Disgo is a new kind of GPS navigation app developed by Verizon Location Services that rewards users simply for driving around, transforming the standard navigation experience into an engaging platform that appeals to a younger demographic.
My Role:
Strategy & Research
Branding
Product Design
Design System
Stage:
Startup
Sector:
Automotive & Transportation
GPS Navigation & Mapping
Telematics
Gamification
Rewards Programs
The Problem:
How do we leverage MapQuest's (acquired by Verizon) existing infrastructure to create a fresh navigation app that attracts millennials and establishes a new revenue stream for Verizon Location Services, all within an extremely condensed four-month timeline?
The Solution:
Develop Disgo, an innovative GPS navigation app that integrates rewards into the driving experience, using a streamlined design-and-development approach that maximizes efficiency without compromising quality or innovation.
Key Components:
Rapid Design Sprint – Conducted an intensive design sprint to quickly generate and validate concepts, leveraging existing MapQuest infrastructure and APIs as a foundation while creating a distinctly new product experience.
Parallel Workflow Implementation – Established concurrent UX and UI development tracks where user experience mapping, story creation, and wireframing progressed simultaneously with visual identity development and design system creation.
"Bright and Colorful" Visual Identity – Developed a distinctive visual direction that appealed to the millennial target audience, clearly differentiating Disgo from the more utilitarian MapQuest aesthetic.
Hybrid Development Methodology – Created a custom blend of Scrum and Design Thinking techniques that allowed for compressed timelines without sacrificing quality, enabling the design team to stay two weeks ahead of development.
Collaborative War Room Environment – Established a dedicated physical space where Design, Product, Development, and Marketing teams could work in close proximity, facilitating over-the-shoulder collaboration and rapid decision-making.
The App
DISGO Prototype (Video)
Route Navigation ::: Starbucks Search ::: Arrival w/ Rewards
Dashboard Progression Toward First Milestone
Text Turn-By-Turn ::: Dashboard CashBack ::: Boost Unlocked
User Profile ::: Search Mode ::: Account Confirmation
The Brand
Moodboards
Approved Brand Direction
Design System
The work behind the work.
Initial White-boarding Sessions
User Flow
Low Fidelity Wireframe
Wireframe User Flow
Route Summary Evolution from Wires to Prototype
In-Navigation Evolution from Wires to Prototype
Dashboard Evolution from Wires to Prototype
The Results:
Successful MVP Launch – Delivered a fully functioning minimum viable product within the challenging four-month deadline, complete with core navigation and rewards functionality.
Millennial Audience Engagement – Successfully created an app experience that resonated with the younger demographic target, complementing MapQuest's existing older user base.
New Revenue Stream Creation – Established the foundation for Verizon's new monetization strategy through the rewards platform integrated into the navigation experience.
Enhanced Team Cohesion – The intense, collaborative process strengthened team bonds and created more efficient workflows that could be applied to future projects.
Design-Development Integration – Developed a streamlined handoff process that allowed development to begin earlier in the cycle, maximizing productivity within the compressed timeline.
Innovation Within Constraints – Demonstrated that significant product innovation was possible even when building upon existing infrastructure and working within extreme time limitations.
