Summary

In the cloud storage industry, there is no storage of options. However, this is the story of the Cirrus. I was entrusted to create a cloud storage app. I was tasked with researching and identifying a target market that would benefit from a new cloud storage solution and bring new, unique cloud storage to the market.

Problem

My role in this project was to create a cloud storage app that challenges competitors. Despite the vast amount of competition, this design allows users such as collaborate, organize, upload files, and sharing amongst friends, family, and coworkers.

Solution

The solution is Cirrus. Cirrus is a cloud storage and multi-purpose of Cirrus with a focus on organization that provides creativity with a convenient solution also bringing in a new perspective. Cirrus has the fun flexibility of a document. Users can upload files in one single place, Organize, create, collaborate, share, and more.

User Research

I kicked off this project with a user survey to learn about cloud storage apps and to understand what the audience really needs. What kind of users would be using the service.

Research Finding

Competitive Analysis

The project was kicked off by conducting a competitive analysis of key market competitors consisting of Google Drive, DropBox, and OneDrive. Through this analysis, I found weaknesses in the market, an analysis of their weaknesses presented an opportunity to create a unique feature of this new cloud storage solution.

User Personas

Due to the results of the survey, I focused on creating user personas of two target audiences, students, and professionals. Goals, needs, revolved around features that the client wanted to be included in the project and that was highly rated amongst participants of the survey. Features such as collaboration, sharing, organization file.

User Stories

Both target audiences have similar goals. Keeping that in mind and going off the result from both. I came up with, in order of priority based on what user use frequently and relevance.

High priority

I want to be able to upload any type of file

I want to be able to organize files into folders, groups, categories

I want to be able to share a file/folder with others

I want to share photos and videos

Medium priority

I want to be able to share updates directly through the app

I want to be able to create content in documents, powerpoints, and/or spreadsheets

I want to be able to access my account on multiple platforms and apps

I want to be able to save content from the web (links, videos, images, etc)

Low priority

I want real-time collaboration on a file(s) someone has shared with me.

I want to be able to create content (such as documents or notes)

I want to save content that I find within the app

I want the ability to sync with all my devices

User Flows

With those stories in mind, I focused on being able to include all important features to make it easier for the user to use the product. I played around with the idea of labels and planned out flows that would match each user story.

Sketch and Wireframe

As I drew the sketches for the wireframes, I’d prioritized my user stories and flows, I decided that designing the landing page first and I created pages for the onboarding process, the landing page after signing in, organizing files, sharing, a page where files are located, the upload. After sketching a few iterations from the user flow. I started working on digital wireframes in Figma.

Usability Testing

I conducted several user tests of my high-fidelity mockup. Overall the response was very positive. I was excited that all users were able to navigate easily and also understood the organizational tools. I saw that each user had no problem signing up for an account. Each user had no problem signing up for an account. They were able to Upload and shared new files, however, I received feedback from users so I decided to include icons to make it more visually.

Before

After

Branding

Brand Identity & Logo

Brainstorming and research tell us the first clouds that most everyone sees on a daily basis are the Cirrus Clouds. After researching the different clouds. I came to the conclusion that the Cirrus Cloud is the most common cloud seen. It was chosen for its simplicity. It is soft and unobtrusive more like a pillow almost inviting you to lay down, relax. Unlike a storm cloud that may strike fear into the observer. It is their ice crystal build-up at sunset and sunrise that causes us to see those gorgeous colors. The Earth is where we all live and we also know the sky where the Cirrus Clouds reside is infinite. Therefore our storage space is limitless.

Typography

Choosing the “Typeface” was indeed a little more challenging, but I finally settled on the Lora Bold and Roboto. The typography for the word CIRRUS uses Lora. I also wanted to incite emotions such as trust, vibrant, inspiration, creative. The Lora and Roboto Typeface is clean, something that was indeed appealing to and going to attract all comers. Lora Bold represents the creativity and fluidity of the brand.

Final Product

Let's put everything together

Conclusion

This was an interesting project for me. Reflecting on the conclusion of the project, I believe that cirrus is a great alternative to other cloud services. The research is done in this project to create a bigger better cloud service than what is already on the market taught me just how important research is. Initially, I was very worried because this was my first project. Not everything worked in the design process. Before the project even started, I had doubts about how this was going to differentiate from other popular cloud storage services, already on the market. Research showed me some of the differences and unveiled some of their flaws. In my opinion, research is indeed an invaluable tool. Through the course of this project, I've been able to distinguish key metrics for successful cloud storage.