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?​
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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
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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
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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
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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:
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Users have different requirements for how they learn. They need multiple practice modes.
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Users enjoy a game/rewards-based approach.
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Users want the option to collaborate with others: friends, classmates, professors, etc.
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Clean, pleasing UI matters.
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Users want to be able to set goals and be encouraged to meet them.
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Ability to upload personal content is important.
USER PERSONA
A proto-persona was created based on the competitive analysis and user interviews.
NEEDS
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an app with rewards and goals
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ability to upload own material
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ability to study in small chunks
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easy way to collaborate
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a manageable way to study throughout the day
GOALS
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to finish Master's degree
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to find an app that will help reach education goals
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to feel less overwhelmed
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a way to balance work, personal life, and education
Alana
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28 years old
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Denver, CO
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Working on Master's degree in administration
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7th grade teacher
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Enjoys travel; hosting friends & family
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Goal-oriented
USER STORIES
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Open app
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Select “Create New Flashcard”
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Select whether this flashcard will be added to an existing deck
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Select deck name, or create a new deck
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Name the front of the card
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Name the back of the card
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Select manual input or suggested definition
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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
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User testing was performed to test functionality and usability of the initial stages of Wise Up.
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4 participants, ages 27-34, were given 4 tasks to complete at online and in-person sessions.
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Nielsen’s error severity rating scale (0-4) was used to collect data.
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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
