Bólya Richárd | Simboostr

Startup | B2C | Sim racing | Motorsport | UX

Project name: Simboostr Team members: 5 Date: 2023 november My role: Programmer & designer Target audience: Beginner sim racers

Table of content

Problem statement
Research
Ideation
Design
Testing
Results
Reflections
- Lesson learned
- Future improvements

Problem statement

Problem

Possible reasons for user drop-off: low engagement after registration.

Impact

The active user base is not growing.

Goals

Redesigning the registration and onboarding process to make it easier for users to start using the app.

Research

Methods

Journey mapping our onboarding process
Competitive analysis of their onboarding process
Analysis of Google Analytics data

Key findings

After signing up, users were unsure of the next steps.
They registered on a platform where our program isn't compatible, and we failed to provide instructions on how to proceed in this situation.

User personas (in short)

Marco, an 18-year-old beginner player, aims to become a professional esports competitor.
Lucas, a 35-year-old casual player, seeks to spend quality time with friends and have time for his hobbies.

Journey maps

We outlined all potential pathways from the registration process to the point where users can start using the AI coach.
Additionally, we conducted a competitive analysis of our biggest competitor’s onboarding process.

Existing journey map Competitor’s journey map

Ideation

Brainstorming

We held several brainstorming sessions where we applied Mindmap and Sketching techniques. After drawing the current journey map, we began to enhance and revise it, addressing the issues we identified and proposing potential solutions. We also compared it with our competitor’s onboarding process.

Concept development

We created the new journey map, designed the rethought interfaces, and outlined the accompanying data and data modifications.

Wireframes

We developed low-fidelity wireframes based on the new journey map.

New journey map

Design

Prototype

We first sketched the reimagined user flow on a whiteboard and then transferred it to MIRO, where we could work with more flexibility. Based on this, we created a high-fidelity prototype in Figma, which we then used for usability testing.

High-fidelity prototype

Testing

Usability testing

We conducted a usability test with the completed prototype in a real sim racing environment.
Given that the application is designed for racing simulation games, we rented the esports facility at Széchenyi István University in Győr, equipped with four simulators.
We invited 20 participants to test the redesigned registration process and the initial user experience, which included completing at least three laps on a selected track. This allowed us to gather valuable insights into the onboarding flow and first-time user engagement.

Participants

The participants were members of the Arrabona Racing Team from the University of Győr, all of whom have a strong motorsport background and a passion for sim racing.

Findings

Registration
- No error message for incorrect email, making it hard to go back.
- Users didn’t realize a PC was required for the product.
- Users skipped important post-registration messages.
DataLink
- Many skipped the tutorial and installed the DataLink incorrectly.
- Users weren’t sure if the DataLink was ready and searched the FAQ.
First session
- Post-Logging Confusion – Users checked the game or DataLink for session data instead of the web app.
- Demo Session Confusion – Users struggled with filters and navigation due to lack of guidance.
- Tutorial Issues – Many rushed through or skipped tutorials entirely.
- Chart & UI Interactions – Users didn’t realize they could click or drag elements.
- Reference Data Confusion – Users struggled to differentiate between reference options.

Iterations

We revisited the ideation phase and designed a more intuitive tutorial where Alfie, the built-in AI coach, provides continuous guidance, ensuring users never feel lost on the track.

Results

The redesigned registration process and improved tutorial led to a measurable percentage increase in user engagement and onboarding success.

High-fidelity prototype

Reflections

Lesson Learned

The initial versions of the registration and tutorial should have been tested earlier in the process. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, this wasn't possible at the start of the project.

Future Improvements

Further refining the tutorial could enhance the experience even more. For example, Alfie could provide voice guidance, and the tutorial could seamlessly transition into the game. An in-game overlay could offer real-time instructions, preventing users from feeling lost when they switch to gameplay. Currently, as soon as users enter the game, we risk losing their engagement.

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Possible reasons for user drop-off after registration

Problem statement

Problem

Impact

Goals

Research

Methods

Key findings

User personas (in short)

Journey maps

Ideation

Brainstorming

Concept development

Wireframes

Design

Prototype

Testing

Usability testing

Participants

Findings

Iterations

Results

Reflections

Lesson Learned

Future Improvements

Contact information