User Research Analysis

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Data‑driven representation of our Affinity Themes, Empathy Map, and a current‑state Experience Map (no images).

Affinity Diagramming — Themes

Group 1 Safety
  • Safety features (lighting, cameras, reviews) are important
  • Good to have camera
  • Safety is a top concern → wants lighting, cameras, secure neighborhoods
  • Some safety policy to protect driver and homeowner
  • Uncomfortable parking in private driveways without secure system (tow risk)
  • Safety concerns
Group 2 Convenience
  • Would try an app to book nearby private driveways ASAP
  • Many students commute even when living close by
  • Would like availability on a map
  • Would like option for EV charger
  • Thinks the idea would be convenient
  • Interested in cheaper parking even if walking 5–10 minutes
  • Competitive pricing; better than garage prices or permits
Group 3 Interaction
  • Most important features: distance + price
  • Prefers reserving the night before with cancel option
  • Parks in residential streets near campus (0.5–1 mile away)
  • Would like the app to accommodate both small and very large cars
  • Guarantee spot / time saver
  • Feature that allows for reservations
Group 4 Current Issues
  • Has been late to class due to parking delays
  • Does not buy campus permit (lottery & cost not worth it)
  • Takes 10–15 minutes to find a spot (sometimes more)
  • Spends 15–30 min searching for parking before class
  • Stress from unpredictability
  • Difficulty finding parking in busy areas

Personas

Happy Henry — logical
Happy Henry

College student, fitness‑oriented, okay with a short walk to save money. Tech‑savvy, introverted—prefers low‑friction interactions.

  • Age 18–20 in a metro city
  • Lots of classes + part‑time work
  • Budget sensitive; open to cheaper off‑street options
Bored Jordan — Renter
Bored Jordan

Second‑year undergrad who commutes 3–4 days/week. Spends 15–30 minutes searching for parking and is sometimes late.

  • Drives 40–60 min from suburbs
  • Avoids expensive permits
  • Wants reliable, affordable spots
Sus Sally — Go‑Getter
Sus Sally

Hospital staff with long shifts; driveway is empty most days. Interested in side income but cautious about security/liability.

  • Homeowner ~15 years
  • Open to renting driveway
  • Needs clear rules & safety
Practical Priya — Driver and Owner
Practical Priya

Mid‑level professional near a university. Values trust, clear rules, and guaranteed spots.

  • Driveway idle by day
  • Wants orderly access
  • Likes guaranteed reservations

Empathy Map

HEARS
  • Parking is getting more expensive on/near campus
  • Friends say lots are often full by 8–9am
SEES
  • Lots of cars circling driveways/streets
  • Parking garages are pricey and usually at capacity
  • All nearby spots feel taken
SAYS & DOES
  • I plan night‑before but still end up circling
  • If I find something far, I’ll just walk
  • I’ll pay if it’s guaranteed and safe
THINKS & FEELS
  • Finding a spot is unpredictable and stressful
  • Worried about being late to class or work
  • Wants clear rules and no awkward host interactions
PAIN
  • High cost of permits/garages
  • Time wasted looking for parking
  • Safety concerns in sketchy areas at night
GAIN
  • Reliable, guaranteed spot
  • Cheaper than garages/permits
  • Safer, well‑lit driveway with clear rules

Experience Map — Practical Priya

Current‑state journey without the app; used to identify pain points and opportunities.

RowMorningCommutingParking searchWork dayEvening return
User actions
  • Leave driveway clear while at work
  • Drive to the office for 30–40 mins
  • Circle blocks for ~15 mins
  • Walk 0.5–1 mile from spot
  • Leave car parked far from office
  • Hope it’s safe
  • Walk back to car; return home to an empty driveway
Goals & experiences
  • Get to work on time
  • Arrive safely; avoid stress
  • Find affordable, safe parking
  • Focus on work; don’t worry about car
  • Make better use of driveway; consider passive income
Feelings & thoughts
  • 😀 Starts positive; mild anxiety about parking later
  • 😓 Frustrated about traffic and time
  • 😰 Stressed; sometimes late
  • 🤔 Distracted by worry about the car
  • 😌 Relief that car is fine; reflects on empty driveway
Pain points
  • Driveway wasted while not occupied
  • Time lost in traffic + looking for spots
  • High cost
  • Unpredictability
  • Safety risk; no guarantee about belongings
  • Long inconvenient walk; risk in poorly lit areas
Opportunities
  • Better financial use of idle driveway
  • Guaranteed parking to reduce anxiety
  • Offer a reliable reserved option
  • Driveway access rules & simple verification
  • Manage driveway securely with schedules