#ProductManagement#B2C#B2B

MakeYourMap

Enhancing Engagement Through Crowdsourced Updates

MakeYourMap is a mobile app available on IOS that allows users to create their own user-generated content to annotate and share with friends.

MakeYourMap caters to a diverse user base, including locals, travelers, businesses, contributors, and reviewers. Our primary focus revolves around meeting the needs of individuals like Simplicity-Seeking Sarah, a persona emblematic of users seeking ease in local exploration and streamlined short-trip planning.

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Purpose and Context

This project is a fundamental component of my Product Management Bootcamp at CareerFoundry.

It centers around the concept of "MakeYourMap," a fictional company catering to both B2B and B2C markets, akin to the popular Google Maps platform. The project provides a comprehensive and hands-on learning experience for me to hone product management skills by working on real-world scenarios and challenges.

Objective

To research, design, and build product improvement to create user-generated content in a mapping app named MakeYourMap as the new product manager who just joined the team a week ago.

Duration

3 weeks project for Introduction to Product Management Course

Tools/Methodologies

  • Prioritization Methods - Google Sheets
  • Survey and User Research - SurveyMonkey, Zoom/Google Meet
  • Wireframes - Figma
  • Presentation - Google Slides

    • Ideation

    We researched to gather insights from potential contributors to enhance the contributor features. We interviewed 6 participants who regularly use or express interest in local guide apps. Here are the findings and insights of the research:

    Research Insight

    Based on the insights, we suggested some features and prioritized two features by the Action Priority Matrix:

  • Dual/Switch Mode
  • Crowdsourced Updates

    • Action Priority Matrix

    Define the Feature

    After defining the two features, we are breaking down the features into epics and user stories by Agile Methodology.

    Epics User Stories

    User Stories Validation and Prioritization

    After defining the user stories, we conducted a survey and user interviews to validate them. Here are the findings and insights of the research:

  • A positive level of interest is shown in the two proposed features.
  • Most user stories have been validated through the user interview but some needs change.

    • Therefore, we have decided to pause on user story#3 because it is not validated. We also noticed that many users were having trouble with the wrong direction, so we added a new story to fix that issue.

    Then we prioritized the user stories in the Must Have and Should Have categories using the MoSCoW approach.

    MoScoW approach

    Visualize Product Improvement Ideas

    After prioritizing the user stories, we visualized the ideas by creating low-fi wireframes.

    User Story #2

    As a mom who often runs errands for the family, I want to be able to correct inaccurate business information so that I can contribute to the reliability of the app’s content and help fellow users find accurate details.

    Prototype for User Stories
    User Story #6

    As a traveler using the app in the “Outside-City” mode, I want to have the option to choose between recommendations from local guides or travelers with similar tastes, so that I can receive personalized insights that align with my preferences and travel style.

    Prototype for User Stories
    User Story #5

    As a user interested in local events, I want to explore upcoming events in my city so that I can plan my activities and attend events that align with my interest and schedule.

    Prototype for User Stories

    Get buy-in

    Present our product improvement ideas about the Crowdsourced Updates feature no longer than 10 minutes to the CPO as part of an executive-level product review.

    Project Takeaways

    Desigining Effective Research Questions

    The foundation for validating ideas lies in crafting well-designed research questions. These questions serve as the bedrock for gathering insights, shaping our understanding, and ultimately validating the feasibility and relevance of our concepts.

    Tailoring Prioritization Methods

    The choice of prioritization methods relies heavily on their inherent characteristics and the audience involved. Selecting the right approach ensures a more effective and targeted alignment of priorities, optimizing our focus on what matters most for our project's success.

    Leveraging Personas for Impactful Storytelling

    Personas are versatile tools, not confined to a single purpose. They serve as powerful storytelling elements, enabling us to weave narratives that resonate with various contexts and needs. Their adaptability makes them valuable assets that can be utilized across diverse scenarios as needed, fostering a deeper understanding of our users' behaviors and motivations.