Application Design 1 - Project 2 : UI/UX Document
14/10/2024 - 4/11/2024 ( Week 4 - Week 7 )
Ho Winnie / 0364866
Application Design 1 / Bachelor's of Design Honors In Creative Media
Project 2 : UI/UX Document
1. Lectures
Week 5 :
This week Mr Zeon introduced to us card sorting and taught us that there is 3 different types of card sorting - mainly open , closed and hybrid. We did an activity in class where we practiced the hybrid card sorting where we were tasked to do card sorting for a travelling app.
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| Fig 1.1 Group Picture for Task 1 |
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| Fig 1.2 Screenshot of our FigJam Board for OnDate |
We presented our work to the class, explaining the cards and features we selected for OnDate. During the presentation, we discussed our choices, detailing how each feature contributes to the user experience and functionality of the dating app.
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| Fig 1.3 Group Picture after Presentation |
Week 6 :
This week, Mr Zeon taught continued with the presentation of card sorting with other groups and we listened to how other teams group their cards and realized how each user has different perspectives of card sorting.
Week 7 :
This week, we learnt about user personas and how they are important when doing app redesign. Mr Zeon split us back into our groups and we did a class activity where we have to come up with at least 3 user personas for our group exercise application - OnDate. We came up with 4 different user personas and using ourselves as the mock user.
Week 8 :
Independent learning week, no classes. However, I continued on working on the UIUX document and conducting surveys.
Week 9:
This week, Mr Zeon went through how to do user journey mapping and user flow chart. We learnt about the differences between the two. User flow focuses on the steps a user takes to complete a specific task or goal. User flows are task-oriented and are often represented as flow charts or technical diagrams. They are used to understand how a product should present information and where each feature or page should be.
On the other hand, user journey focuses on the user's overall experience, including their perception of the brand, their pain points, and their emotional experience. User journeys are often represented as intricate, story-like illustrations. They are used to understand the goals that drive users' interactions and what motivates them.
Week 10:
This week is Consultation Week for Project 2, offering students a valuable opportunity to receive personalized feedback, ask questions, and refine our project. Additionally, Mr. Zeon conducted an insightful session on creating low-fidelity wireframes in Figma. During this session, he demonstrated the essential steps for building clear and functional wireframes, shared practical tips for structuring layouts, and explained how to utilize Figma’s tools effectively.
2. Project 2 - UI/UX Document
Requirements:
After locking down their App concept and idea, students are now ready to proceed to UX design. The students are required to produce a comprehensive UX design document which will provide better directions for them to design the app.
Based on the information gathered in task 1, students will:
● Determine and verify their target audiences.
● Outline the content element of their app, and exercise card sorting method to achieve optimum information architecture.
● Listing the app features and identifying the application Minimum Viable
Product (MVP).
● Create wireframes for main screens
Progress :
2.1 Developing Survey & Interview Questions
First off, I started off by developing questions for survey and interview based on Mr Zeon's lecture in class where he gave us some examples of good questions to ask that can help collect useful data from users. My survey will have a total of 5 sections :
Section 1 : User Demographics
Section 2 : User’s Bus Travel Behaviour
Section 3 : User Preference and Experience With Bus Booking Apps
Section 4 : User’s Experience with TBS-BTS App
Section 5 : Competitor Analysis
The survey questionnaire is structured around targeted sections—like demographics, booking preferences, UI/UX feedback, and competitor analysis—collects both quantitative and qualitative data, offering clear insights into user needs and preferences. Rating scales provide quantifiable trends, while open-ended questions allow users to share specific experiences, highlighting potential areas for improvement. Competitor-related questions reveal how the app compares to others, making sure the redesign meets industry standards.
I also did my interview questions where it includes live testing sessions of certain MVP in the apps, to gather observational insights and data from users. Live interviews provide deeper insights than surveys by allowing users to elaborate on issues, clarify responses, and reveal unexpected needs. Observing user reactions and asking follow-up questions helps validate assumptions and refine features, fostering a more user-centred and effective app experience
Section 1 : General User Experience
Section 2 : Live Testing : Booking Process
Section 3 : UI/UX Navigation
Section 4 : Payment and Promotions
Section 5 : Live Testing : Competitor Comparison
Fig 2.1 First Draft of Interview and Questionnarie Questions
After getting some feedback from Mr Zeon, I refined some of the questions and did the final draft on Google Forms, getting it ready for distribution. Access my survey form here.
Fig 2.2 Final Google Form Survey Questions
2.2 Card Sorting
Secondly, during the data collection phase of my research, I incorporated a card sorting activity to better understand user mental models and categorization preferences. Following the guidance of Mr. Zeon, I utilized Optimal Workshop, a specialized tool for card sorting exercises. I opted for a hybrid card sorting method, which provided a structured yet flexible approach. Specifically, I pre-defined seven categories to guide participants in sorting a set of 25 cards. This ensured that the primary framework of the activity was consistent across all users, allowing for meaningful comparative analysis.
