Application Design 1 - Mobile Application Proposal (Task 1)

22/4/2024 - 13/5/2024 (Week 1 - Week 4)
Katelyn Tan Kye Ling (0354148)
Bachelor Of Design In Creative Media (Application Design 1)
Mobile Application Proposal (Task 1)

INSTRUCTION

WEEK 1:

During our first class, we were introduced to our projects for the module. Then right away we were asked to start our first task which was to create a slide for Task 1 - Mobile Application Proposal.

It had to include:

1. 3 chosen apps
2. Introduction of each app
3. Analysis of each app
   - About the app
   - Reviews of the app
   - Screenshot pages of the app
   - Weaknesses of the app

I first skimmed through many different apps on the Appstore, read the reviews and downloaded various apps to try them out. We had to pick 3 options for our proposal, and I tried to pick apps that had more recent, critical, and specific reviews so I would know exactly what are the weaknesses and what to improve for the app at its current state. 

The 3 options for my proposal which I chose were: 

1. TGV
2. Lotus's App
3. Marrybrown

After that, I started to work on my slides by looking through the app's information in the Appstore and did some research on the app so that I could write the "about" page for each app and introduce it in the slides. Then I skimmed through the reviews and screenshotted the reviews that critics that UI/UX issues of the app, I also tried to use the more recent reviews as it is more accurate.

Next I analysed each app with much detail. I listed the few weaknesses each app had and screenshotted the parts that had issues for reference. Furthermore, I showed good examples from other apps as competitive analysis. Then I wrote solutions and suggestions that could help tackle these weaknesses the apps had, to improve the app as a whole. I also did research that could give back up for some solutions, for example the good colour contrast image (Fig 1.1). 

Fig. 1.1 - Good colour contrast

PROPOSAL DRAFT:

Click here to view my proposal draft.

WEEK 2:

As for week 2, the class started off with 1 to 1 consultations. I showed Mr. Zeon my slides and glad to say it went well. He gave me feedback, which is written in the "Weekly Feedback" section below and instructed me to continue the research of my chosen app for the final proposal.

My final option to work on the proposal was the Lotus's App. Mr. Zeon asked me to start my final proposal by making a review/complaint summary, so I first went to the Appstore and filtered the reviews by "Most critical". Then I went through the reviews under that section and categories the most mentioned complaints (Fig 1.2). Then after that I made it into a diagram so it is easier to view (Fig 1.3).

Fig 1.2 - Review summary

I then continued to do more in-depth research and analysing on the app to understand what more fixing and altering it needed. In the midst of the process, I noticed that the app had more weaknesses that I did not add in the proposal draft. Therefore I wrote them down and also wrote down a solution for each weakness that was added. (Fig 1.3 & 1.4)

Fig. 1.3 - Weakness 4 added

Fig. 1.4 - Weakness 4 added

WEEK 3:

Mr. Zeon said that my demographics didn't have research backup. Therefore he suggested I use the website similarweb to find information from.

Fig. 1.5 - Demographics (Before)

Fig. 1.5 - Demographics (After)

At this point I was already almost done with my proposal. In week 3, I worked on the user research section and also just finalised the slides. For user research, I decided to use the survey method and user testing. I wasn't too sure how user testing worked, therefore I did some research on it and followed a very useful guide. (The guide I followed: Click here)

WEEK 4:

Week 4 was our proposal presentation week. After presenting, Mr. Zeon still allowed all of us to edit our slides before submitting the final proposal. My feedback from Mr. Zeon was that some of my user needs were not specific enough, so Mr. Zeon asked me to relate it back to online grocery shopping (Fig 1.6). Another thing is that it is suggested to briefly mention what each page does (Fig 1.7). Lastly we are to also add a design strategy slide (Fig 1.8).

Fig. 1.6 - Updated User Needs Page

Fig 1.7 - Updated Pages of The App 

Fig 1.8 - New Design Strategy Slide

FINAL PROPOSAL SLIDES

Click here for final proposal.

(PDF VERSION)

WEEKLY FEEDBACK

Week 2 (29/4/2024):

- Suggest to go for lotus app.

- It's easier to find interviewees since there's more reviews.

- Do summary of complaints from the reviews. (Create a diagram/graph)

Week 3 (6/5/2024):
- Reorganise slides, some slides too cluttered

- Summarise some slides, too many words.

- Find reference and research for demographic.

Week 3 (13/5/2024):

- Relate point 3, 4 6 back to online grocery shopping. Make it more specific.

- Add a design strategy slide.

- Briefly mention what each page does.

REFLECTION

Experience

Throughout the first four weeks, I found myself really learning a lot and enjoying this module. I learnt so much more about different apps when I was skimming through apps to find what I could use for my proposal draft. I also think that the weekly consultation sessions helped me a lot, because it guided me on how to continue improving my tasks and what exact parts I should change in my work. Personally I found the competitive analysis part fun to do as I could see how much one app can be so much different and better from another.

Observation

I noticed that an app will never be perfect. There is always constant space for improvement, that's why apps always have system updates. I also observed that the design hierarchy is so important. I used to think that as long as all information is displayed on the page, the app is good. But after testing the apps and noticing that if the design hierarchy is bad, it can cause users experience to go bad. Lastly, through this module, I observed that I improve my analysing skills.

Findings

I find myself analysing apps every now and then whenever I'm on phone phone after doing this task. I also find that design is every where, because even when students are doing the slides, there is also feedback for the slides regarding its design. Furthermore, I find that every app should most definitely listen to its user's reviews and complaints. Because when an app seems to not care about that and continue having bad UI/UX in its app, users would quickly jump to the app's competitors which causes low usage of the app. Last but not least, I also find that reference is important when wanting to show the audience certain information. For example, for the demographics, it is much more trustable with a source backup compared to just a person's own thoughts.

FURTHER READING

1. Differences between UI & UX

Fig 2.1 - Differences between UI & UX (Expeed Software, 2023)

2. Why is UI/UX important in mobile app development?

The important thing to remember is that both UI and UX are functions that must support each other and that one cannot perform well without the other. This is why software development companies refer to UI/UX as something that needs to be addressed together and not individually. (Expeed Software, 2023)

2.What is user testing?

"User testing, or usability testing, is a key component in designing, finalizing and launching a great digital product. It’s about detecting usability issues at any stage of the product development cycle with the aim of improving the overall user experience. This is done by monitoring how representative users interact with the product in a realistic setting. This way, you can see exactly what works and — more importantly — what doesn’t." (Fard, 2022)

Reference List:

1. Expeed Software. (2023, December 12). Why UI/UX is essential for Mobile App Development. Expeed Software | Trustworthy Software Solutions. https://expeed.com/why-ui-ux-is-essential-for-mobile-app-development/

2. Fard, A. (2022, October 4). 6 simple steps to conduct user testing successfully. UI UX Design Agency for SaaS, Fintech & AI | Adam Fard UX Studio. https://adamfard.com/blog/conduct-user-testing