PalGo

On-Demand Errand Service Connecting Users with Trusted Service Providers

Role
Product Designer
Duration
3 Months
Platform
iOS & Android
Tools
Figma, Prototyping
PalGo hero

Project Overview

PalGo is a dual-sided marketplace mobile application that bridges the gap between users who need everyday tasks completed and service providers (Pals) who can fulfill those needs efficiently and reliably.

What is PalGo?

PalGo is an on-demand errand service platform that connects users with verified local service providers for everyday tasks ranging from grocery shopping and fuel purchases to house cleaning, car washing, plumbing, and hair styling.

The Opportunity

In today's fast-paced world, people struggle to manage daily errands alongside their busy schedules. Meanwhile, skilled individuals seeking flexible income opportunities lack a reliable platform to showcase their services.

My Role

As the Product Designer, I was responsible for the complete user experience design, from initial user research and wireframing to creating high-fidelity prototypes for both user and service provider interfaces.

Design Goals

Clear objectives that guided every design decision throughout the project.

🎯

Build Trust & Safety

Create a verification system and transparent profiles that make users feel secure inviting service providers into their homes and lives.

Simplify Task Delegation

Design an intuitive interface that makes requesting errands as easy as ordering food, reducing friction from idea to action.

🤝

Balance Dual Needs

Serve both users seeking help and service providers seeking income with equally powerful, purpose-built experiences.

📍

Real-Time Transparency

Provide live tracking, status updates, and communication tools so users always know what's happening with their errands.

Design Process

A structured approach from research to final implementation.

Design process

The Challenge

Urban dwellers and busy professionals face significant challenges managing daily tasks and errands:

  • Limited time to complete essential errands like grocery shopping, fuel purchases, and home maintenance
  • Difficulty finding trustworthy service providers for household tasks
  • Lack of transparency in pricing and service quality
  • Safety concerns when inviting strangers to their homes
  • No centralized platform for diverse service needs

The Solution

PalGo addresses these challenges through a comprehensive two-sided marketplace:

  • Verified service providers (Pals) with background checks and ID verification
  • Real-time tracking and transparent communication throughout the errand process
  • Flexible service categories from simple errands to skilled artisan work
  • Built-in payment system with secure transactions
  • Rating and review system to ensure quality and accountability
  • Map-based interface showing available Pals nearby

User Personas

Understanding our users through detailed personas representing both sides of the marketplace.

👩‍💼

Sarah Okonkwo

Busy Professional — User
32 years old • Marketing Manager • Lagos

Motivations

  • Wants to focus on career and family without sacrificing daily necessities
  • Values her time highly and willing to pay for convenience
  • Seeks reliable, trustworthy help for household tasks
  • Prefers digital solutions over traditional methods

Behaviors

  • Works 50+ hours per week with frequent client meetings
  • Uses multiple on-demand apps for food, transportation, and shopping
  • Checks reviews and ratings before making decisions
  • Communicates primarily via mobile apps and messaging

Pain Points

  • Struggles to find time for errands like fuel purchases, market runs, and home maintenance
  • Concerned about safety when hiring unknown service providers
  • Frustrated by unreliable helpers and lack of accountability
  • No transparent pricing for domestic services
"I need someone I can trust to handle my errands without constant supervision. My time is valuable, and I want transparency about who's helping me."
👨‍🔧

Chidi Eze

Service Provider — Pal
28 years old • Multi-skilled Artisan • Lagos

Motivations

  • Wants to earn consistent income using his diverse skill set
  • Seeks flexible work that allows him to control his schedule
  • Values building a strong reputation to attract repeat customers
  • Desires financial independence and growth opportunities

Behaviors

  • Skilled in car washing, basic plumbing, cleaning, and market runs
  • Actively seeks gig opportunities through word-of-mouth and online platforms
  • Maintains good customer relationships and values repeat business
  • Manages finances carefully and prefers quick payment turnaround

Pain Points

  • Inconsistent income due to irregular job opportunities
  • Difficulty marketing his services to reach new customers
  • Payment delays and disputes with clients
  • No platform to showcase his skills and build credibility
  • Competition with unverified, potentially unqualified workers
"I'm good at what I do, but finding consistent work is hard. I need a platform where customers can find me easily and see that I'm trustworthy."

