La Trace - Mobile App

B2C

0 to 1

Shipped work

Overview

After an MVP that missed targets, La Trace needed a new direction. I led the full mobile design to support their pivot. The app launched to 10K+ downloads and a 4.5 rating.

About the project

French cycling startup. Joined May 2024 as Product Designer — worked on the web MVP, improved the Design System, and ran user interviews with cyclists. Later led the mobile app solo.

Key Outcomes

Re-design of the entire product (20 to 25 screens) to adapt for the mobile app
Production of a scalable Design System ready for the Delivery phase
Definition of interaction patterns with the map to support mobile use

Why build a mobile app?

Startup prioritized its web app during its first year of existence. There were inconsistencies between devices, as well as design and technical debt. Since the foundations were not robust, we decided to rebuild app from scratch before attempting to enter a new market. Some indicators that motivated this decision:

Why build a mobile app?

Startup prioritized its web app during its first year of existence. There were inconsistencies between devices, as well as design and technical debt. Since the foundations were not robust, we decided to rebuild app from scratch before attempting to enter a new market. Some indicators that motivated this decision:

An example of UI exploration for the mobile application

1. Qualitative feedback

Many users thought that La Trace was inherently a mobile app. They were disappointed to learn that this was not the case.

1. Qualitative feedback

Many users thought that La Trace was inherently a mobile app. They were disappointed to learn that this was not the case.

2. Disparity in features

The features were generally thought with desktop in mind, mobile being less of a priority, despite the fact that data shown that mobile usage is much higher.
This caused frustration and confusion about what the start-up really offers to it's potential users.

2. Disparity in features

The features were generally thought with desktop in mind, mobile being less of a priority, despite the fact that data shown that mobile usage is much higher.
This caused frustration and confusion about what the start-up really offers to it's potential users.

3. Technical debt

Certain features (such as the relief map) caused major bugs and prevented the web app from being used. Long loading times led to churn from the application. These issues hindered the start-up in an ultra-competitive environment.

3. Technical debt

Certain features (such as the relief map) caused major bugs and prevented the web app from being used. Long loading times led to churn from the application. These issues hindered the start-up in an ultra-competitive environment.

Example of insights that summarize several user tests conducted on the web app

Feedback and User Insights

I analyzed the existing user interview database in Notion (there was no data analysis for the features) and conducted my own interviews about the mobile application.

Feedback and User Insights

I analyzed the existing user interview database in Notion (there was no data analysis for the features) and conducted my own interviews about the mobile application.

Example of the user search database

Design Specification

When one or more features were ready to be delivered to the development team, I worked on high-fidelity designs and specifications for the engineers. Detailed components were created in Figma, and I worked closely with my front-end engineer, and we did a lot of QA during delivery.

Design Specification

When one or more features were ready to be delivered to the development team, I worked on high-fidelity designs and specifications for the engineers. Detailed components were created in Figma, and I worked closely with my front-end engineer, and we did a lot of QA during delivery.

La Trace offers collections of itineraries that always begin with the most important information.

What could have been improved?

My first app design shipped end-to-end. It didn't break through commercially, but it sharpened me as a designer — and the question of what would have made it succeed still sits with me.

What could have been improved?

My first app design shipped end-to-end. It didn't break through commercially, but it sharpened me as a designer — and the question of what would have made it succeed still sits with me.

Branding and illustrations were beautifully crafted by Valentine Michel, Product & Brand Designer @ Bon Pote.

La Trace - Mobile App

Overview

My Role

Timeline

Team

About the project

Key Outcomes

Why build a mobile app?

Why build a mobile app?

1. Qualitative feedback

1. Qualitative feedback

2. Disparity in features

2. Disparity in features

3. Technical debt

3. Technical debt

Feedback and User Insights

Feedback and User Insights

Design Specification

Design Specification

What could have been improved?

What could have been improved?

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