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Paper Prototyping

Paper Prototyping is a fun stage, as I get to sketch, iterate multiple layouts and designs and brainstorm ideas for the UI. What's, and I love the "idea of crazy 8". It's quick, fun and intuitive.

Rules for crazy 8 are simple: sketch possible UI ideas by making 8 illustrations within 8 minutes in 8 boxes. The paper is divided into 8 segments, each of which is an individual screen with one minute for each box.

This seems competitive, but it's not a test; it's a way to put out ideas on paper and push our limits. The rules are simple, but I could never complete on time, as I kept drafting idea after idea, and it works for me that way. Haha!

The next stage was to pick ideas in parts from the 8 sketches that are ideal and work best. Then draft a unified single layout that works best.

After the primary illustration, I made another scroll-down version for he homepage in the elongated sketch. This will be my pilot page, and the rest are transition pages.

As I didn't want to overly complicate, I kept the page count to 3. The home page is the pilot page, and account and vehicle details are transition pages. The secondary page will hold data such as the user's profile, documents and vehicle data.

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Information Architecture IA

To break down further and understand how the app is going to be structured, I drafted a quick breakdown of Information that we will later translate into the app. The target is to make myself aware of possible options, user flow with page breakdown and information with consistency. I broke the information into 2 IA- One for the basic layout with home page and further navigation, and the possible features.

The first illustration is a breakdown of Login/New user, Homepage, Account details, and Vehicle Details. These three will be the guiding sections and will be further broken down.

My entire idea for the app is to be simple so that anyone with minimal to no knowledge of a smartphone can handle the app. Yet, the user flow seems too dynamic and complicated at first glance. So, I thought I would just summarise all the information first and then refine and fine-tune it later.

I had to further write/draft information, but the paper size was restrictive with less space, and I had to draft on a new paper.

It's an extension of the first draft.

Homepage, is further divided in to Driver preferences, Account Details, Vehicle Details.

So the navigation goes ( After downloading the app)

The user is given an option to either log in or register for the app. Registration is as simple as logging in; you just need a registered phone number. If the user is registering, they need a registered mobile number and an ID (driver's license number/photo). Verification for the ID is done later, but the user is navigated to the homepage and is ready for further steps.

Once the user is in, he is given options to put his preferences, such as the Type of vehicle and route that he prefers. He gets a token number and verification of confirmation. That's all—the user is on the list! The driver can be an existing or new user, but it's still the same amount of friction and time taken to get to the listing.

Once there is a match for the driver's preference, he gets a notification request for an order. Once the driver agrees, he gets a detailed breakdown of freight charges and the exact location for pickup. After confirming he the details are shared with the consignee and consignor. WIF, the driver rejects the request? Then the order will be processed to the next waiting person on the list as per the token. This will assure the driver about a strong system in place and guaranteed orders with low commission rates.

On confirming, the driver can either complete his registration with a Driver's licence and vehicle RC or provide his phone numbers. Until the point of order confirmation, both registered and new users only need their phone numbers; the rest can be provided once the order is confirmed.

The homepage is going to be the pilot of the app, which displays driver preferences along side current trip status.

Other key Pages would be Account details and Vehicle Details, which are data stored for the user and vehicle, such as past trips and general info.

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Story Boarding Prototyping

Understanding why the user needs the app and its applicability in terms of a story is a kickstart for the prototyping stage, as it helps me understand the user's perspective by simulating a fictional real-world scenario. I will be making two storyboards. Big Picture and Close-up storyboards.

Big picture (BP) In BP, the user's pain points are mentioned, and he is told how he can discover the "Babbu" app to solve the problem by promoting the driver in an easy and convenient way.

The driver is upset, unable to find a load and stuck at the parking paying bills.

The driver is confused about the new technology on the phone and misses the simpler times

A fellow driver is excited about an app and shares it with him

The app is "Babbu", which is built for drivers to find loads.

Ui of the new app is simple and available in a language he can read and understand. Driver logs in and puts his details and preferences in minutes/with minimal login details, and he is on the list for orders

The driver quickly gets a notification that he has a trip and is on the way with a load, and is happy. He remembers the simpler times again.

confirmationClose picture (CP)

CP is the closer understanding of how the user gets from point to point. It's the in-between and usually the technicalities of user behaviour, problems, and how they are solved.

Apps built in modern times concentrate on specific users and use complicated terminology that's hard for drivers to understand.

The "Babbu" app is a simple, yet straightforward app built for drivers with a preferred choice of language.

The app has an easy onboarding process with just a phone number and driver's license.

