Following extensive research on existing apps and their processes, the onboarding flow can be divided into two main steps:
Profile Creation
The user is required to input their details to sign up on the platform.
Lock Setup
This step involves the installation of the smart lock and setting up the Bluetooth pairing (touchless entry) and Wi-Fi connection(remote unlock/lock).
The lock setup would be completed by the first user, who would be defined as the admin, as they are responsible for installing the lock.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Setup
For users being onboarded as home members, their second step should be to pair their smart lock and phone with Bluetooth to enable touchless entry.
End User Phone Application (Common for Admin and End-user (Home Member)
Admin Dashboard
After iterating and finalizing the wireframes, the next step was to transition to crafting high-fidelity designs. Throughout this process, UX-based changes were integrated into the design as I progressed to ensure a seamless user experience.
End User Phone Application (Common for Admin and End-user (Home Member)
Admin Dashboard
Typography and Colour
Green was chosen as the primary colour for the design because it often symbolizes security, safety, and comfort. Its various shades are used to create a visual hierarchy within the design.
The SF Pro font was chosen for typography due to its high readability across various sizes. Many users are also familiar with it, as it is commonly used on iPhones.
Onboarding is a critical part of this product, as it sets the groundwork for the entire user experience. The process involves setting up the physical lock and preparing the app for use, with the core features of the app requiring the user's device to be paired with both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. These steps are essential for achieving the desired functionality of the product.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth or NFC (Near Field Communication) technology brings the concept of touchless entry to life. When the user's smartphone is near the smart lock, it can trigger various actions to unlock the door, depending on the specific type of smart lock installed. For instance, the user may simply wave their hand in front of the lock, open the latch, or twist the lock to open the door. This provides a seamless and efficient method of entry, enhancing the user experience.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi connectivity plays a vital role in enhancing the functionality of the smart lock by enabling remote access. As long as the smart lock is connected to a home Wi-Fi network, the user can remotely lock or unlock the door from anywhere. This feature is crucial, especially for those times when users forget to lock the door or need to allow access to guests while they are away. Therefore, setting up Wi-Fi connectivity is crucial to the onboarding process to ensure seamless and flexible entry and exit.
Master Passcode
Once the admin user has completed the Bluetooth pairing step, they are provided with a set of instructions on the app to enter the master passcode on the key fob. This master passcode serves a critical purpose: it is used to verify the home members during their onboarding process. Moreover, it ensures that the key registered by the admin on the key fob is appropriately used during the onboarding of the home members. This step adds an extra layer of security and helps maintain control over who has access to the home.
Admin Dashboard
The admin rights are given to the first user who completes the onboarding process, which includes setting up the lock. As the admin, this user is provided with access to the dashboard once the onboarding steps are complete. The admin dashboard is a powerful tool that offers an overview of the system and allows the admin to manage various aspects of the product, such as managing access rights, viewing access logs, and more.
By considering these technical aspects during the onboarding process, we can ensure a smooth and efficient setup, paving the way for an intuitive and user-friendly experience for both the administrators and end users.
Currently, the application does not allow users to change the Bluetooth settings. This does not account for scenarios where users change their phones and are unable to use the touchless entry feature. Therefore, it would be logical to include a Bluetooth pairing option in future versions of this application.
The admin will have the flexibility to promote other members to admin status, thereby granting them access to the admin dashboard.
Implement emergency access features that allow authorized users such as family members or emergency services to bypass normal access controls during emergencies. This could include features like the SOS button to provide authorized users with unfettered access.