Application Design/ Week 05

20.05.2024 (Week 05)
LIEW XIAO HUI / 0353121
BACHELOR OF DESIGN (HONOURS) IN CREATIVE MEDIA / ADVANCED TYPOGRAPHY
Exercise: Card Sorting

JUMPLINK
Instructions
Exercise: Card Sorting
Feedback
Reflections


INSTRUCTIONS


Exercise: Card Sorting
Progress
During our Week 05 class, Mr. Zeon instructed us on the card sorting method. We delved into understanding what is card sorting, its significance, and the types of card sorting.


Figure 1.1 Lecture slides.

Following the instructions, we engaged in a card-sorting exercise. Divided into groups with 3 members each, I teamed up with Janice and Jze Shin. Together, we studied the provided features, understood their functions, and attempted to categorize them. 

Initially, I suggest organizing the features based on their functions. For instance, creating a category labeled 'Tracker' includes features like flight and expense trackers. However, due to a lack of thorough understanding of each function, disagreements arose, leading us to abandon this sorting method.

Subsequently, we opted to sort the features based on different stages of traveling. We divided it into five stages: preparation, tracking information after planning and ticket booking, during travel, recording incidents during travel, and travel experiences sharing. After agreeing on this sorting approach, we proceeded to sticking the features onto a whiteboard using sticky notes. While categorizing the features, we carefully read the descriptions provided by Mr. Zeon to ensure accurate placement. Additionally, We also discussed category titles to facilitate user understanding and navigation.

Figure 1.2 Outcome of card sorting.

Jze Shin and I have experience in developing a travel planning application, we shared additional feature suggestions with Janice and showcased prototypes we had previously created. We all agreed to add a user profile category. It just made sense to have a user account, especially since there are features like social sharing and expense tracking that require saving data. Under the category of user account, we added features such as 'My Account,' 'Wishlist,' 'History,' 'Settings,' and 'FAQ.' 'My Account' allows user login or registration and account management. 'Wishlist' enables users to save desired travel destinations or shared travel plans for future reference. 'History' allows users to revisit viewed information or posts, and 'Settings' offers customization options. Lastly, 'FAQ' assists users in troubleshooting any encountered issues.


Figure 1.3, 1.4 Group photos.

We then presented our outcomes to the class, with Jze Shin serving as the moderator to articulate our ideas and process. Both Janice and I shared insights gained from the card sorting exercise and reflected on our experiences.


Figure 1.5 Presentation.


FEEDBACK
Week 05
If unsure where to place the features within the existing categories, we can introduce an additional category specifically for financial tools. This way, the expenses tracker and currency converter can be included together within it.

REFLECTIONS
Experience
At the beginning of this exercise, I felt confused because I'm not familiar with the features provided. I've never used a travel planning application before, so I had no idea what most of the features were for. So, I tried to study and understand the functions of each feature before writing them on the sticky note. When we started to discuss, I noticed that we had very different opinions on how to categorize these given features. Personally, I wanted to separate them based on their functions, but it was difficult to categorize them that way. Janice suggested categorizing them by the stage of traveling, and I agreed because it would be easier for us to categorize, and I think most users would progress through travel planning in the same way. After coming up with ideas for categorizing, we worked much faster compared to the beginning.

Observation
I realized that designing an application is not easy because it should be user-centered so that users can navigate it easily and find it user-friendly. The card sorting method makes it easier for designers to understand the user's thoughts. Through card sorting, designers can learn about user behavior and design the application accordingly. However, there are different types of card sorting, and designers can choose the most suitable type based on their needs to gather data.

Findings
I learned a new way to understand users in order to create a user-centered application design. Online surveys or interviews help us understand general user needs, such as why they use the application and what their main needs are, as well as their feedback. Meanwhile, card sorting helps us understand user behavior so that we can design an application that matches their behavior and is easy for them to navigate. User testing allows users to test what we have designed, and we can observe and collect their opinions for refinement.

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