ProjectPal
ProjectPal is an all-in-one DIY companion app that empowers homeowners of all skill levels to tackle home improvement projects with confidence.
Problem Statement
DIY enthusiasts struggle to visualize project outcomes, find appropriate guidance, and confidently select tools and materials, leading to project abandonment and frustration.
Problem Background
The DIY market has seen significant growth, with 68% of homeowners attempting 3-10 projects annually. However, existing solutions are fragmented and don't address the full spectrum of user needs, from ideation to completion.
Research Insight Per Survey:
- 82% of DIY enthusiasts feel overwhelmed by project complexity
- 75% struggle to find reliable, beginner-friendly information
- 69% have difficulty selecting appropriate tools and materials
- 57% report anxiety about safety during DIY projects
User Pain Points
- Difficulty visualizing project outcomes before starting
- Lack of personalized, skill-level appropriate guidance
- Uncertainty in tool and material selection
- Limited access to expert advice and community support
Supporting Data
- 89% of surveyed users expressed strong interest in a comprehensive DIY app
- 76% are excited about personalized project suggestions
- 68% would value virtual expert consultations for complex projects
- 92% said they would likely use an app that offers step-by-step, personalized guides
Feedback
Our survey of potential users revealed strong interest in ProjectPal's proposed features:
- AR Visualization: 85% of respondents expressed excitement about the ability to visualize projects through AR before starting. One respondent commented, "Being able to see how a new color or furniture piece would look in my room would be a game-changer."
- Personalized Recommendations: 76% of surveyed individuals were enthusiastic about receiving personalized project suggestions. A participant noted, "I often don't know where to start. Having projects recommended based on my skill level would be incredibly helpful."
- Step-by-Step Guides: 92% of respondents said they would likely use an app that offers personalized, step-by-step guides. One potential user stated, "Detailed instructions that I can follow at my own pace would give me the confidence to tackle more complex projects."
- Tool Recommendations: 73% showed interest in smart tool recommendations. A survey participant mentioned, "I'm never sure if I have the right tools. Having the app suggest what I need would save me time and prevent mistakes."
- Community Features: 68% of those surveyed valued the idea of a community platform for sharing projects and getting advice. One respondent shared, "Being able to ask questions and see others' projects would be motivating and helpful."
- Expert Consultations: 68% expressed interest in virtual expert consultations for complex projects. A participant commented, "Having access to expert advice would be invaluable, especially for more challenging renovations."
Overall, 89% of surveyed individuals showed strong interest in a comprehensive DIY app like ProjectPal, indicating a significant market demand for our solution.
These survey results validate our approach and suggest that ProjectPal's features align well with user needs and expectations in the DIY market. The feedback highlights the appeal of our core features, particularly the AR visualization, personalized guidance, and community support aspects
Solution
ProjectPal addresses these pain points through:
- AR Furniture Transformation for real-time project visualization
- AI-driven personalized project recommendations
- Step-by-step guides with AR overlays for complex procedures
- Smart tool recommendations with AR preview capabilities
- Community collaboration features for peer support and expert advice
Solution Explanation
ProjectPal's AR feature allows users to visualize changes before making them, reducing uncertainty. The AI-driven recommendations ensure users find projects matching their skill level and interests. Step-by-step guides with AR overlays provide clear, contextual instructions. Smart tool recommendations help users make informed decisions about equipment. The community features offer support and inspiration throughout the DIY journey.
User Flow:
- User opens app → Personalized dashboard loads
- Discovers intriguing project → Enters AR Studio to visualize
- Plans project in Project Planner → Syncs with Apple ecosystem
- Learns techniques in Learning Hub → Earns skill badges
- Acquires tools through Marketplace → Begins project with confidence
- Shares progress in Community Square → Receives feedback and tips
Future Steps
- Expand AR capabilities to include more complex renovations
- Implement machine learning for more accurate project time and cost estimations
- Develop partnerships with more retailers for broader tool and material options
- Create a pro-tier subscription with advanced features and expert consultations
- Explore integration with smart home systems for automated project suggestions
Link to the product – mock up design
Learnings
Product Manager Learnings:
Malik Amusat
Designer Learnings:
Designer Learnings:
Jo Sturdivant
- Adapting to an Established Team: Joining the team in week 6 of 8 was challenging, as I had to quickly adapt to existing workflows, dynamics, and goals. This mirrors real-world situations where you often integrate into teams mid-project, and flexibility is essential.
- Work-Blocking for Efficiency: With only two weeks to complete the project, I learned the importance of a structured work-blocking system. This approach allowed me to manage my time effectively and meet deadlines under pressure.
- Making Data-Driven Design Decisions: Unlike my past projects, I had to rely on research conducted by others. This was a valuable experience in using pre-existing data to guide design decisions, helping me focus on the core insights without starting from scratch.
Developer Learnings:
Developer Learnings:
Vanady Beard
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As the back-end developer, I learned how important it is to create efficient and reliable systems that support the entire application. This experience also taught me the importance of optimising the database and ensuring the backend is scalable and easy to maintain.
Developer Learnings:
Stephen Asiedu
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As a back-end developer, I've come to understand the importance of being familiar with various database systems and modules. This knowledge enables me to build diverse applications and maintain versatility in my work. I've also learned that the responsibility for making the right choices rests on my shoulders, guided by my best judgement.
Developer Learnings:
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Developer Learnings:
Maurquise Williams
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- Process of Creating an MVP: Developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) taught me how to focus on delivering core functionalities balancing between essential features and avoiding scope creep.
- Collaboration in a Real-World Tech Setting: This experience taught me how to collaborate efficiently in a fast-paced tech environment, keeping the team aligned and productive, even while working remotely across time zones.
- Sharpening Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: This experience honed my ability to think critically and solve problems efficiently. By tackling challenges and finding quick solutions, I sharpened my decision-making and troubleshooting skills in a dynamic, real-world setting.
Developer Learnings:
Jeremiah Williams
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All in all this experience was very awesome I learned that in coding with others being transparent is key
Developers Learnings:
Justin Farley
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I learned how important communication is when working with a team. Communication provides understanding, advice, ideas, and much more. While working with the product team, I’ve found that communication keeps everything flowing smoothly. Working with a team also showed me that every member brings something different to the table and we all have to work together in order to align and meet our end goal.