Application Design/ Project 02

on
20.05.2023 - 03.06.2023 (Week 05 - Week 07)
LIEW XIAO HUI / 0353121
BACHELOR OF DESIGN (HONOURS) IN CREATIVE MEDIA / ADVANCED TYPOGRAPHY
Project 02: UI/UX Design Document

JUMPLINK
Instructions
Project 02: UI/UX Design Document
Feedback
Reflections

INSTRUCTIONS

Project 02: UI/UX Design Document

Progress
In Week 05 class, we learned about the card sorting method, which helps us understand how users categorize information in our application. Following Mr. Zeon's instructions, I listed the categories present in the current design of the MyUMobile app using Miro sticky notes.

Figure 1.1 Current design.

 Additionally, I introduced new features and categories to reorganize the existing features.

Figure 1.2 Wild card sorting.

In week 6, I presented the card sorting I had completed to Mr. Zeon. He provided feedback, pointing out that the current card sorting was confusing due to the color scheme and arrangement, making it difficult to understand. He suggested using the same color for categories and features from the current design as well as the new categories I arranged. For the new categories and features, he recommended using a different color. Additionally, he advised listing the color meanings at the bottom to help viewers understand their representations.

Based on his feedback, I refined my card sorting.

Figure 1.3 Current design (refined).

I used the same color for the existing categories and features from the current design in the wild card sorting. Green represents the new categories I created, and light orange indicates the new features.

Figure 1.4 Wild card sorting (refined).

Then, I started to prepare the online survey and interview questions. Using the work of previous seniors and references provided by Mr. Zeon as a guide, I developed a rough direction for my research. I identified the specific data and feedback I aimed to collect from users through the survey and interviews, which helped me design the questionnaires effectively.


Figure 2.1, 2.2 References.

Due to the public holiday on Monday of Week 7, we will not have face-to-face classes on campus. I have sent my interview questions and online survey questionnaires to Mr. Zeon via email to get feedback and suggestions for refining the questionnaires before interviewing MyUMobile users and converting the questionnaires into an online survey using Google Forms.


Figure 2.3, 2.4 Interview questions.


Figure 2.5, 2.6, 2.7 Online survey questions. 

After Mr. Zeon reviewed the questionnaires I prepared, he replied to my email with an attached document containing suggestions and refinements for enhancement. I carefully reviewed his feedback and tried to understand it before making any refinements. Then, I transformed the questionnaires into a Google Form and incorporated the suggested refinements. This process took a few days due to the large number of questions. 

Figure 2.8 Google Form.

Once I completed inserting the questions into the Google Form, I began sending it to MyUMobile users. However, since I only know a few MyUMobile users, it took a considerable amount of time to reach the minimum number of respondents needed to collect sufficient data.

As I struggled to reach enough respondents, I decided to send the survey to Taylor’s survey group to gather responses beyond my immediate circle of friends. Despite these efforts, I also posted it on my social media and platforms like Xiaohongshu and Instagram to reach a wider audience. By Week 11, I finally obtained sufficient responses. I shared my progress with Mr. Zeon, though I hadn't yet completed the data analysis.

Figure 2.9 Data gathered.

Upon reviewing the gathered data, I quickly created three user personas and developed a rough understanding of the data. Following this, I created a user journey map based on these personas. 

Figure 3.1 User personas.

When I showed this progress to Mr. Zeon, he mentioned that I was progressing slowly and urged me to complete everything within the week. He advised adding more detail to the user journey map, particularly focusing on common phases users experience when topping up or paying bills using the MyUMobile app. After receiving Mr. Zeon's feedback, I quickly refined the user journey map and began analyzing the data from the online survey. 
Concurrently, the card sorting exercise also successfully gathered enough participants, totaling at least 7 individuals. In addition to analyzing the online survey data, I started analyzing the card sorting data from the 8 participants.

Figure 3.2 Card sorting.

Using the insights from both analyses, I proceeded to create an information architecture chart for the redesigned MyUMobile app. This chart differed slightly from the initial card sorting exercise, as I integrated data from both the MyUMobile users and my initial card sorting exercise.

Figure 3.3 Information archi chart.

After completing the information architecture chart and having a clear vision of the categories and features for the redesigned MyUMobile app, I proceeded to create the user flow chart using Miro. This task took me considerable time because it was my first attempt at creating a user flow chart. I invested time in understanding the process and ensuring the chart accurately represented the user journey through the app.

Figure 3.4 User flow chart.

Final Project 02 Slides
Figure 4.1 Final presentation slides.

FEEDBACK
Week 06
Current card sorting was confusing due to the color scheme and arrangement, making it difficult to understand. Mr. Zeon suggested using the same color for categories and features from the current design as well as the new categories I arranged. For the new categories and features, he recommended using a different color. 

Week 07
Feedback given via email is essential since there are no face-to-face classes. Both interviews and online surveys should focus on positively gathering respondent insights about areas where the app can be improved.

Week 08
Progress is slow, will need to complete the slides this week. The user flow chart should provide more details, illustrating the steps users take when purchasing a data plan or topping up their credit balance.

REFLECTIONS
Experience
I felt exhausted due to the heavy workload for this project. I encountered difficulty in finding participants who met my requirements and were willing to complete my online survey or participate in interviews. It was particularly challenging to locate a sufficient number of MyUMobile users. I regretted choosing such a challenging app initially. Nonetheless, I exerted my best effort to complete the project without compromising on quality.

Observation
I observed that conducting user research is a daunting task. The app currently undergoing redesign is not widely used, making it challenging to find users willing to participate in surveys. Additionally, even when I found users of the app, they sometimes struggled to understand the questions asked, resulting in inaccurate responses.

Findings
I discovered that redesigning an app is complex and cannot rely solely on designers' ideas and opinions. It necessitates incorporating user feedback gathered through thorough research. Many steps in the process are unrelated to design but are crucial for understanding the users or audience. This foundational research is essential for creating a user-friendly and user-centered app that effectively meets users' needs.

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