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RL Auto

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BYND RECT II (24/25)
BFA Design
Discover BYND RECT II
The RL Auto Shop.

Outline

This project seeks to transform RL Auto Repair into a state of the art shop through design solutions focused on small, high-frequency jobs that boost revenue and efficiency.

By gathering insights from interviews, Valerie created an economic analysis and service blueprint that describes the business and workflows to map out how the business functions from start to finish. Through these products of design, Valerie created a digital system that streamlines scheduling and introduces a secure key pickup locker, reducing overtime, improving lift turnover, and creating a more consistent job flow.

Meet the Creative

Valerie Christina Urbaez

Valerie Christina Urbaez

D.B.A: Valerie, Val

I led the end-to-end development of this project, from concept to execution. I began by conducting in-depth research through interviews, focus groups, and field observations to understand the unique challenges at RL Auto Repair. I analyzed the shop’s income data, mapped out service workflows, and identified key inefficiencies that impacted both staff and revenue. Using these insights, I designed RL Auto: a scheduling and workflow system tailored to the shop’s real-world needs.

I developed a working prototype, and integrated features like after-hours locker pickup and small job prioritization. I also led the visual storytelling and video production to ensure the project communicated both its function and its personal significance to my family.

Story

This project started with over 600 AI-generated ideas, each more abstract than the last, but none felt personal. Valerie took a step back and asked herself what was something real Valerie could actually help improve. That is when Valerie turned to her dad’s business, RL Auto Repair, a small family-run shop in Rahway, New Jersey.

Not only has Valerie been an employee since highschool, she’s seen the long days and nights, the juggling of jobs, and the stress from unpredictable workflows.

After carrying out In-Depth Interviews and Focus Groups with the staff — Her dad, the front desk, and the mechanics — it became clear they did not need more manpower, they needed a better system.

These interviews were synthesized into a service blueprint and income analysis, which Valerie used to design a tailored solution focused on streamlining workflows, enhancing efficiency, and increasing revenue whilst simultaneously offering the staff more rest.

What We Did

Media

This section describes the system as custom-built for RL Auto Repair to improve efficiency and reduce stress. The system focuses on fast, frequent jobs that generate steady income. Two QR codes labeled “Case Study” and “Prototype” link to further project details. A mobile screen shows a user about to book an appointment, reinforcing the focus on ease and speed.This image explains how the RL Auto Repair system improves shop workflow. On the left, there are four key benefits listed with short descriptions:<ul><li>Faster Job Turnover: Prioritizes small services like oil changes and brakes to keep vehicle lifts free.<br /> </li><li>Less Waiting Between Jobs: Mechanics always have the next task lined up.<br /> </li><li>After-Hours Key Locker: Staff no longer stay late for customer pickups.<br /> </li><li>Smarter Flow: The shop runs in a steady rhythm instead of reacting to unpredictable situations.</li></ul>On the right, a mobile screen shows the first step in the appointment booking process, where a user selects from a list of cars with details like make, model, mileage, and engine type.This image shows four mobile screens demonstrating the steps in the appointment process:<ol><li>Select a vehicle.<br /> </li><li>Choose a service.<br /> </li><li>Pick a date and time.<br /> </li><li>Confirm the appointment.</li></ol>To the side, it highlights three positive outcomes since implementing the system:<ul><li><strong>Steady income</strong> from frequent jobs.<br /> </li><li><strong>Reduced overtime</strong> for front desk staff.<br /> </li><li><strong>More cars moving in and out</strong> of the shop, avoiding congestion.</li></ul>This image focuses on how the system was made specifically for RL Auto Repair. A paragraph explains that the shop now works with clarity and steady pacing rather than chaos or burnout. It lists five core features:<ul><li>Secure key lockers for after-hours pickup.<br /> </li><li>Job flow prioritization to avoid backup.<br /> </li><li>Part deposit tracking so staff know when parts arrive.<br /> </li><li>Mechanic task queue, so the next job is always ready.<br /> </li><li>A front desk dashboard that keeps everything organized.<br /> </li></ul>Two mobile screens show a form for adding a vehicle and a locker code interface for picking up keys.This section features direct feedback from RL Auto Repair staff:<ul><li><strong>Ricardo Urbaez, Shop Owner and Manager</strong>, says: “Some days used to be dead and others insane. Now it’s actually manageable.”<br /> </li><li><strong>Oscar Fermin, Shop Manager</strong>, says: “I don’t have to wait around anymore for people to come pick up their cars.”<br /> </li></ul>These quotes highlight how the system reduced stress and improved daily operations.This image presents a personal message from Valerie, stating the project was created not just for class, but as a real solution for a real auto shop. The system was designed with direct input from the shop's staff and reflects their challenges and values. Two QR codes are labeled “Case Study” and “Prototype.” Screens from the app show the car selection and appointment confirmation interfaces.