About the project
Create a unique mobile app that facilitates communication and discussion of common topics, while helping users connect with like-minded individuals and form new friendships.
User problems
Users face several challenges when trying to find a mobile application that effectively supports communication and topic-based discussions. These include:
There is no simple mobile application that combines communication and discussion of topics online.
Many broadcasting apps have cluttered designs with unnecessary features that users don’t need.
It’s difficult to find like-minded individuals with shared interests.
I want to communicate with friends online across different countries, but current apps either have poor connection quality or are not user-friendly.
As a highly qualified specialist, I want to share knowledge and experience with others, but I can’t find a convenient mobile app for this.
As someone passionate about specific topics, I want to stay informed about the latest trends, news, and developments, but I can’t find an app that helps with that.
Solutions
Design an intuitive, user-friendly, and visually appealing mobile app for iOS that not only attracts and retains users but also serves as a valuable tool for building communities and sharing knowledge.
Design process
UX Design Process:
In the UX phase, I started by identifying the core User problems to establish a clear foundation for design decisions. I then developed Hypotheses to explore potential solutions, followed by a thorough Market and Competitive analysis to align our approach with industry standards and insights. Research into the Target audience's preferences is informed the creation of Job stories, which help tailor the user experience to real-world scenarios. The design journey was visualized through Flow charts, and initial Wireframes are created to sketch out interface Layouts. Prototyping allowed for testing these ideas in a tangible form, while Usability testing with real users helped refine the hypotheses and ensured the product meets its intended usability goals.
UI Design Process:
Moving into the UI phase, a UI kit is developed, comprising all necessary design components to ensure visual and functional consistency across the product. The Final visual design phase then synthesized all feedback and insights into an aesthetically pleasing and brand-aligned user interface, enhancing the overall user experience.
Competitive analysis
I started the Competitive analysis by identifying key competitors within the market, focusing on those offering similar functionality. I reviewed their products in detail, examining features, usability, and overall user experience. Each competitor was evaluated based on several factors, including the design of their interfaces, the efficiency of their navigation, and the effectiveness of their user engagement features. I categorized the findings into strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, I explored customer reviews and feedback to gather insights into user satisfaction and areas needing improvement. This thorough analysis provided a clear understanding of industry standards and set a foundation for identifying how we could differentiate and improve our product.
Target audience
The image showcases a comprehensive breakdown of the Target Audience for an application. It categorizes users based on their interests and needs.
Job stories
The image outlines various Job stories that represent different user needs and motivations when interacting with the application
Flow chart
The Flow chart outlines the user journey within a mobile application from the moment they open the app to various interaction points such as signing in, engaging with rooms, and managing their profile.
Usability Testing
I conducted 5 usability tests to assess how intuitive the application flow is. Users were tasked with actions such as registering, finding and joining a room, searching for a person, creating their own room, updating interests in their profile, and sending a message.
Key Insights:
Smooth Registration: Users navigated the registration process easily. Some users consistently added photos, while others opted not to, suggesting flexibility is key here.
Room Interaction Issues: Not all users fully understood the purpose of the "Join" and "Donate" buttons in the room, indicating the need for improvement (we plan to add labels for clarity). Additionally, users struggled with the horizontal scroll to switch between rooms, leading to the introduction of an onboarding prompt to explain the scroll-up gesture.
Searching for People: Users either used the input field or navigated through tabs to find specific people, indicating a dual approach to searching.
High Usability Potential: Most users expressed that they would use the app in their everyday life. Additionally, several suggested integrating social media platforms for quicker connection and login, highlighting an opportunity for future enhancement.
UI Kit
I developed a comprehensive UI Kit specifically for the iOS application, ensuring consistency and scalability throughout the design process. The UI Kit includes all essential components such as buttons, icons, forms, navigation elements, and modals, adhering to iOS Human Interface Guidelines to provide a seamless user experience. Each component was meticulously designed to maintain visual harmony and ensure responsiveness across various device sizes.
Visual Design
I designed the full set of layouts for the iOS app, focusing on creating a visually appealing and user-friendly interface. Each screen was crafted with attention to detail, ensuring a cohesive look and feel across the app.
