Application Design 1---Task 1: Mobile Application Proposal
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Lectures
In the first week, our task is to identify three applications, and then provide details on each, including their category, application name, description, target audience, weaknesses in design, user ratings, and reviews. The review should conclude with a summary of how these design flaws affect the overall user experience. This analysis will serve as the foundation for the proposal submission.
Instructions
Week 1: Choose application to do proposal
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| Fig1.1 Choice of application categories |
The Domino app is my frequently used food delivery software, so I know some of the difficulties in using it. However, before writing the proposal, the old app was discontinued, and the new app seems quite good overall. U Mobile is also good, with no significant issues affecting the user experience.
Finally, LFS, A&W, and Sooka were chosen. A&W has a lot of areas that need improvement, and LFS's booking system also has similar issues.
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| Fig1.2 Application chosen logo |
The selected applications are:
- A&W
- LFS Cinema
- Sooka
A&W is a food and drink delivery app with an App Store rating of 1.8/5. Overall, there are many design issues, with the absence of a menu feature significantly impacting user experience. Additionally, usage is low, as many people feel it's better to wait in line at the restaurant for food rather than use the app.
The second app, LFS Cinema, belongs to the entertainment category and also has an App Store rating of 1.8/5. Its main functions are checking movie showtimes and purchasing tickets online. While LFS was quite popular a few years ago, it has lost traction as more people now prefer TGV and GSC, leading to its decline in public awareness. There are also many design problems that result in an unattractive interface, but I believe the biggest issue is the confusing booking system, which increases user effort and negatively affects the overall experience.
The third app, Sooka, is also an entertainment app that offers live TV and other features. It suffers from numerous design issues, such as cramped layouts and inconsistent designs. From my experience, the VIP feature seems more focused on generating revenue, as users still have to watch ads after subscribing—often three ads totaling 1 to 2 minutes, which significantly detracts from the viewing experience. Its App Store rating is 4 stars.
Week 2: Improve proposal 1 and prepare proposal 2
After showing Proposal 1 to Mr. Zeon and receiving feedback, he asked me to add a page before introducing the next app. He suggested clearly marking the weaknesses with arrows to highlight the issues and to emphasize key points from the App Store user reviews for quick understanding. It was evident from the proposal that most weaknesses are related to UI, which would leave little to address in a redesign, so he encouraged me to find more weaknesses related to UX.
He also recommended against choosing A&W, as it is a very common app that many seniors have already worked on. As for Sooka, there aren't many UX issues, so I decided to focus on LFS. He also asked if I had used this app to better understand its UX problems.
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| Fig1.6 Highlight point in review |
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| Fig1.7 Arrow point to weakness |
After improving Proposal 1, I chose the LFS Cinema app as my redesign application and started Proposal 2 to refine it and compare it with similar apps, including user research.
The due date is in week 4, and there will be a presentation lasting about 5 minutes per person. This proposal needs to be divided into five main sections: introduction, background and context, goals and objectives, user research, and references.
The first two sections have already been developed in Proposal 1 and just need refinement and more detailed explanations. For the comparison, since I'm focusing on LFS Cinema, I will compare it with TGV and GSC, which are two very popular cinema apps.
Week 3: Working on Proposal 2
This time, I showed Mr. Zeon the improvements made to Proposal 1 and asked him about the difficulties I encountered while working on Proposal 2. In the background and context section, I needed demographic data for LFS, but the available information was insufficient. He tried to help me find usable data on other similar websites, but after searching, we found nothing. Other classmates also faced similar issues, so I had to choose between paying for the data or relying on someone else's research.
Ultimately, I decided to pay for it and request a refund, taking the risk to obtain the necessary information. Then, I continued working on Proposal 2.
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| Fig1.8 User Demographic |
The content needed in proposal 2:
Introduction
- Purpose: Revamp existing mobile app to elevate user experience and interface quality.
- Stress the pivotal role of mobile app design in shaping user contentment.
Background and Context
- Evaluate current app's design and functionalities.
- Identify strengths and weaknesses.
- Competitive analysis.
- Gain insights into user demographics and requirements.
Goals and Objectives
- Establish clear objectives for the redesign initiative.
- Prioritize addressing current deficiencies and enhancing user satisfaction.
- Define primary and secondary goals to align with user expectations.
- Developing your design strategy.
User Research
- Detail methodologies for conducting user research.
- Describe the methods you will utilize to collect user feedback and gain insights.
- Devise a robust plan for user testing and validation.
References
- Curate pertinent articles, books, and design samples for inspiration.
Week 4: Presentation
Feedback
Use arrows to indicate weaknesses.
Add a page before introducing the next app.
Highlight the App Store user reviews.
It is not recommended to use A&W as the redesign app because it is too common and has already been done by seniors.
Identify more UX issues to provide more options for the redesign, not just UI problems.
The improvements for Proposal 1 are all good.
Week 4:
Reflections
Application design is a module that requires significant research and comparison. It involves examining various apps to understand user psychology and the problems they encounter. No design is perfect, as every individual is different; their usage habits, thoughts, and other factors can influence their experience. Therefore, as a designer, it is essential to adapt designs based on user needs. There is no perfect design, only continuous changes and improvements.
Moreover, extensive theory and knowledge are required before designing to understand user needs. Through comparison and research, one can grasp the differences between applications, understand the reasoning behind specific designs, and recognize how these designs impact users or provide them with added convenience.
Further Reading
https://attractgroup.com/blog/importance-of-user-experience-ux-in-mobile-app-development/#
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/importance-ui-design-mobile-apps-urvashi-kaushik--i1xmf/
First Impressions Matter:
UI design is crucial for
attracting users to download and engage with an app. A visually appealing
interface enhances the overall user experience. The Nykaa app serves as an
example, showcasing effective use of colors and layouts that balance
aesthetics with functionality, making it stand out in a competitive market.
Usability is Key:
A well-designed UI goes beyond
visual appeal; it ensures ease of navigation and quick access to features.
Good usability directly impacts user satisfaction, allowing users to
navigate effortlessly, receive clear feedback, and minimize mistakes.
Accessibility is also essential, ensuring that all users, including those
with disabilities, can effectively interact with the app.
User Engagement:
An intuitive UI fosters user
engagement by encouraging interaction and satisfaction. Engaging interfaces
keep users coming back, similar to how user-friendly websites promote
extended browsing. Strategies to enhance engagement include personalized
welcome emails, loyalty programs, exclusive content, and tailored
recommendations.
Building Brand Identity:
UI design is integral to
establishing brand identity. Consistent and appealing design builds trust
with users. Companies like Airbnb and Instagram exemplify strong brand
identities through cohesive visual languages that resonate with their
audiences.
Product Success:
Investing in strong UI design upfront
saves time and money in the long run, leading to easier maintenance and
fewer usability issues. A polished UI fosters user trust and credibility,
making users more likely to return to the app.
Conclusion:
UI design is vital for the success of
mobile apps, influencing user perceptions, improving usability, building
brand identity, enhancing engagement, and ensuring accessibility. By
prioritizing user-centric design principles, developers and designers can
create mobile experiences that resonate with users and drive long-term
success in a competitive landscape.
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