Dubai Parking
Designing a Utility App Used by 1,500+ Drivers
Dubai Parking is a mobile-first parking assistant built to simplify SMS-based public parking payments.
In a city where thousands of drivers send structured SMS messages daily to activate parking, the process is simple but error-prone. Zone codes, plate numbers, duration formatting, and expiry timing all require precision.
The opportunity was clear.
Remove friction.
Eliminate mistakes.
Add intelligence to a basic system.
Today, the app is used by 1,500+ drivers in Dubai.
The Problem
Public parking in Dubai requires users to send a correctly formatted SMS to a specific number.
The structure is strict.
Plate number + zone code + duration.
One typo means failure.
One missed expiry means fines.
Drivers repeat this process daily.
The experience is functional but not designed.
The Vision
Instead of replacing the existing SMS infrastructure, I designed a layer above it.
A smart interface that:
- Stores vehicles
- Saves parking zones
- Formats SMS automatically
- Prevents input mistakes
- Tracks expiry time
- Sends notifications before expiration
The goal was not disruption. It was intelligent simplification.
My Role
Founder, Product Strategist, UX Designer
- Defined product strategy
- Designed full user journey
- Built smart presets and reusable actions
- Structured timer and notification logic
- Designed Live Activity integration
- Optimized for repeat daily usage
This was about daily utility, not one-time engagement.
Core Design Decisions
1. Zero Learning Curve
Drivers should not need onboarding tutorials. The interface mirrors how they already think: Select plate → Select zone → Select duration → Send. Familiar flow. Reduced friction.
2. Smart Actions
Frequent users often park in the same zones. We introduced preset configurations allowing users to activate parking in seconds. One tap. SMS pre-filled. Timer activated. Utility becomes effortless.
3. Expiry Anxiety Reduction
The biggest pain point is forgetting when parking expires. We designed countdown timers, scheduled expiry notifications, lock screen visibility, and Live Activity integration. The app stays present without being intrusive.
4. Multiple Live Activities
Each parking ticket can run its own Live Activity instance. This allows simultaneous parking sessions, independent timers, and automatic expiry state updates. Complex logic. Simple interface.
5. Behavioral Loop
The product encourages habit formation: repeat zone suggestions, saved vehicle memory, expiry reassurance, and clear active session visibility. The goal is retention through reliability.
Impact
- 1,500+ active users in Dubai
- Reduced parking input errors
- Increased repeat usage through presets
- High daily utility frequency
- Strong word-of-mouth growth
This app proves that simple infrastructure problems can create powerful product opportunities.
Reflection
Dubai Parking reinforced a principle I deeply believe in:
Not every product needs to reinvent a system.
Some products need to refine it.
By designing a smart layer over an existing SMS parking system, we transformed a repetitive task into a seamless daily ritual.
Design is often about removing friction people have normalized.
Try Dubai Parking