The Research & Discovery phase is crucial for understanding the market, user needs, and competitor strategies. Since we are competing with Uber and Ola, our research must focus on their strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in the market.
 

• User Research (Understanding Riders & Drivers)

We need to identify the needs, pain points, and expectations of both riders and drivers.
 

• Methods to Collect User Insights

  • Surveys & Questionnaires: Collect feedback from potential users about their ride-hailing experiences.

  • Interviews & Focus Groups: Speak with frequent riders and active drivers to understand their pain points.

  • Usability Testing: Observe how users interact with competitors’ apps to identify usability issues.

  • Social Media & Forums Analysis: Study discussions, complaints, and feature requests on Twitter, Reddit, and Quora.

​

• Key Questions to Ask

​

• For Riders:

  • What do you like/dislike about Uber and Ola?

  • What frustrates you the most when booking a ride?

  • How do you decide which app to use? (Price, availability, safety?)

  • What safety features would make you feel more secure?
     

• For Drivers:

  • What challenges do you face while using Uber/Ola?

  • How do you feel about the commission structure and earnings?

  • What app features could improve your work experience?

  • What makes you reject or accept a ride request?

 

• Market Analysis (Understanding the Industry)

We need to assess the demand, trends, and business viability of our ride-hailing app.

​

• Key Areas of Market Research

  • Market Size & Growth: Analyze reports on the ride-hailing industry’s growth in our target region.

  • Competitor Strategies: Study how Uber and Ola operate, their pricing models, and expansion strategies.

  • Demand-Supply Gaps: Identify underserved locations, peak-hour shortages, and service gaps.

  • Government Regulations: Research licensing requirements, pricing policies, and driver employment rules.

​

• Data Sources for Market Research

  • Industry Reports (Statista, IBISWorld, McKinsey)

  • Competitor Financial Reports (Uber’s IPO filings, Ola’s investor reports)

  • News & Regulatory Announcements

 

• Competitor Analysis (Uber & Ola’s Strengths & Weaknesses)

Understanding what Uber and Ola do well and where they fail helps us find differentiation opportunities.
 

• Strengths of Uber & Ola

  • Strong brand trust – Riders and drivers recognize them worldwide.

  • Wide availability – Services in most major cities and towns.

  • Multiple ride options – Standard, premium, rentals, and bike taxis.

  • AI-powered dynamic pricing – Adjusts fares based on demand.

 

• Weaknesses of Uber & Ola (Opportunities for Us)

• High commission fees – Many drivers complain about low earnings. 

•  Unfair ride allocation – Some drivers get more rides than others.

•  Poor customer support – Slow dispute resolution for both drivers and riders.

•  Surge pricing complaints – Riders dislike unpredictable fare hikes.

 

​

• How to Differentiate Our App?​​

​

• Lower Commission Rates: Offer better driver earnings than Uber/Ola.

• Better Ride Matching Algorithm: Ensure fair ride allocation for drivers.

• Transparent Pricing: Minimize sudden fare surges and hidden fees.

• Improved Customer Support: Provide quick resolution for disputes.

 

• Personas & Use Cases (Who Will Use Our App?)

​

• Rider Personas

  • Commuter (Daily Worker) – Uses the app for daily office travel.

  • Traveller (Tourist) – Needs airport pickups and flexible ride options.

  • Student – Prefers affordable shared rides.

 

• Driver Personas

  • Full-Time Driver – Depends on ride-hailing for primary income.

  • Part-Time Driver – Uses the app during peak hours for extra earnings.

  • Car Owner (Fleet Driver) – Rents out vehicles for ride-sharing

​
 

• Common Use Cases

  • A commuter books a ride for daily office travel and wants a subscription-based pricing option.

  • A tourist lands at the airport and needs an instant ride with a trusted driver.

  • A driver wants to maximize earnings without paying high commission fees.

 

• Information Architecture & User Flow Planning

Before we design the UI, we need to define how users will navigate our app.
 

• Key Screens & Features

​

• Rider App:

  • Home Screen – One-tap ride booking.

  • Ride Request Screen – Fare estimate, driver details, and pickup ETA.

  • Live Tracking – Real-time ride progress.

  • Payments & Ratings – Multiple payment methods and post-ride feedback.

​

• Driver App:

  • Ride Requests – Clear earnings display before acceptance.

  • Navigation – Integrated Google Maps for the best routes.

  • Earnings Dashboard – Daily, weekly, and monthly earning reports.

  • Support & Help Center – Quick access to dispute resolution.