Then the driver chooses his vehicle type from the drop-down and preferred route.

Within minutes driver is listed for availability and gets a token.

The driver gets an option to accept/decline a trip, and the trip is confirmed upon the driver's approval.

Reflection -

With the storyboard, little by little I am able to relate ith users and understand how it can work and why users would use my app.

I cannot afford to do an extensive survey or talk to drivers on a wide scale. So, this process is helping out in shaping what "Babbbu" can be.

I can see how easy friction can build up for a user who has a pain point and how they can opt out. That puts us in a position to ease the process further after understanding the friction.

Users can easily get distracted or might feel this is another mysterious technology if there are many barriers. So, keeping the technicalities minimal is the key, and once we get the user on board and are satisfied with an order, then they will be willing to further provide information if required.

The priority of the app is the users who are drivers; solving the problem/pain point they have is the key solution the app provides.

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Prototyping User Flow

Finally caught up with Prototyping.

I have been looking forward to this stage, as I will be practically designing a Low-Fi & Hi-Fi prototype. The above layout is a user flow of how I believe users will navigate through the app. It's detailed in terms of user flow but not layout. This will be my point of reference for further development. Up-next storyboards.

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Value Proposition Define

What does the product do?

The product helps D2 drivers promote themselves, without having to learn new technology or hunt for the next load. It provides consistency and convenience.

Why should the user care?

User struggles to find loads for their truck and are constantly on the search for the next job. The next job can come from anywhere and isn't consistent; sometimes it might take up to a week or even a month. By solving this problem, users will be relieved and concentrate on just the job. with consistent trips.

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Persona / User Story Define

Khushiyal Singh is a middle-aged driver. His main goal is to provide for his family by driving (D2). Khushiyal struggles to find a job and feels that he is unable to keep up with the growing technology and world. He wants a trusting, consistent and reliable source for loads. Khushiyal is not well educated with technology, but over the years he has learnt to handle a phone, Google Maps and manage payments online with UPI. He uses a Hindi language font to convert text and manage his trips, and communicate with owners.

"AS a truck driver, I want to get a consistent/reliable source of loads, so that I can make a living and provide for my family "

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Empathize

Identifying and understanding users.

To start of, I will put in my observation from my short exp that is of 2 months.

I will be dividing my observation into 4 stages.

Existing Force

Daily life

Working conditions

Future?

Final note

Existing force

India has a working force of huge labour force. It's obvious that with such a huge population, there is only a little that a country can share as resources. A similar country is China.

The labour force is divided in to multiple sectors from getting a job done and requiring a lot of man force. To summarise, all the jab's that require an output with repetition and minimal to no skillset's requirement that can be done by most people fall under this category. It can vary from huge force working at call centers or jobs of factory workers and drivers or even stormtroopers working for the empire.

Further, there are multiple divisions in driver sectors as well. Let's assume we are concentrating on the driver segment and dividing drivers into 2 categories for easy breakdown and understandability.

One, consumer-based and the other is supply-based. consumer-based can be personal drivers, drivers at valet parking, school/pubic transportation. I hope you get the point.

The second category would be supply-based. This sector of drivers that transport goods/cargo, materials that range from raw to consumer goods, products and everything that's materialised and transported in bulk. This also includes short-haul goods such as moving furniture or household cargo.

Let, dive deep into the drivers segment of the force.

(idea for this blog is priority on Supply based drivers, lets say these driver are D2)

2.Daily life

The daily life of D2 can vary drastically from an employed driver to a freelance driver. But, marginally, all work done is always the same, and only the liability is different in terms of payment and trust. D2 drivers can be owners of their own vehicle or drive a provided vehicle by an owner. Regardless, most of them are still freelance drivers. I will explain the difference in a bit.

The day starts with a cup of tea and a call from a broker/contractor or owner. AS most D2 get an estimate idea of location and type of material that needs to be picked up. Further, upon order confirmation and driver availability, D2 get the loading location (point where material/cargo needs to be picked) Usually, drivers are on standby at parking locations paid/owned by the owners. Upon order confirmation, they leave to the provided location for pickup and wait till the material is loaded, and the rest is simple: they get the goods loaded and head to the provided destination. There is a whole lot that happens between the delivery and at the loading/unloading point, and after the delivery. (For the point of context, I will explain the details in a later blog)

3. Working Conditions

Working conditions have drastically changed in the past decades. What seems like a golden investment in owning and driving self vehicle seems out of reach with the ongoing complications and new technology that drivers are not able to keep up with. Also, ever-changing state rules and new company policies make it even harder. Before, drivers and freight deliveries were much different,a nd the marginal profits stayed and made a huge change. Now, even after a decade, the driver pay remains the same, and with a growing economy and technology, it's hard to keep up with daily needs.