Empathy Mapping

A deeper dive into understanding our primary user's thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

Sarah — The Busy Professional

Understanding the errand user's perspective

👩‍💼

💬 Says

  • "I don't have time to go to the market"
  • "I need someone trustworthy"
  • "Can I track them in real-time?"
  • "How much will this cost?"
  • "I want this done by evening"

💭 Thinks

  • I hope they don't cancel last minute
  • Is this person actually verified?
  • Will they do a good job?
  • I wish there was a better way to manage errands
  • This should be easier

🏃 Does

  • Checks reviews and ratings multiple times
  • Calls to confirm details before accepting
  • Shares location with family for safety
  • Compares prices across different options
  • Follows up frequently on progress

❤️ Feels

  • Overwhelmed by daily responsibilities
  • Anxious about stranger safety
  • Relieved when she finds good help
  • Frustrated by unreliable services
  • Grateful for time saved

User Flows

PalGo operates as a dual-sided platform with distinct user journeys for Errand Users and Service Providers (Pals).

User flow PalGo

User Journey Highlights:

1. Sign up with email verification
2. View map with available Pals
3. Request an errand by filling out a simple form
4. Review Pal profiles with ratings, verification badges, and estimated arrival times
5. Accept a Pal and track their location in real-time
6. Communicate via in-app chat and calling
7. Complete payment through secure bank transfer
8. Rate and review the service

Pal flow PalGo

Pal Journey Highlights:

1. Enhanced sign-up with ID verification (NIN, passport, or driver's license)
2. Complete profile with occupation, experience, and service categories
3. View available errands on map-based interface
4. Accept or decline errand requests
5. Navigate to user location with tracking
6. Complete errands and receive payments directly to wallet
7. Withdraw earnings to linked bank account
8. Build reputation through ratings and reviews

Design System

A cohesive visual language that balances trust, efficiency, and approachability.

Colors

A vibrant and trustworthy color scheme that balances professionalism with approachability.

#10B981
Primary Green
Buttons, Success, Trust
#2563EB
Primary Blue
Headers, Links
#1C1B1F
Text Dark
Primary Text
#4C4C4C
Text Medium
Body Text
#EBF1FF
Background Light
Backgrounds, Cards
#E9ECEF
Border/Divider
Borders, Separators

Typography

Martel Sans — A clean, modern sans-serif font family for all text.

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
0123456789
Regular
Semi-Bold
Bold

Key Features

Thoughtfully designed features that prioritize safety, transparency, and seamless user experience.

Map-Based Pal Discovery

Users can visualize available Pals in their area through an interactive map interface. Icons represent different service categories, making it easy to find the right help at the right time. Real-time location updates ensure accurate proximity information.

Map-based discovery

Smart Errand Request Form

A streamlined form allows users to specify errand details including task description, location, timing preferences (immediate or scheduled), estimated duration, and budget range. The interface adapts based on the type of service requested.

Smart errand request form

Comprehensive Pal Profiles

Detailed profiles display verification badges (ID, phone, background check), star ratings, skills and capabilities, acceptance and completion rates, reviews from previous users, and estimated arrival time. This transparency builds trust and helps users make informed decisions.

Pal profiles

Real-Time Tracking & Communication

Once a Pal is accepted, users can track their location in real-time, similar to ride-sharing apps. In-app chat and calling features enable seamless communication. Safety features include emergency contact options and the ability to share trip details.

Real-time tracking

Integrated Wallet System (Pals)

Service providers have access to a dedicated earnings dashboard showing wallet balance, transaction history, and withdrawal options. They can link bank accounts for direct deposits, view earnings analytics, and manage their financial information securely.

Integrated wallet

User Interface Showcase

High-fidelity screens demonstrating the complete user experience.

Onboarding & Authentication

Splash Screen
Splash Screen
Onboarding
Onboarding
User Type
User Type
Sign Up
Sign Up

User Home & Errands

Home Screen
Home Screen
Request Form
Request Form
View Offers
View Offers
Live Tracking
Live Tracking

Pal Interface

ID Verification
ID Verification
Pal Dashboard
Pal Dashboard
Errands List
Errands List
Earnings Wallet
Earnings Wallet

Project Outcomes

The design successfully balances the needs of both users and service providers while prioritizing safety and transparency.

100+
Screen Designs
2
User Personas
15+
Service Categories

Key Learnings & Reflections

Designing PalGo presented unique challenges in creating a dual-sided marketplace that serves two distinct user groups with different goals and pain points. The most critical aspect was building trust through verification systems, transparent profiles, and real-time tracking features.

One of my proudest achievements was designing an intuitive errand request flow that simplified what could have been a complex process. By replacing the initial search bar concept with a direct "Request an Errand" button, we eliminated unnecessary friction and made the interface more action-oriented.

The project reinforced the importance of safety features in on-demand service platforms. Elements like background checks, verification badges, real-time tracking, and emergency contacts aren't just features — they're fundamental to user confidence and adoption.

Looking forward, I would love to explore features like AI-powered Pal matching based on user preferences and past experiences, integration with smart home devices for automated errand requests, and a subscription model for frequent users.

Interested in This Project?

Let's discuss how I approach product design challenges and create user-centered solutions.