Guru Mobile App Case Study
About Guru
Guru is a mobile app that connects users with experts across various fields through live video calls providing timely, actionable advice and clear next steps for implementation.
Whether users are seeking expert guidance, answers to specific questions, or a detailed plan for putting advice into action, Guru is designed to offer practical solutions tailored to user needs.
Competitive Analysis
Actio Mobile & Web App
Intro Mobile & Web App
Intro Mobile & Web App
Actio is a now defunct mobile and web application that allowed users to receive support from experts through daily free classes, workshops, group session, and 1-on-1 sessions. The experts available on Actio were from the general public with standard/general credentials.
Strengths:
- Actio offers daily free classes, workshops, and group sessions in addition to live 1-on-1 sessions
- Experts are able to showcase their products & services and message their followers
Weaknesses:
- Actio is not a well-known brand, so the reputation of it being credible has to be built
- Due to being a start-up, the funding can run out before they find success
Threats:
- Competitor apps that have more marketing power & reach
- Competitor apps with a larger base of experts
- Influencers that can reach clients directly.
Opportunities:
- Focus on marketing to influencers
- Partnering with influencers
- Partnering with brands
Intro Mobile & Web App
Intro Mobile & Web App
Intro Mobile & Web App
Intro is a more high-end app that allows users to receive advice from experts with well-known credentials via video call. Intro is more business and entrepreneurial focused.
Strengths:
- Access to experts who have started or work for successful, well-known brands
- Celebrity backing, which boosts credibility and increases reach with marketing
- Times can be booked in 15, 30, 45, or 60+ minute increments
Weaknesses:
- According to Apple Store reviews, the video disconnects when the time is up as opposed to having a buffer period of time to end the session
- According to Apple Store reviews, the video quality can be glitchy
- Due to the very curated aesthetic, it might not appeal to people looking for experts they can relate to.
Threats:
- Ability to reach out directly to influencers
- Competitors like Master Class where people can learn from well-known instructors in their field of expertise with an annual subscription as opposed to paying for each session
- Influencers that can reach clients directly.
Opportunities:
- Incremental warning timers that indicate how much time is remaining in the session
- The ability to offer group sessions, workshops, and daily
Major Obstacles + Solutions Based on Testing Feedback
One
One
One
Obstacle:
Users didn't know if they should pay before or after the session as it was initially not apart of the onboarding or session booking process; in addition, adding method of payment by going to the settings was not obvious. Intially it was expected for users to add a method of payment by going to the settings.
Solution:
Users are prom
Obstacle:
Users didn't know if they should pay before or after the session as it was initially not apart of the onboarding or session booking process; in addition, adding method of payment by going to the settings was not obvious. Intially it was expected for users to add a method of payment by going to the settings.
Solution:
Users are prompted to add a method of payment as part of the process of booking their first session.
Two
One
One
Obstacle:
There's one price to book time with the expert, but different time options for booking the session, so users are not sure how much they are actually paying for the amount of time they choose to book.
Solution:
The prices for each time block were added on the Expert Profile Page
Three
Three
Three
Obstacle:
For new users, there would be no past or upcoming sessions on the homepage as they have not booked or had a session with a guru yet.
Solution:
For features that are not yet available to the user, add prompts and call to action buttons.
Four
Three
Three
Obstacle:
Users don't understand that a major selling point of the app is the ability to view "Next Steps" after each session.
Solution:
Access to the "Next Steps" page was added to the Navigation Bar.
Testing highlighted the need for easy, obvious access to major tasks, leading to the addition of a "Find a Guru" button to streamline scheduling, as no other functions are available until a session is booked.
User testing revealed that "Next Steps" was a key feature but unclear to users, so it was added to the navigation bar in the high-fidelity version.
Material Design was added to the Expert Profile Page. In addition, users swipe down to be brought back to the Expert Search as opposed to clicking the back arrow.
Final Product
Guru is a mobile app used to connect users to experts in various fields via video calls to access timely, actionable, practical advice and next steps for how to implement the advice. The app is designed for those not just seeking advice/guidance and/or need a question answered by a knowledgable expert, but also want more direction on how to put that advice into action.