Transforming Auctions-Ecommerce
A Journey at Zido, where we created an engaging, seamless, and intuitive digital auction platform replicates the excitement of live auctions online.
Overview
Zido is a digital platform connecting buyers and sellers through a robust system specifically designed to ease an auction for both parties.
Problem Statement
Auctions in Saudi Arabia have traditionally been conducted in physical spaces, with buyers and sellers relying on in-person interactions and verbal agreements. While e-commerce has transformed retail, no platform had successfully digitized the auction experience in this region.
User Research & Insights
To design a first-of-its-kind digital auction platform in Saudi Arabia, we conducted extensive research in two phases:
1. Desk & Market Research
Before user interaction, we studied the broader industry landscape to anticipate user behaviors and expectations in an emerging digital auction space.
Market Research:
Analyzed global and regional auction models to understand industry trends.
Assessed competitor positioning, studying both direct and indirect competitors.
Heuristic Analysis:
Evaluated existing digital auction experiences based on usability principles and best practices.
Identified potential usability barriers that could impact first-time auction users.
Trend Analysis:
Explored emerging UX and behavioral trends in online commerce.
Examined how livestream shopping, gamification, and mobile-first design could influence auction engagement.
2. User Research – Interviews & Surveys
After establishing a foundational understanding of the market, we engaged potential users through interviews and surveys to validate assumptions.
10 in-depth user interviews to explore perceptions of online auctions.
Key Findings:
Limited Awareness: Most participants were unfamiliar with digital auctions, requiring clear onboarding and education.
Mobile-First Preference: 90% expected a mobile-friendly experience rather than a desktop-first platform.
Excitement Over Live Elements: Users showed high enthusiasm for real-time interactions, favoring features like live streaming and instant bidding updates.
Design Process
1. Ideation & Wireframing
Based on research, we designed low-fidelity wireframes focusing on:
Transparent Bidding: Real-time bid updates with clear pricing.
Simplified Navigation: Intuitive category-based search.
Trust Signals: Seller verification badges and buyer protection policies.
2. Prototyping & Usability Testing
Created interactive prototypes.
Conducted 5 usability tests, leading to:
Clearer bid confirmations (to reduce confusion).
Enhanced search filters (to improve discovery).
Step-by-step selling guide (to help sellers list items faster).
Final Design & Implementation
The refined Zido platform featured:
✅ Coins System: Users earn and spend Zido Coins to verify credibility, ensuring only serious bidders participate.
✅ Real-Time Bidding: Seamless, lag-free experience for live auctions with instant bid confirmations.
✅ Live Streaming Auctions: Integrated video streaming for sellers to showcase products in real-time, increasing trust and engagement.
✅ Smart Auction Alerts: Personalized notifications for bid updates.
✅ One-Tap Bidding: Mobile-first design with optimized UX flows.
Expected Impact & Business Outcomes
Based on market research, user insights, and usability testing, Zido is expected to drive significant engagement and adoption in the Saudi Arabian auction market.
🚀 Increase in user engagement as more buyers and sellers explore digital auctions for the first time.
📈 Higher conversion rates, with users moving from browsing to active participation due to an intuitive, streamlined experience.
📉 Reduction in drop-off rates, as transparent pricing, clear bidding mechanics, and real-time updates improve user confidence.
💰 Stronger buyer and seller trust, with features like the Coins system, verified sellers, and live streaming fostering credibility.
🎥 Greater auction participation, with live streaming expected to drive more competitive bidding activity and real-time engagement.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Zido set out to introduce digital auctions to the Saudi Arabian market for the first time, creating a seamless, engaging, and intuitive experience for buyers and sellers. By combining real-time bidding, live streaming, and gamified trust mechanisms, we designed a platform that aligns with user behaviors, industry trends, and market opportunities.
What We Learned:
User Education is Key: Since digital auctions were new to the region, intuitive onboarding and transparent pricing were critical for adoption.
Real-Time Features Drive Engagement: Live auctions and instant bid updates generated excitement, making the experience more dynamic.
Market Readiness for Innovation: Early research suggested strong potential for digital auctions, especially with mobile-first design and interactive elements.
Next Steps:
Enhance User Education: Expand onboarding flows and in-app guidance to support first-time auction users.
Optimize for Mobile Growth: Further refine the mobile experience based on continued usability testing.
Expand Business Model: Explore monetization strategies, such as premium seller tiers or AI-driven auction recommendations.
Scale the Platform: Evaluate expansion opportunities beyond Saudi Arabia, leveraging emerging market trends in digital commerce.
