AutoReborn

Redefining the Car Detailing Experience with a Web App

Role: Product Designer & Web Designer
Duration: December 2023 – November 2024
Platform: Figma

FRUSTRATION & OPPORTUNITY

It started over coffee, when my friend, who owns a car detailing business, shared his frustration. "People love my work," he said, "but it’s so hard for them to find me. I don’t have a website, and word-of-mouth can only take me so far."

I could see where he was coming from. As someone passionate about cars and craftsmanship, he poured everything into his work. But his lack of an online presence was a bottleneck, limiting his ability to grow. It wasn’t just about missing potential customers, his services, his ethos, his attention to detail weren’t reaching the audience they deserved. That conversation sparked my mission: to build him a website that wouldn’t just represent his business but also reflect the values and quality he brings to his craft.

Listening to People First

I knew I couldn’t design this website in a vacuum. I needed to understand his business through the eyes of his customers. So, I got to work.

I surveyed over 50 car owners and interviewed 10 people who regularly use detailing services. The stories they shared went beyond car care: they revealed their frustrations, expectations, and what mattered most to them.

What I Learned:

From Customers:

  • Transparency matters: “I want to know what I’m paying for upfront and clear.”

  • Trust is earned: “Before committing, I need to see proof of their work.”

  • Convenience wins: “I hate having to call someone just to figure out if they can help me.”

From the Business Owner:

  • Without a website, he was missing opportunities to attract new customers who searched online.

  • He wanted a platform to highlight his eco-friendly practices.

  • His operations were intentionally personal and hands-on, so a booking system didn’t fit his business model.

Bringing the Vision Together

From these insights, a vision started forming: the website needed to be simple, approachable, and purposeful. It wasn’t about fancy features—it was about creating a space where customers felt informed, confident, and excited to book his services.

Exploring What’s Out There

I decided to explore the digital landscape, analyzing websites from other car detailing businesses. Most of them had the same issues:

  • Overwhelming designs that buried important details.

  • Hidden pricing, leaving customers uncertain.

  • A lack of personality—nothing that made the business stand out.

I knew we could do better by keeping it simple and focusing on clarity and trust.

Designing with Purpose

To make this vision a reality, I started sketching wireframes, keeping the layout clean and straightforward. Every section of the website was intentional, designed to make customers feel they were in the right place.

Key Features

  1. Hero Section: A bold welcome with a polished car and the tagline: “Your Car, Reimagined.” This wasn’t just about grabbing attention—it set the tone for the level of care his business provides.

  2. Service Transparency: Easy-to-read service cards with detailed descriptions and pricing. No gimmicks, no hidden fees—just straightforward information.

  3. Before-and-After Gallery: A showcase of transformations that told the story of his craft. This wasn’t just a portfolio; it was a testament to his expertise.

  4. Eco-Friendly Practices: A dedicated section highlighting his sustainable techniques, showing customers that they could make a responsible choice without compromising quality.

  5. Responsive Design: Whether on a phone or desktop, the site felt intuitive and seamless.

Real Feedback, Real Iterations

Once the prototype was ready, I shared it with my friend and a small group of his customers. Their feedback wasn’t just helpful—it was eye-opening.

    • Clarity: “Finally, I can see exactly what’s offered and how much it’ll cost.”

    • The Gallery: “Those before-and-after pictures? Sold me immediately.”

    • Personality: “It feels like the website matches the care he puts into his work.”

    • Could you add an FAQ? I’d love to see answers to things like ‘How long will it take?’”

    • “The eco-friendly section is great, but I’d love more detail—what kind of products do you use?”

    • “A little map in the contact section would make it easier to find him.”

With these suggestions in mind, I made updates that enhanced the website’s usability and storytelling.

The Final Product: Simple, Professional, Impactful

The final website wasn’t just functional—it felt like an extension of the business. Every detail was crafted to reflect the values of transparency, trust, and quality that define my friend’s work.

Features at a Glance

  • Streamlined Navigation: Customers could find what they needed in seconds.

  • Interactive Gallery: Before-and-after photos highlighted the care and expertise behind each service.

  • Transparent Pricing: Detailed service breakdowns eliminated guesswork.

The Impact

The website wasn’t just a digital makeover—it transformed the way customers experienced his business:

  • 65% increase in inquiries within the first month, as potential customers found him more easily online.

  • Increased trust: Customers praised the transparency of pricing and the quality showcased in the gallery.

  • Time saved: Instead of spending time explaining services and pricing over the phone, my friend could now direct customers to the website, freeing him to focus on what he loved—detailing cars.

What I Learned

This project taught me that great design isn’t about adding features—it’s about solving real problems and telling a story. Here’s what stood out:

  • People-first design matters: Listening to users shaped every decision, ensuring the website met real needs.

  • Simplicity builds trust: Clear navigation, transparent pricing, and a personal touch made all the difference.

  • Storytelling connects: Highlighting the eco-friendly practices and showcasing his work helped create an emotional connection with customers.