Where
Sydney, Australia
Company
Startup
What
iOS & Android App
Category
Sport coaching app
Started
February 2024
Skillry: Redesigning a Sports Platform for Growth and Efficiency
A sports coaching marketplace that makes self-improvement simple with an on-demand pro tip in your pocket. Skillry makes obtaining the feedback you need on your technique, form, and ability easier than ever. Connecting with a coach has never been simpler with our app.
Problem
Limited Access to Expert Coaching in an Unstructured Bouldering Market
The bouldering market is highly unorganized, with limited access to reliable coaching resources. This lack of structure makes it challenging for individuals to find and connect with expert coaches, hindering consistent skill development.
Design Focus and Iteration
The MVP (Version 4), designed by the founders, laid a foundational framework but revealed key areas for improvement through user feedback. For Version 5, I focused on addressing critical pain points and refining the user experience to drive growth.
Redesigning the Learner-Coach Interaction Flow
Undertook a complete rework of the flow for learners submitting requests, coaches accepting them, providing feedback, and learners closing the request chat. This restructuring reduced confusion and friction, streamlining the process for a seamless user experience.Enhancing User Registration and Onboarding Flows
Improved user flows to minimize friction during registration and onboarding, driving higher user acquisition by addressing usability challenges.Establishing a Consistent Design Language
Developed a style guide and scalable design components to create a cohesive and intuitive user experience, laying a strong foundation for future product iterations.Designing Hook Features for Version 6
Delivered a design strategy for introducing "hook features" aimed at increasing user retention and establishing a stable revenue stream, supporting long-term product sustainability.
Solution
On-Demand Platform for Personalized Bouldering Coaching
Skillry aims to revolutionise the bouldering and sports coaching industry by offering an on-demand platform that provides professional and personalized feedback anytime. This solution includes streamlined flows for users to upload videos, select coaches, and receive tailored feedback.
Learner: From Upload to Improvement
01. Upload
Upload a short video (15 seconds to 1.5 minutes) showcasing the skill learner want to improve.
02. Connect
Easily match with a coach who fits the learner’s needs. Browse their expertise, watch trailers, and read reviews to make an informed choice.
03. Feedback
Engage in asynchronous coaching. Get detailed feedback, ask questions, and share updates as learners refine their skills.
04. Progress
Receive actionable insights and start improving within an hour. Coaching is now more accessible and affordable than ever.
Coach: Empowering Coaches to Inspire and Earn
01. Accept
Browse learner requests, review their goals, and accept ones that align with the coach’s expertise.
02. Analyse
Carefully analyse uploaded videos to understand the learner’s strengths and areas for improvement.
03. Feedback
Deliver detailed, actionable feedback and engage in asynchronous communication to support the learner’s progress.
04. Earn
Complete the coaching request cycle and get paid, while coaches build their reputation through learner reviews.
Key Outcomes
20%
increase in user registration by estimate
25%
more efficient feedback request flow by estimate
50%
increase in UI consistency & forming app identity
Journey from MVP to Improvements
User Testing & Design iterations
I conducted multiple rounds of face-to-face usability testing of the MVP, which confirmed several anticipated issues and uncovered new insights. These findings informed multiple design iterations. Some of the high-level user feedback included:
“I don’t know what to do after I submit a request to a coach. What is going to happen next? Where do I go after submitting the request?”
“I don’t know much about the coaches, to be honest. I don’t know who to choose. Can’t the app just choose a good coach for me automatically?”
“Chat screen is a little confusing. In the pending tab, what does it mean by ‘Find a new coach’ and ‘Waiting on a coach’? It needs to be clearer what the title means.”
“There are so many colours and some labels are hard to see.”
“I didn’t even know I could touch this as this is a link.”
“Creating an account takes so long because it is hard to read input labels, it needs to be bold.”
Handoff: The Starting Point 👇
Delivery: The Final Outcome 👇
Figma Prototype
Reflection + Lesson Learned
What I’d Do Differently Next Time
Working on Skillry was both exciting and challenging, especially being trusted to lead design from an MVP stage. While proud of the progress, reflecting on the journey revealed areas for improvement:
1. Expand User Testing
Conducting more user tests earlier could have refined usability and aligned the product better with user needs.
2. Enhance Data-Driven Decisions
Broader A/B testing pre- and post-launch would have validated improvements and provided clearer insights into feature effectiveness.
3. Focus on Adaptable Design
Prioritizing flexibility earlier could have better supported the evolving needs of a dynamic startup environment.
4. Strengthen Cross-Functional Collaboration
Deeper alignment with development, product, and business teams from the start could have streamlined workflows and improved outcomes.
Note: For the full case study slide deck detailing my process and approach to a project, please contact me via email or phone at the end of this page or through the contact page.
“Si Thu was a fantastic UX/Product Designer at Skillry. As his manager, I was impressed by his high-quality work, clear reasoning, and infectious passion. He consistently exceeded expectations, and I highly recommend him.”
Liam McEvoy
CEO & Co-Founder of Skillry
Contact
For work-related inquiries, or to grab a coffee or ginger chai, do email me. ☕ / 🍵
Thank you for considering. 😊
Email
sithuomst.st@gmail.com
Phone
(+61) 422 656 686