Bare Naked App

I had been talking to Ryan and Gill about (the now named) Amigo for a little bit. I had a good grasp of what it does and their passion about it, but I wanted to get some really simple and impulsive reactions to a few basic questions. It’s this kind of information that helps me try to get in the mindset of what the design needs to convey. So I sent along this email:

I typically like to start with some sketches before jumping onto the computer. If it’s alright with you guys, I would like to include you in the process. I have tried this a couple of times before with clients and gotten mixed results, but you guys are cool and I definitely think you will get it. Don’t worry, I help you through it :D

What would be good for me right now to get sketching are for you to throw out some info for me. These can be very loose (I don’t even need full sentences). I am just looking for the feeling and emotional responses you want to convey. Stuff like:

1. Words you would associate with your new company/service
2. What you would like others to think of you/the outward face you would like to portray
3. What it will be like using your service
4. Can you give me a brief walkthrough for someone using the site? Why do they come to you and what do they get out of it?

This will help me start to work up some rough ideas. And I really mean that when I say rough, so don’t expect the polish yet. We are just trying to get the right idea, the right look will come soon.

And I got some great feedback:

1. Words you would associate with your new company/service?

• Opportunity
• DIY (Do It Yourself)
• Making money
• Marketing products
• Community
• Meeting others
• Mutual gain
• Balance
• Helping each other
• Everyone’s a winner
• Trust
• Self-policing

2. What you would like others to think of you/the outward face you would like to portray?

Want them to think:

• Easy to use and friendly interface
• A great opportunity made real by Amigo
• Grateful that we did it
• There’s no barrier to entry

Like to portray:

• Simple
• Professional yet friendly
• Approachable
• It’s easy, not complex
• A service for everyone
• Clear benefits

3. What it will be like using your service?

• Super easy and intuitive
• Enjoyable
• Creative
• Easy to make money
• Minimal input on both sides
• Quick
• Painless

5. Can you give me a brief walkthrough for someone using the site? Why do they come to you and what do they get out of it?

• They come to the site because they want to market a product, or want to make money.
• What they get out of it is cash and exposure for their product.

Both will feel:

• Happy that they are making use of something that was previously untapped and kind of smug that they are able to make use of that untapped area.
• They may feel that it’s like a secret club and only they know about it or like they are pioneers – doing something no-one else is.
• They may feel clever like they are in the know and testing something new.
• Economical (ie they are making use of every last option)
• Educated – they will tell others about it and probably show them how it works too.
• Like it’s a great opportunity that was never there before.
• Like they are taking the future of their business into their own hands.

We’re off to a great start!