Only few of many drivers have a stable Job and a reliable source of income, but that's not guaranteed for the long term. Drivers are used to being in conditions where they have to leave home for 6 months or sometimes a couple of years. Living can get tough if one's job isn't secured and they own a truck that dint receive any orders for a while. As this D2 is responsible for maintaining his vehicle expenses and himself.

On the bright side, if a self-owned D2 gets shipment with less than a day or two in waiting can still make a living. Assume a D2 driving route with his permutations is from Hyderabad - Mumbai and back. To make one way trip it takes him about 2 days, and a round trip takes 4 if they get back-to-back confirmed orders. SO, let's assume a driver gets orders every time he ends a trip. D2 will be making two round trips a week and eight trips a month. Okay, that seems pretty good, what if i say from my 2 months of observation,n i got to speak to about 10-15 drivers who have been driving for over 10-15 years, and highest number of trips done were 5. which is when the market and economy was at its best.

Even though my observation and sample group are very short for any review, I sense a lack of interest for driver preference by the higher ups.

4. Future

The future for logistics and development in India seems to be progressing. Huge developments are going to happen. What about the labour force that is the backbone and heavy lifting unit? Would D2 imagine their children working as a driver? Why was there a time when many wanted to work as a driver and invested and thrived, and now they don't see a next generation in driving? Well, ik how I sound. Let's take a different perspective. Imagine your kid completes schooling, higher studies and graduates as an engineer just like the other 100,00000. Now, when he is just as accomplished as the other whatever number, what are the possible jobs one can get into? What is the educated employment rate today? 8.25% My friends who have civil, mechanical, aeronautical, and software engineering degrees are about 30. I cannot count a single one of them in a field that is closer to what they have graduated in. Okay, a lot of Bla bla.

ahm. ahm. My point is, today's graduates aren't any different from the early ages of the labour force that's diminishing today. The drivers I spoke off earn about 50,000 a month and more when the market is at its peak. My civil engineering friend earns about 35,000. Yeah, the drivers have been driving for over 15 years, but they never had a market that was built for them. Helped them see the future and the benefits that support them.

My final note

Hahah, that was super intense. I don't think I am even gonna read this after years, nor do I expect anyone to. So, what if we start prioritising for a huge sector of workers who need recognition? Well, if with enough time and resources, I believe we someday can see hope and appreciation for every job that has opportunity and freedom when it's not overpopulated and nurtured well. It seems like I sound very optimistic, but I still wanna try.

Wrap up Empathy

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Road Map

The road map seems both daunting and intimidating. I love to plan an order and its usual disorder (entropy). As good as it sounds, it never worked out for me to date and time my workflow because, I suck at it. I mostly work when my mood strikes, and I do. I love a plan, but not in an order that's boring, but in a way that I keep pushing when I want to and relax when I have to.

This road map is based on my knowledge of building an app without any prior exp. So, I am gonna start with the basics of UI/UX and go with the wim and learn skills, or outsource what I need.

To start off, 'Design thinking framework'

Empathiuse define IDeiate Prototype test.

le, go!

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ERP

ERP stands for Enterprise Resource Planning. The idea for this was to build an ERP software that can handle logistics operations on a daily basis. Such as order entry and driver/vehicle assigning, payment for both clients, and expenses for the shipment. Until a month ago, all the operations were manual, paper-based. This process was efficient for taking and billing orders, but tracking payment update and data location and tracking back was a major issue, as it would take a long time. It would often require memorizing all the trips and balance payments, which was not really possible.

For starters, I converted the data entry into digital with naming and dividing work across clients and needs. Now, we have internal, external, and client-based data that is easy to pull out and trace back. For this, I started using Google Sheets and Workspace as my key software. Tracking payment trips and driver details has become much easier and especially checking for pending payments and balance amounts from clients and updating the courier process. To keep it linear and professional, I got a domain for clients that need an online presence and to store data under that domain.

Well, its been over a month now and everything seems to be working fine. But, i can see a future where its gonna add up as we increase the amount of orders, and this process will get complicated. that's a reason i was looking for an ERP software.