However, to encourage creativity and capture diverse perspectives, participants were also given the option to create new categories and add cards beyond the predefined set. This dual approach balanced structure with freedom, enabling a comprehensive exploration of user categorization behaviors while allowing for the discovery of novel insights that might not emerge from a strictly structured methodology.
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| Fig 2.3 Card Sorting Instructions |
Fig 2.4 Card Sorting Activity
A total of seven participants engaged in this card sorting activity, contributing valuable insights into user categorization preferences. Their participation provided a diverse range of perspectives, enhancing the depth and reliability of the data collected. Click here to view the card sorting activity and click here to analyse the results.
2.3 Information Architecture Map
I created two distinct versions of the information architecture map as part of the iterative design process. The first version was developed prior to conducting interviews and surveys, incorporating features based on my initial assumptions and personal perspectives. This preliminary map served as a starting point to visualize the potential structure and functionality of the application.
After analyzing the data gathered from interviews and surveys, I revisited and refined the information architecture map. Based on user feedback and suggestions, I reorganized the groups to better align with user preferences and expectations. Additionally, I integrated new features that emerged as valuable additions through the respondents' input. This iterative approach ensured that the final information architecture was more user-centered, addressing real needs and improving overall usability. Click here to view the full Figjam board.
Fig 2.5 Old Information Architecture
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| Fig 2.6 New Information Architecture |
Lastly, I developed the user flowchart using Miro, a versatile online collaborative platform. The flowchart visually mapped out the user journey, detailing each step and interaction within the application. This process allowed me to identify key touchpoints, potential bottlenecks, and areas for optimization. By leveraging Miro's intuitive interface and collaboration features, I was able to create a clear and comprehensive representation of the user flow, ensuring a seamless experience for end-users and aligning the design with user-centered principles.
I designed my presentation slides using Canva, ensuring a visually appealing and organized layout to effectively communicate my project. The slides were divided into the following sections:
- Introduction: An overview of the project, its objectives, and the design process followed.
- Questionnaire & Interview Results: Key insights gathered from the data collection phase, highlighting user preferences and pain points.
- User Personas: Detailed representations of target users, including their goals, needs, and behaviors, derived from the collected data.
- Card Sorting: An explanation of the card sorting activity, methodology, and findings, including how these influenced the design.
- Information Architecture Map: A comparison of the initial and revised versions of the information architecture, showcasing changes based on user feedback.
- User Journey Map: A step-by-step visualization of the user's interaction with the product, identifying opportunities for enhancing the experience.
- User Flowchart: A detailed flowchart illustrating the pathways users take within the application, ensuring a logical and seamless journey.
- MVP Features: A prioritized list of Minimum Viable Product (MVP) features to focus development efforts on delivering core value.
- Conclusion: A summary of the design process, key takeaways, and next steps for implementation or further research.
Click here to Youtube Video On Presenting UIUX Document :
3. Feedback
Week 6 :
After presenting my card sorting activity for the TBS application to Mr. Zeon, he suggested incorporating additional features based on the insights I would gather from the interviews and surveys. He also provided feedback on improving the design of both the survey and the interview process, specifically recommending the removal of leading questions to ensure unbiased responses from users.
Week 9 :
Mr Zeon commented that the analysis of the results were good as they were broken down into several categories and it is very clear. The information architecture map is well done too as I did a before and after version. Overall UIUX document is on time and the things left to do is only user map and flow.
Week 10 :
Good for submission
4. Reflection
Observations :
This project revealed the importance of prioritizing user research as the foundation for design. Initially, I underestimated the number of steps required to understand user needs thoroughly before creating a functional design. Through the process of interviews, surveys, and card sorting, I gained valuable insights into how the TBS app is currently perceived and identified specific pain points and opportunities for improvement. These observations underscored that designing without a strong research base could lead to missed opportunities and less user-friendly outcomes.
Experiences :
Engaging with respondents was a deeply engaging and enriching experience. It was fascinating to see how different users interacted with the concepts and how their unique perspectives shaped the feedback I received. Their diverse responses highlighted aspects of the TBS app that I might not have considered on my own. The iterative nature of the process—revising based on feedback and refining the design—felt incredibly rewarding and was a testament to the value of user-centered design. Additionally, maintaining a consistent work schedule each week instilled a sense of discipline and focus. This consistency ensured that I was able to balance research, analysis, and design phases effectively, minimizing stress and creating a more productive workflow.
Findings :
The most significant takeaway from this project was the realization that time management and consistency are crucial for success. By starting early and allocating specific time each week to various aspects of the project, I avoided the pitfalls of procrastination and last-minute rushes. This approach not only enhanced the quality of my work but also allowed for more thorough exploration and iteration. Furthermore, the insights I gathered from respondents provided actionable and fruitful information on how to make meaningful improvements to the TBS app, reinforcing the value of user input in the design process. Overall, this project emphasized the importance of thorough preparation and continuous learning in creating impactful and user-friendly designs.
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