User Experience Design and Prototyping of “Mi Mercado AMG”

In the latest edition of the Online Advisory Programme (OAP) of the International Smart Cities Network (ISCN), participants received a fresh update on the development and implementation progress of the online market solution “Mi Mercado AMG” in the Metropolitan Area of Guadalajara, Mexico. The report presented on August 17 focused on the creation of the vendors‘ and customers‘ profiles. Further, the team is developing web and mobile prototypes of the online platform and organising the first usability tests with potential users.

Profiling Market Vendors and Customers

In addition to the selection of the pilot market, the team is progressing with field research to enhance the profiles of the market vendors and the potential customers. These build on the proto-personas which were mentioned in the last report. The profiles focus on a variety of factors, such as age, motivation to visit the markets, concerns and opportunities and benefits that would arise from a digital solution.

Wireframes and Prototypes

Parallel to the profiling and field work, the programmer’s team has started developing a user experience, wireframes and prototypes of the digital solution. These are essential steps in the development processes as their purpose is to present the design concept and basic functions for the users. The first versions of the web and mobile application are based on an extended user journey which is constantly updated in line with the field work results.

Soon the programmers will be running several usability tests with potential users. The idea is not to seek the perfect solution at once, but to follow an iterative process with repetitive testing and feedback loops. The results will lead to a refinement and adaptation of the solution throughout the process.