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About

Insighta for Sonim Technologies

UX Research Consultant

Overview

Project

Role

UX Research Intern

Platforms

App (Android)

Proof of Concept (POC)

Duration

September 2023 - December 2023

Background

Sonim Technologies, known for its ultra-rugged mobile phones and connectivity devices, empowers users in the toughest terrains. With a team of four, our task was to propose a solution for Sonim’s expansion into the underwater environments. Given the long timeline for aquatic expansion, Sonim prioritized understanding the users deeply over immediate feasibility. We proposed 1) physical product to capture underwater interactions and information and 2) an app that helps with real-time monitoring and impact analysis.

My Role

As a UX researcher, I conducted in-depth user research to uncover the hidden needs of underwater professionals, particularly research divers. Based on these insights, I developed design principles that guided my proposals to enhance Sonim’s devices and expand its market into aquatic environments.

Process

Goals and Process

1. Discovery

Conducted research to uncover the goals and needs of Sonim stakeholders and target audience

2. Analysis

Analyzed user research to derive insights, transforming them into design principles that guided our solutions

3. Outcome

Delivered a product proposal to Sonim and reflected on experience for future improvement

Discovery: Research

After gathering requirements and aligning with key stakeholders at Sonim, we conducted 8 in-depth interviews and 50+ survey research divers, who are known for diving into deeper and more diverse waters, making them a valuable user base for expanding into the aquatic market. During the research, many users offhandedly mentioned losing expensive equipment, often preferring to focus on exciting dive moments, such as animal encounters, rather than worrying about gear.

Through 8 in-depth interviews and 50+ surveys, we discovered many users casually mentioned losing expensive equipment, preferring to focus on exciting dive moments, such as animal encounters, when talking about their experiences.

Lost Equipment: A Critical Issue with Overlooked Consequences

Research Analysis & Insight

Insight Analysis of Bridging Short-Term Joy with Long-Term Impact

By analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, we identified key themes and the insight of bridging short-term experiences with long-term impact.

Research to Solutions

Analyzing the users and their needs, we discovered design principles that guided us on our solution proposals, which were:

Visual Data Capture: Thermal imaging and passive sonar to capture visitors at worksite
App Integration: Real-time monitoring and impact analysis via a user-friendly app

Analyzing the users and their needs, we discovered design principles that guided us on our product:

Visual Data Capture: Thermal imaging and passive sonar to capture visitors at worksite
App Integration: Real-time monitoring and impact analysis via a user-friendly app

Analyzing the users and their needs, we discovered design principles that guided us on our product:

Visual Data Capture: Thermal imaging and passive sonar to capture visitors at worksite
App Integration: Real-time monitoring and impact analysis via a user-friendly app

Analyzing User Needs to Define Key Features and Drive Product Success

Proposed Solutions

Design Principles: Visual Data Capture

Visual Data Capture

Use real-time imaging technologies to count people and/or animals in a worksite to connect workers with those they serve.
Provide modular sensors to help workers build the right solution for their environment to help create a wider impact.

Our responsive gaming web app transforms gardening into an adventure, helping families—especially kids—learn about their environment. Real-life tasks, like watering plants, become exciting quests.

Use real-time imaging technologies to count people and/or animals in a worksite to connect workers with those they serve.
Provide modular sensors to help workers build the right solution for their environment to help create a wider impact.

Physical Machine Transmits Data via Satellite for App-Based Insights

Insighta App Features: Notifications and Analytics

Design Principles: App Integration

App Integration

Send daily notifications and provide analytics to help workers visualize their impact and feel good about their work.

Design Principles: App Integration

App Integration

Use livestream viewing to help workers interact with animals and people in real-time.

Analyzing the users and their needs, we discovered design principles that guided us on our product:

Visual Data Capture: Thermal imaging and passive sonar to capture visitors at worksite
App Integration: Real-time monitoring and impact analysis via a user-friendly app

Analyzing the users and their needs, we discovered design principles that guided us on our product:

Visual Data Capture: Thermal imaging and passive sonar to capture visitors at worksite
App Integration: Real-time monitoring and impact analysis via a user-friendly app

Insighta App Features: Livestream and Videos

Outcome

We presented a data-driven solution proposal, featuring a tracker and companion app, that impressed the Sonim team. Our research findings and insights of connecting long-term impact with immediate user satisfaction highlighted untapped opportunities for broader audiences, such as trail builders and construction workers. While aquatic expansion remains a future goal, our research has already shaped their strategic vision, inspiring a shift towards exploring new applications that highlight user satisfaction alongside long-term success.

What I Learned

Strategic Vision: I learned that aligning user research with strategic goals guides a product’s long-term direction. It’s about anticipating evolving needs and creating solutions that meet current demands while positioning the product for future growth.
Data-Driven Insights: This project reinforced the value of data in design decisions. Combining qualitative and quantitative insights gives a comprehensive view of user behavior, leading to solutions that are both relevant and evidence-backed to drive impact and stakeholder support.
Understanding Hidden User Needs: I realized the importance of uncovering latent user needs. By diving deeper into long-term struggles and hidden aspirations, we created solutions that aligned with users' deeper motivations, resulting in a more impactful product experience.

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