Project 01
Wingman: What can a Starship do?
University Project
Wingman: What can a Starship do?
Designing a unique system that goes beyond food service
Project Overview
This project aims to design a unique starship delivery system that goes beyond food service and produces new kinds of human-human connections.
Starship Wingman transforms food delivery robots into dating tour guides, creating unique connections between college students through guided experiences.
University Project
UX Design
Research
Storyboarding
Timeline
January 2025- March 2025
My Contributions
Problem definition and research planning
Assigning homework and deadlines for the group
User interviews and insights analysis
Scenario creation
Final experience design outline
Documentation
Design Space
Our project lies within the dating app design space – we aim to create a dating app and enjoyable date experience that brings people together.
Problem Statement
Students are looking for methods of building relationships, as well as fun activities to explore on campus. Starships and the Starship app currently have limited functionality that could be repurposed in the interest of these goals.
User Group
Any student at Purdue (Graduates, Undergraduates, etc)
Focused on female users
Research & Exploration
Initial Idea & Storyboards
Our original idea was to transform Starship robots into blind dating tour guides, where the robots would lead a date on a planned route. I led the exercise of assigning the team to individually sketch out an initial storyboard for our idea.
Scenarios
Having finished our secondary research, the team decided to scope down on our solution to a specific user group. Along with time constraints, due to the identified differences in motivation of using dating apps and safety risks that certain groups face, we decided to focus specifically on female users with our solution.
Our scenarios allowed the team to explore outside the box to identify pain-points, situations, and features for our specific user group that require more in-depth thought. We especially had to consider refund systems, review systems, cancellations, logistical challenges, and safety concerns.
Ideation & Iteration
Based on our research insights and feedback, the team developed an iterated storyboard with key features addressing user needs:
Final Design Storyboard
Design Rationale
PUID Connection/Verification
With student IDs connected to the Starship-Wingman system, users are less likely to abuse the system due to its verification and connection to real-life consequences. Users on other dating apps stated that connection to social media accounts gave a sense of safety but also a form of embarrassment. Purdue ID allows us to receive the benefits of a safe, secure verification method without the side of embarrassment. Users interviewed in our user feedback noted that PUID connection increases their impression of safety.
Route & Date Activity Specification
Through our research on date locations and user feedback data, we defined example routes* and activities for our system. These will be curated based on preferences stated upon account creation. From our presentation feedback, we noted the idea of using Starship storage capabilities to store date materials/activities such as board games. We decided to include the option of knowing the route before the date, as interviewees stated that they would want to know the route just to be safe. Users also wanted the option to mute the Wingman for privacy concerns.
Safety Systems
We identified through our presentation feedback that safety systems are incredibly important to implement into our solution. Through our secondary research and user feedback, we developed additional safety features to our design. We decided to include the option to record the date if parties consent. If one party wants to cancel the date, they are able to do so. Routes are curated to pass through blue light stations in emergency situations.
Outcome
Next Steps
Expand design to accommodate all user groups
Explore physical modifications to Starship robots
Develop partnerships with local businesses