About
Tools
Photoshop
Figma
Mall Buddi is a mobile app designed to help users easily navigate through Lynnhaven Mall by providing real-time directions, store information, and personalized shopping support. Developed with a user-first mindset, the app aims to reduce confusion, save time, and make the mall experience more enjoyable—especially for first-time visitors or those unfamiliar with the layout. Whether someone is searching for a specific store, looking for the nearest restroom, or just browsing for deals, Mall Buddi acts as a friendly digital companion throughout their shopping journey.
User Insight
To ensure Mall Buddi met real user needs, I conducted interviews and surveys with people of different ages and lifestyles. The goal was to understand how shoppers navigate malls and what tools could improve their visits.
The Demand
My goal was to gather genuine feedback on common shopping frustrations and learn what features people felt would make their mall visits more convenient and enjoyable. The responses gave me valuable insight into what users truly needed—such as easier navigation, real-time store updates, and efficient trip planning—which directly influenced the core features of Mall Buddi. The strong interest and positive feedback showed there was a real demand for an app that could make mall visits smoother, faster, and more personalized.
Interviewee 1
“I always end up walking in circles at the mall. An app that tells me exactly where to go would honestly save me so much time.”
Interviewee 2
“I shop mostly after work, and I never know which stores are still open. Something that gives live updates would be really helpful.”
Interviewee 3
“I don’t go to the mall a lot, but when I do, I want to get in and out quickly. I’d definitely use something that helps me find stores faster.”
Barriers
During my research, I found that many people feel overwhelmed and anxious when visiting large malls. Crowded spaces, confusing layouts, and the pressure to find specific stores quickly often make the experience stressful. This feedback highlighted a clear need for a tool that could simplify the shopping process. With that in mind, Mall Buddi was designed to reduce stress by helping users plan ahead, navigate the mall easily, and locate stores faster—making visits feel more manageable and less chaotic.
Interviewee 1
"Malls stress me out. I always feel like I’m just wandering around with no idea where anything is—it makes me want to leave early."
Interviewee 2
"I get anxious in big crowds, so the faster I can find what I need and get out, the better. If there was something to guide me straight to a store, I’d use it every time."
Interviewee 3
"I avoid malls unless I absolutely have to go. It's just too overwhelming, especially when I don’t know where to park or what entrance to use."
Understanding the User
Mall Buddi improves the shopping experience for all ages. Teens enjoy trend alerts and social features, young adultsbenefit from quick navigation and promotions, adults can plan multi-stop trips, and older adults appreciate simplified navigation and accessible amenities. It ensures a smooth experience for everyone.
Ethan Rodriguez
Age: 24
Occupation: College Student (also works part-time)
Tech Level: Medium-High — comfortable with mobile apps and navigation tools
Shopping Style: Goal-oriented and efficient — prefers quick in-and-out visits
Jordan Miller
Age: 17
Occupation: High School Student
Tech Level: High — always on his phone and up to date with trends
Shopping Style: Trendy, social, and budget-conscious
Maya Thompson
Age: 40
Occupation: Marketing Coordinator
Tech Level: Moderate
Lifestyle: Busy city professional who shops for fashion, tech, and home items
Shopping Style: In-person, time-efficient, convenience-driven
Work Flow
Wire Frames
Home Screen
The home screen was designed with simplicity and efficiency in mind, allowing users to easily search for and locate specific stores within the mall. When a user selects a store, that section smoothly expands to display helpful details such as the store’s location, current hours, and any ongoing deals. This interactive layout keeps the experience clean while providing quick access to essential information, helping users plan their visit more efficiently.
Details page / Navigation
The Details Page gives users a focused view of the selected store, showing important information such as store hours, a brief description, and current promotions. This screen helps shoppers quickly decide if the store fits their needs before heading there. On the right side of the screen, a built-in navigation panel provides a visual map and step-by-step directions, making it easy for users to find the fastest route from their current location to the store—all without needing to leave the app.
Screens
Mall Buddi was designed to make shopping easier and less stressful. The Home Screen helps users quickly find stores, while the Details Page shows store hours, deals, and info. A Navigation Panel gives step-by-step directions, and a built-in chatbot answers questions and offers store suggestions. All screens work together to guide users through the mall with ease.
Home Screen
The Home Screen is designed for quick, intuitive use—users can easily search for a store or browse by category. Once a store is selected, they’re seamlessly taken to the Directions Screen, where step-by-step navigation begins instantly. This smooth transition helps users get directions without extra clicks or confusion, making the entire experience faster and more user-friendly.
Chat page
The built-in chat function acts as a personal mall assistant, ready to help at any time. Users can ask for directions, store hours, or even get recommendations based on what they’re looking for. It’s designed to be quick, responsive, and easy to use—giving users support without needing to search through multiple screens.
Camera screen
The Camera Screen offers an immersive AR experience that overlays directions and store information directly onto the mall environment through the user’s camera. By simply pointing their phone around, users can see real-time guidance like arrows, store labels, and distance markers. This feature makes navigation more engaging and intuitive, helping users visually connect with their surroundings and reach their destination faster.
