Uber Freight
Spearheading Uber Freight’s first mobile AI search feature.
ROLE
Product Design Intern
TIMELINE
2024 - 10 Weeks
TEAM
Marketplace Dynamics & Carrier Experience
TOOLS
Figma
Overview
Creating experiences that empower carriers and build the future of AI in freight and supply chain management.
WHAT IS “UBER FREIGHT”?
As the logistics arm of Uber, Uber Freight delivers an end-to-end enterprise suite of tools that connect carriers with shipping companies to enable freight transportation.
MY ROLE
As an intern on the carrier experience team, my primary focus was on improving the flagship Uber Freight app, from spearheading new features to updating existing component systems. While specific details of my work are NDA restricted, here’s a high level overview of my time at Uber Freight.
Highlights
AI-POWERED LOAD SEARCH
My main focus during my internship was discovering how AI can simplify and improve search experiences in the Uber Freight app. As a 0-to-1 project, my process encapsulated everything from generative research on AI search patterns to establishing new AI visuals to be used across the carrier platform.
APP ECOSYSTEM REVAMP
My second project involved revamping major app components in response to operational changes in the company. By utilizing previous foundational UX research, I brought a fresh perspective to unresolved problems that were previously left with half-baked solutions. In less than 2 weeks, I presented my designs to the Director of Products and tech team with assessments from a user, business, and implementation standpoint.
ENVISIONING THE AI SPACE AT UBER FREIGHT
On top of my primary project, I explored ideas for how to incorporate AI across the carrier workflow and ultimately build up Uber Freight’s larger AI identity. It was particularly helpful to discuss ideas beyond just the design team, and with help from my mentor, I got to brainstorm alongside carrier operators, engineers, and the carrier community itself. It was especially thrilling to have a lot of creative freedom throughout the process, all while keeping in mind existing patterns set by our shipper side and other Uber subsidiaries.
Takeaways
FINDING RELEVANCY IN THE RESOURCES AROUND ME
Coming into this internship, I knew close to nothing about the freight industry or AI. Something that helped me fill in my gaps in knowledge was being open to learning from a variety of people and places, even if they weren’t directly related to my projects. Research decks from previous years and casual conversations with cross-functional teammates were beyond helpful, and taught me that it’s in my best interest to take advantage of and draw connections between others’ and my own work.
MAKING MY IDEAS MY OWN
I put a lot of pressure on myself to create something new and exciting, so it was initially disappointing to realize that some of my ideas had already been explored. With advice from my mentor, though, I learned that I don’t need to have a completely original idea to still be a productive team player. Whether in the prototypes or storytelling, there are always opportunities to share my own unique insights that can bring light to potential solutions.