I began researching how likely it is that I can build software that fits my needs. Being a positive oddball, I had the confidence that I could build software without any coding knowledge by learning everything and then building software on my own. It would work if I spent my entire time every day working on building one. Irony is that I no longer have such time on hand, and I need to be quick, knowledgeable, and efficient for the sake of business. I started looking for service providers that either have build similar resources or can build one according to my needs.

Within no time, I could find companies that provide EPR software for my exact specific needs. It seems companies have been building fleet management ERP software for a long time. After quickly reaching out, I would request for few demo sessions from multiple partners. Well, as fancy and optimistic there Ui and tracking seemed, there was a major flaw in all the ERP software demos; the amount of time it takes to place a new order took around 10 minutes. This excluded the talk fright charges and vehicle assigning. Just to fill in the data of the order, I had to make profiles for both the routes and the client. This could not be skipped. This process is ideal for a few clients who are always consistent. But 60%-70% of our clients are spontaneous, and within 10 minutes, we usually place around 5-6 orders. At this point, building custom software was both expensive and time-consuming.

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Dan Da Dan Da!

It goes on and on. This is a one-stop page for me and everything about me. my impulsive thoughts, ideas, and also for the ideas that will never see the light. After struggling with multiple blog pages, I would rather put all I think in one place. And that's this page. UI/UX, sketching, designing, and ideas for business, and for times when I am overexcited about stuff. (not mentioning Espresso Chronicle's)

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REcap 2024

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Mysterious

"The Mysterious Man" is a project to test my character modeling skills in portrait/facial. The initial idea for the project was not to make an entire project but to just model a face. AS abstract the idea was, I was not sure where to start or the right model to pick as a reference. So, through rough sketching and writing down my point of interest and the topics I could make several sketches for the idea of a male in his late 50's. Most of the sketch portraits seem like I had previous skills in sketching such characters. as I delved deeper into understanding the project goals, I could come up with a concept sketch that inspired the project that it is.

this was a rough scribbling of a concept in mind. Instantly understood the guiding direction for the project. Still, I had to decide on a character that I could use as a reference for the project. Through the ideation and sketch, I had an actor who unconsciously inspired the concept. "Willem Dafoe"

though not an exact representation was not possible in my skill level to replicate the portrait of the actor in 3d. I did the best that I could in the short time possible for the deadline I had. (it was 2 weeks)

As the process continues from referencing which quickly leads to sculpting. At this point was was ahead of my schedule and had room to make the character with garments accessories and hair.

With previous experience, I could see the possibilities for the project and made an updated timeline and goals.

The project went on with minimal errors and is by far the best project in terms of achieving goals and managing the timeline. I could replicate how a professional working studio would handle a character project from start to finish. later on, UV topology and Grooming of the character were on schedule and with good outcomes. I could maintain the correction and feedback to a minimum and the quality that was required for the project was on point.

(Note- As I did not have a person who could review my work and suggest feedback, I had to rely on Chat GPT. For suggestions, tests, and tweaking the character. From the point of view of a non-artist and a professional critic.)

Reflection

Though the artwork and the project outcome were good, I could see plenty of room for growth. The character's facial details or the portrait study can improve a lot as identically as possible and possibly see mastery in digital 3D portraits in the future. Overall garment creation has improved from the previous project it still has plenty of room for optimising and studying drapery and digital tailoring in general. Grooming for the character turned out better than I expected. the area I believe I need to change next time in grooming is to make it in texture cards instead of instances. tho I am not a grooming artist I believe this skill set will help me learn a possibility.

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The Mantis

'The Mantis' was a fun project, which I could work on the time gap I had between projects. It was to test my skills and push them further with creatures/insects. the time I spent on this project was less than a day which included sketching ideating modeling texturing and finally rendering. it would be bragging! but, it was a milestone for how fast I can manage things than before.

So, I further pushed it as a challenge and decided to rig and animate it. That cost me 2 more days of tedious rigging (an underdeveloped skill I had. Also, why I love animation and not so much for rigging) I quickly realized, my work system is built around making a character but m, but my skills for rigging were terrible, and after tons of crashes finally I could figure the problem that needed to be fixed for the rig to be done.

After tedious 2 days of crashes and unsaved files and re-riggs finally I had a well-setup character that I could animate.

Animation in 2d has always been a very fond interest that I love doing. But, 3D animation is only as good as posing for me. in motion, everything falls apart. So, I had to adjust it the old way by framing it. I believe the animation would have looked much cleaner if I had used curves to guide the animation.

Reflection

Observation 1

Cause- I was surprised at how fast I could reach my first targeted goal. Which was 50% faster, Only to realize I could accomplish it because I had my work experience built around making a character but not in motion. as both experience and my device couldn't handle it.

