VISUAL DESIGN
Real-Time DIY Help from Certified Professionals
Role: Product Design, User Research, UX/UI
Role: Product Design, User Research, UX/UI
Home repairs and DIY projects are more popular than ever —but most people face the same frustrating problem: online tutorials are vague, unreliable, and often lead to wasted time and money. Many aspiring DIYers are eager to learn but need trusted, real-time guidance that generic videos can't offer.
What if you could video chat with a certified expert the moment you get stuck on a project — like FaceTime meets TaskRabbit for DIY? The COVID-19 pandemic saw a boom in home repairs and hobby learning, but also a spike in contractor costs and safety concerns. EXPERT aims to empower users to tackle tasks confidently by connecting them with certified professionals in real time.
I conducted surveys and interviews with individuals interested in DIY projects and home repairs.
Key insights:
- 100% would perform more repairs if taught by a trusted expert.
- 100%enjoyed learning new skills but wanted real-time help.
- 71.4% had tried YouTube but found it unreliable or too fast-paced.
Many expressed frustration with wasted money, tools, or time due to poor instruction.
From this, I created user personas to focus design goals:
Oscar, who overspent on tools after watching an inaccurate tutorial.
Jennifer, a new homeowner who found online tutorials overwhelming.
Tim, a rural woodworker with no access to local help.
A mobile/web app that connects users with certified experts in real time for repair and DIY help via video, voice, or chat.
Core Features:
- One-on-one video, audio, or text interaction
- Transcribed, step-by-step instructions
- Bookmarking and playback controls
- Personalized "Toolbox" for saved content and lessons
- Accessibility features: captions, large text, high contrast
- Expert-rated lesson library for lower-cost access
I mapped first-time and repeat user journeys with an emphasis on quick, easy access to expert advice.
App sections included:
- Onboarding & Sign-in
- Project Dashboard
- Expert Directory
- Lesson Library
- Toolbox: User saved tools
I chose a warm, modern visual identity with intuitive typography and an inviting palette — designed to feel helpful, not corporate.
Colors: Blue, yellow, light gray, and green tones
Typeface: SF Pro family
Grid: 4-column layout with consistent margins
Accessibility: Customizations for users with vision or hearing impairments
The concept resonated strongly with my target users: ages 25–55, often homeowners or renters with DIY ambitions.
- 85.8% said they would pay $10–$20 for 10 minutes of live help.
- Trust, personalization, and ease-of-use emerged as top priorities Business model included per-minute payments and tool brand sponsorships (similar to Uber or TaskRabbit models)
The initial focus is home and auto repairs, but the concepthas broader potential:
- Recorded lessons as a lower-cost option
- Brand partnerships with tool or hardware companies
- Future expansion into verticals like crafting, tech troubleshooting, or automotive instruction
This project taught me the importance of deep listening during user research and focusing on emotional, real-world painpoints. By narrowing the scope, I was able to design a solution that feels personal, accessible, and scalable — with a clear business case and user need.