide and empower communities. By prioritizing user-centric design, continuous improvement, and collaboration, we can ensure this app transcends a tool and becomes a catalyst for lasting positive change.