Effect - Though it was an impulsive decision to test the skill I have worked on for a while, it made me realize it could have been dealt with in different ways with a better understanding. I am still excited to make another character and would like to rig and animate it again. with a refined new approach.

Observation 2

Result - as a skill test got creature/insect anatomy and texturing, the project turned out to be a success with the quality and time spent on it.

Observation 3

Cause - I have a strong understanding of both practical and theoretical how animation principles work. But it's only on a 2D platform. Which clouded my judgment.

Result - This experience helped me realize with minimal tweaks and an understanding of 3d animation technicalities, I can see a project that can be well handled.

Conclusion

I am both excited and challenged at the same time with what I have accomplished and the possible things I can learn. It also helped me realize, I do not have to build or learn a skill from the beginning. I have good foundational skills that puts me at an advantage and have to learn addon skills for my further growth.

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What's Next!

well, I was confused about whether to complete the Dao project or work on anatomy practice. I would have worked on both of them eventually but wasn't sure, which to pick for now. I am a person who does what excites me the most and both the projects are right at the point. with my complexion, it was getting on my nerves. So, I made the decision to choose the most primitive and basic way of decision-making, 'Flip a coin!'. so, I did, and it's Dao.

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Hi !

I’m thrilled to share my latest project—a game-ready 3D model inspired by the one and only Miles Morales' Spider-Man! 🎮🕷️

This piece was all about pushing my boundaries as a 3D artist. My primary focus was on: Garment Design: Capturing realistic fabric details and construction. Accessories: Crafting elements that bring out the character’s unique personality. Optimization: Ensuring it’s game-ready with clean topology and efficient UVs.

Why Miles Morales? He’s such an inspiring character—dynamic, relatable, and stylish. I wanted to channel all that energy into this piece while sharpening my skills in character creation.

The Process: I started with Marvelous Designer to model and simulate the garments and refine them in Maya, and ZBrush. Texturing was done in Substance Painter, and the final renders were polished in the Marmoset Toolbag. It was a great way to dive deeper into creating believable materials and striking a balance between realism and stylization.

Lessons Learned: Every project teaches you something new! For this one, I realized how much storytelling you can achieve through subtle details in fabric and accessories.

I’d love to hear what you think! Your feedback means the world to me. Constructive criticism, tips, or even just a thumbs-up—everything helps me grow as an artist.

Check out the full project and renders on my [ArtStation](Insert link) if you’re curious.

Thanks for stopping by! Let’s keep creating.

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Further practice for Marvelous designer

the idea for further practice is to absolutely push my sills in the software. the project is to make Spider-Man (Miles Moralis version].

the idea of Miles is to push my skills and test em, to pick different concepts of the character with the most challenging and complicated design to put them together in the designer.

here goes the idea- miles, a Spiderman suit with a complicated design pattern as the base clothing. a red jacket on top with hood, also funky shorts for the bottoms. further, gloves that suit the character and Jordan shoes. the general challenge is to make everything in designer and texture in painter. I could further push the concept with ZBrush but that again makes the practice easier.

Output- I am Planning to get a t-pose render and a turn table. possible 2-3 poses and a cloth animation.

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Keep Pushing

it's been a while! - Countless applications, bottomless unfortunate rejections. Declining industry and 100s of layoffs. Hum, where do I stand as a beginner? These are the things that have been troubling me lately. How does one prove their worth? how can someone just starting out show that they can make it,. Yes! I keep saying that to myself. is it possible!? well, one can only try. -

Art's always been personal. it's different for everyone. so, it is for me too. it's the spark I get of ideas and the energy that drives it. For a long time, the choices made for my work were personal. For one it might seem I have drifted professions. huh! if only, I was more excited every time. It scares me that I cannot keep up the revolt much longer. Yet, there is one thing that surprises me that i can do, ''Keep Pushing'' -

So, here is the new project I have been working on for 2 days now. Yes yes, ik, ik I haven't completed my last project, and tons of ideas and incomplete projects remain hidden. So! this project is a practice of cloth modeling in marvelous design. Basically, it's to flex that ik the software can complete a project from the idea to post in 2 days. I hope they notice it. because I hated these couple of days working on the project. It wasn't creative or anything fun init. it wasn't a study or I had to learn how a cloth or a fabric behaves. it was just to show that I could put in technical work and vomit an output. it seems that I might have to do a few more of these. Hope you can understand what I have gone through. The only fun time was editing the video. It's intentionally edited as a gag. hope you like it