Overview
Nichijo Pro is a mobile-first solution designed to simplify the complexities of administrative and daily life in Japan. Navigating local systems often involves dealing with "Information Overload." This project was born from a need to transform dense, text-heavy data into a streamlined, category-driven experience for the international community.
The Challenge
The primary friction point for users in Japan isn't just a language barrier it's Information Architecture. Most official resources are built for desktops and lack a mobile-optimized hierarchy, making it difficult for users to find urgent help while on the move.
My Approach
As the Lead Product Designer and Developer, I took full ownership of the end-to-end product lifecycle:
- UX Strategy: Conducted qualitative research through interviews with Tokyo-based entrepreneurs to identify the most frequent "stress points" in local administration.
- UI Design: Utilized Figma to build a minimalist design system that prioritizes "Inclusivity." I focused on high-contrast typography and a clean icon-based navigation to reduce cognitive load.
- Full-Stack Execution: To ensure the design's integrity, I architected the backend and coded the frontend myself, ensuring a seamless transition from Figma prototypes to a functional iOS environment.
The Result
The Phase 1 MVP launched in November 2025. To validate the product, I collaborated with a freelance marketer and an event coordinator to debut the app at a local entrepreneurship event in Tokyo.
Outcome: Successfully demonstrated how a "design-first" approach can turn 10+ pages of government text into a 3-click user journey.
Next Steps: Currently analyzing user feedback from the launch to iterate on the search algorithm and expand the merchant-help category.
