Baran Shajari
Human–AI Research & UX/UI Design
Toronto, Canada
Year
2024
Role
UX Researcher & UI designer
Timeline
2024
Team
Independent project
METHODS & Tools
Figma, iFixit
Project Link
Overview
I redesigned an iFixit repair guide to make a complex hardware repair easier to understand for non-expert users. By applying UX principles such as clear task flows, step-by-step visual guidance, concise instructions, safety warnings, and progressive disclosure, I aimed to reduce cognitive load, prevent errors, and help users feel more confident throughout the repair.
Problem
Repair instructions can create uncertainty
Replacing a keyboard key is a high-precision task, yet many repair guides assume prior technical knowledge. Users often struggle to understand where to apply force, which direction to move tools, and whether they are performing the repair correctly. The UX challenge was to transform a stressful technical procedure into a clear, confidence-building experience through better visual guidance and step-by-step instructions.
Design Challenge
How might we design a repair guide that can help
non-expert users complete the repair
Process
I used an iterative, user-centred process to turn a delicate repair into a clearer task flow.
Mapped the user journey
Broke the repair into key moments, tools, decisions, and likely points of hesitation.Reduced cognitive load
Divided the task into short, sequential steps with one clear action at a time.Designed visual guidance
Captured close-up images showing tool placement, movement direction, and fragile components.Improved error prevention
Added concise warnings at the exact steps where excess force or incorrect movement could cause damage.Tested and refined
Reviewed the guide for clarity, readability, and task completion, then improved the content based on feedback.
I redesigned the repair guide as a step-by-step guided experience that supports users throughout the hardware repair. Each action is paired with close-up visuals, concise UX writing, and contextual warnings to reduce uncertainty, prevent errors, and build confidence from start to finish.
Results
The redesigned guide made a complex repair easier to understand by improving task clarity, visual guidance, and decision-making throughout the repair process.
Key UX improvements included:
Reduced cognitive load through step-by-step task sequencing.
Improved discoverability with close-up visuals and clear tool placement.
Better error prevention using contextual warnings and precise instructions.
Stronger visual hierarchy by pairing each action with supporting imagery.
The guide was published on iFixit and has received over 21,000 views, demonstrating its value as a practical learning resource for the repair community.
Reflection & Impact
This project taught me that instructional content is part of the interface. In a high-risk task, every image, warning, and sentence affects whether a user feels confident enough to continue.
The biggest lesson was to design for the moment of uncertainty. Users do not need more information, they need the right information at the right time, with clear visual cues and precise guidance.
I also learned that a design is never fully finished once it is published. Community feedback revealed edge cases I had not considered and reinforced the importance of testing, listening, and continuing to improve the experience.
Next project
Designing a Clearer Learning Experience
