Overview
As an Android user, I was challenged to redesign a stock iOS application to demonstrate my ability to empathize and design accordingly. As I interviewed native users, I found several issues with the interface and interaction design. Through A/B testing and feedback, I was able to improve upon the overall design.
Duration
2 Weeks
Role
User Research, Wireframing, Prototyping, User Testing
Tools
Google Forms, Figma, Whimsical
User Research Process
I completed initial research by first looking into the iOS mobile platform to understand key differences between the Apple and Android operating systems. I also borrowed an apple smartphone to get hands on experience with the stock apps. After I felt comfortable with the interface, I moved on to user research.
I started my user research with pre-interview surveys which helped me begin to understand what my users’ behaviours were. I then started interviewing iOS users to dig into their app usage. In the end, I interviewed 10 users which happened to share similar pain points despite different backgrounds.
I started my user research with pre-interview surveys which helped me begin to understand what my users’ behaviours were. I then started interviewing iOS users to dig into their app usage. In the end, I interviewed 10 users which happened to share similar pain points despite different backgrounds.
Findings & Important Stats
The Transactional App - Users want to spend the least time possible in the clock/ alarm app.
Heavy Usage - 9/10 of my users rely on iOS alarms almost everyday.
Clutter - 7/10 of my users use less than half of their alarms.
Snooze - None of my users knew that the iOS snooze duration is set to 9 mins.
Sleep Tracking - 9/10 users did not use Apple sleep tracker due to: privacy, prefer more control on alarms, long setup
83% of Americans use their phone as an alarm clock. (Source: www.reviews.org/mobile/cell-phone-addiction/)
A key approach to feel rested is by establishing consistent morning rituals (Source: https://eachnight.com/sleep-studies/wake-up-call/)
Defining the User
Defining Main Pain Points
Ideation
I started ideating by first sketching the new alarms home screen which would be the basis of user testing
Then I started with multiple alternative solutions based on UI interactions with other iOS apps
I started my ideation phase by removing the edit button from the home screen. I then brought the prototype back and asked users: How would you edit an alarm?
Possible Solutions:
- Tap and hold to edit (from home screen)
- slide to the right to edit left to delete (from Mail)
- Tap to edit (from weather)
- snooze duration
- edit alarm modal
- Tap and hold to edit (from home screen)
- slide to the right to edit left to delete (from Mail)
- Tap to edit (from weather)
- snooze duration
- edit alarm modal
Prototyping + A/B Testing
Next Steps and Takeaways
Next Steps
- Continue to test the snooze duration function
- Flush out the built in edit function to be more aesthetically pleasing
- Flush out the built in edit function to be more aesthetically pleasing
Takeaways
I’ve learned to let the results surprise me. While I had a clear vision in mind, what I think is best may not be what the user wants. This case study has helped illustrate that I need to listen more to users and let the results speak for themselves.
