Breathing New Life into Classic Cars
The allure of classic and antique vehicles lies in their timeless beauty and rich history, but the process of accessing detailed information about these vehicles has long been a fragmented and challenging endeavor. Classic Decoder, the first in its industry to provide vehicle history reports and window stickers for classic cars, embarked on an ambitious journey to solve this problem.
The goal was clear: to design a cutting-edge app and website that seamlessly connect users with reliable and comprehensive data for classic cars, positioning Classic Decoder as a trailblazer in the market.
Now, let's Unveil the Complex World of Classic Cars––the Challenge
Classic cars present unique challenges that requires an innovative approach:
Scarce online data: Reliable information for classic vehicles is limited, often buried in archives or inaccessible databases.
Inconsistent VIN lengths: Classic car VINs range from 5 to 13 characters, deviating from modern standards.
Modifications over time: Many classic cars have undergone alterations, complicating data accuracy.
Price manipulations: Inconsistent pricing practices further obscure the true value of these vehicles.
Limited information sources: Few platforms provide a centralized repository for classic vehicle data.
My challenge was not just to address these issues but to create a solution that would redefine the user experience in this niche market.
Curious About the Solution? It's a Journey, let's Ride…
Step 1: Project Brief and Strategy
The project began with a detailed briefing from the project manager, outlined requirements, and clear objectives. The goal was to create an intuitive app and website that provided users with vehicle history reports, window stickers, and a user-friendly platform to access their searches.
Step 2: Market Research––Identifying Gaps and Opportunities
I analyzed the industry to understand competitors like Hagerty and Hemmings, which primarily sell and buy classic cars but lack a user-centric digital platform for getting detailed classic cars history report and window stickers. Opportunities emerged to differentiate Classic Decoder through:
Accessibility: Simplifying the process of retrieving data using VINs of varying lengths.
Transparency: Offering visually appealing, technically accurate reports.
Innovation: Introducing features like window sticker generation.
Step 3: User Research: Hearing from Classic Car Enthusiasts
I needed to get to the potential users and learn about their needs. Interviews and surveys with classic car collectors, dealers, and restorers revealed key user needs:
Ease of inputting and searching VINs.
Simple, visual representation of complex data.
The ability to save and retrieve previous searches.
These insights informed the user journey, ensuring every feature catered to the target audience.
Step 4: UX Flow: Crafting the Journey
I so much love 😍 UX flow––because it gives me and stakeholders a sense of direction. We see the future from the beginning. I mapped the UX flow to illustrate how users navigate the app, following the key task below:
Enter a VIN of 13 characters or less.
Retrieve a detailed vehicle history report.
Generate a visually appealing window sticker.
View and manage all previous searches.
Step 4: Design: From Research to Reality
I started with lo-fi wireframes to conceptualize the layout and features. After a couple of meets and validation from the project manager, I created hi-fi designs that combined functionality with aesthetics. This design was inspired by vintage car aesthetics but with modern usability.
Key Features Designed:
VIN input field: Ensures compatibility with varying lengths.
Interactive report visualization: Breaks down complex data into digestible charts and graphics.
Window sticker generator: Produces professional, branded stickers tailored to each car.
Search history dashboard: Lets users track all prior searches seamlessly.
App Lo-fi Prototype
Members' Area Lo-fi Prototype
App Hi-fi Prototype
Onboarding
Login/signup
Home/navigation flow
VIN decode/report flow
Members' area- the flow of searching, confirming and generating report
Members' area- dealers and businesses can have a garage of several classic car, where they can easily view and download reports
Impact: Transforming the Market
Classic Decoder’s app and website launched to widespread acclaim, earning features in major media outlets like Fox 5 and Automotive Industry Today.
App ratings: Achieved a 4.7-star rating on trustpilot, with users praising its simplicity and effectiveness.
User testimonials: “Great app! Great support!”, "simple and straightforward", "easy to use" – satisfied users.
Market positioning: Classic Decoder is now positioned as an innovative leader in the classic car industry, outpacing competitors.
Conclusion
The success of Classic Decoder lies in its user-centric approach, blending robust research with thoughtful design. By addressing pain points unique to classic cars, we created a solution that not only meets user needs but sets a new standard for the industry.
