WISE UP
User Research & Initial Wireframes
THE PROBLEM
Learning a new language or subject can be very overwhelming. How do we empower people to learn vocabulary and have fun in the process?
THE PROPOSAL
Design an app that allows users to methodically categorize, reference, and study on-the-go in short sessions while encouraging them to continue.
TIMELINE
December 2020
ROLE
UX Researcher
UX Designer
METHODS
Competitive Analysis
User Interviews
User Persona
User Flows & Task Analyses
Wireframing & Prototyping
Usability Testing
TOOLS
Paper & Pencil
Google Suite
Marvel
Zoom
COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
A competitive analysis was performed on three apps currently on the market: Flashcards, WordUp, and Quizlet. Appearance, usability, enjoyment, and functionality were all taken into account.
FLASHCARDS
PROS:
- Engages user with many practice modes
- Highly customizable
- Simple and straightforward UI
CONS:
- Confusion with instructions and content on some screens
- Unclear icons with no tutorial
- Needs improved hierarchy
WORDUP
PROS:
- Uses game-based approach
- Aesthetic design is pleasing and engaging
- Shows user clear progress
CONS:
- Focus only on improving English
- Free version has very limited options and could cause lack of interest
QUIZLET
PROS:
- Accessible to 18 languages and includes multiple subjects
- Easy to navigate
- Smooth and well-designed UI
CONS:
- Must have an account to try the app
- Some inconsistencies in visual hierarchy, spacing, and buttons
FLASHCARDS
WORDUP
QUIZLET
USER INTERVIEWS
User interviews were conducted with 5 participants, all of whom use or have recently used an app for studying or for learning vocabulary. Ages ranged from 18-62.
Key Takeaways:
-
Users have different requirements for how they learn. They need multiple practice modes.
-
Users enjoy a game/rewards-based approach.
-
Users want the option to collaborate with others: friends, classmates, professors, etc.
-
Clean, pleasing UI matters.
-
Users want to be able to set goals and be encouraged to meet them.
-
Ability to upload personal content is important.
USER PERSONA
A proto-persona was created based on the competitive analysis and user interviews.
NEEDS
-
an app with rewards and goals
-
ability to upload own material
-
ability to study in small chunks
-
easy way to collaborate
-
a manageable way to study throughout the day
GOALS
-
to finish Master's degree
-
to find an app that will help reach education goals
-
to feel less overwhelmed
-
a way to balance work, personal life, and education
Alana
-
28 years old
-
Denver, CO
-
Working on Master's degree in administration
-
7th grade teacher
-
Enjoys travel; hosting friends & family
-
Goal-oriented
USER STORIES
-
As someone who's stretched thin, I want to be able to study my Master's material in small chunks so I have more time for family outside of work.
-
As a goal-oriented person that enjoys rewards, I want to be able to see my progress in the form of rewards so I can feel on top of my work and feel motivated to continue.
-
As a team player, I want to be able to collaborate with others in my program so that I can strengthen my learning and be motivated by others.
-
As someone with a lot of specialized material to cover, I need to be able to upload my own content so that I can study anywhere and save time.
TASK ANALYSIS & USER FLOW
Create New Flashcard
-
Open app
-
Select “Create New Flashcard”
-
Select whether this flashcard will be added to an existing deck
-
Select deck name, or create a new deck
-
Name the front of the card
-
Name the back of the card
-
Select manual input or suggested definition
-
Save flashcard
CREATE A NEW FLASHCARD
Low-fidelity wireframes were designed to demonstrate the user flows. A prototype was created in Marvel to be tested with real humans.
ISSUES
– Unclear how to create a flashcard.
– User didn’t know where to begin.
SOLUTIONS
– Add Create Flashcard button to homepage.
– Restructure homepage with clearer language for browsing.
– Make Browse a search function
-
User testing was performed to test functionality and usability of the initial stages of Wise Up.
-
4 participants, ages 27-34, were given 4 tasks to complete at online and in-person sessions.
-
Nielsen’s error severity rating scale (0-4) was used to collect data.
-
Participants met on Zoom and were given the Marvel link. Sessions lasted 10 minutes.
USABILITY TESTING
ISSUES
– User didn’t know where to start.
– Placement of browse button was confusing.
– “No Existing Cards” is unclear
SOLUTIONS
– Add header text and highlight.
– Separate Create and Browse sections.
– Make Browse a search function.
UPDATED WIREFRAMES
