Competitive Analysis
I performed a competitive analysis using Google on three similar apps (Simple Flash Card, Quizlet and Brainscapes). I wanted to understand my competitors’ strengths and weaknesses in order to find a gap n the market and be able to out-do them. Below are my findings.
Competitive Analysis
I performed a competitive analysis using Google on three similar apps (Simple Flash Card, Quizlet and Brainscapes). I wanted to understand my competitors’ strengths and weaknesses in order to find a gap n the market and be able to out-do them. Below are my findings.
Pros
• Splash page was easy to understand
• Motivating stats
• It included different learning styles creating a unique experience to each user
• Users can add their own study material making this app extra personalized
• Night mode option is nice on the eyes
• The testing makes it clear what the user still needs work on
Cons
• A short video tutorial would help users understand how to quickly navigate
• The study reminder would be better if users could input exact times
• The game can only be started from the website
Pros
• Onboarding and sign-in/log-in was very easy
• Navigation is easy to understand
• There are options to create a more customized feel
Cons
• Does not have a lot of features
• Lacks fun
Pros
• The splash page is simple and makes it easy for users to log-in
• The navigation was pretty easy and I had no issues finding anything
Cons
• Users cannot log-in using Facebook
• There are only two ways to learn rather than accommodating multiple learning styles
• It lacked options, fun and variety
Pros
• The splash page is simple and makes it easy for users to log-in
• The navigation was pretty easy and I had no issues finding anything
Cons
• Users cannot log-in using Facebook
• There are only 2 ways to learn rather than accommodating multiple learning styles
• It lacked options, fun and variety
Understanding The Problem
To help understand the problem, I created a user persona (Joshua Stone) matching the criteria of my target audience. This helped me to articulate the problem and work through potential solutions.
User Stories
As Joshua (a law student), I want ways to learn on the go so that I can maximize my study time.
As Joshua, I want to have some fun while studying so that I retain more information.
As Joshua (a person with tons of vocabulary to learn), I want a way to break down new vocabulary so that it’s easier to remember.
As Joshua (a person with a thirst for knowledge), I want to be able to input my own words so that I can create a personal arsenal of vocabulary.
As a person who frequents social media, I want to be able to study with others online so that it helps me to better effectively communicate.
As Joshua, I want to be able to test my knowledge so that I know I am fully comprehending what I am reading.
Problem Statement – What Does Joshua Need?
Joshua (a law student) needs a way to learn lots of new terminology in short intervals because of lack of time. We will know this to be true when we see that Joshua is on task according to his school schedule and able to recite new terminology learned thus far.
Hypothesis Statement – How Can We Help?
We believe that by creating a vocabulary app that incorporates visuals, games, audio & a way to input your own words all in short 5-10 minute intervals, we will achieve having a student who stays on task in school and who is able to be more efficient in communication.
Doing
I use flashcards and online apps.
Make use of new vocabulary to understand it in context and apply it.
I tried to make some sort of association with the word like another word that starts with the same letter or an acronym.
Broke down words.
Look into key terms that are within the word & use process of elimination.
I would try to incorporate the words into sentences to gain an understanding of them and tie them into my daily life.
Try to memorize words off the paper.
Had an easier time remembering keywords.
I would remember context clues to jog my memory.
I spent a lot of time & attention to learn.
I used an app that helps puts words into sentences to help with grammar.
I wrote everything down.
I grabbed a keyword in the definition that reminded me of that word.
I went over the word with other people rather than just by myself.
Feeling
The app was useful, convenient and good to use on the go.
Learning a lot all at the same time was difficult. It made me frustrated because it was too much and could have learned it in spurts.
If it was broken up into groups it would have been easier.
I think the key part of learning new words is breaking them down.
Reinforcement with vocab cards and games.
We’re stuck using the same words everyday and that’s what we’re comfortable with because we’re scared of making a mistake with new words.
I enjoy being able to use new vocabulary in future conversations.
It was difficult when I had to write out the entire definition.
It makes me feel smart to learn new vocabulary.
When words remind me of other words I tend to remember the first word instead. If the word definition was more unique to itself rather than too much like the other word it would help.
Thinking
Grouping similar words or specific topics would have helped.
It’s the most difficult when you’re learning words that you’re not going to use on a daily basis.
I like learning ways to put new words into sentences instead of using the same words all the time.
Long definitions made it harder to remember.
Pictures would help me to remember.
Taking breaks helps me not to get burnt out.
It’s hard to learn new vocabulary because we’re accustomed to what we already know.
Visual aids like pictures helps.
Audio helps.
There isn’t enough fun in learning. Having creativity and making it fun would make it more interactive.
Key Insights
Reinforcement with games would make learning more fun while visuals, audio and hints would help in the memorization process.
Understanding
The Problem
To help understand the problem,
I created a user persona (Joshua Stone) matching the criteria of my target audience. This helped me to articulate the problem and work through potential solutions.
User Stories
As Joshua (a law student), I want ways to learn on the go so that I can maximize my study time.
As Joshua, I want to have some fun while studying so that I retain more information.
As Joshua (a person with tons of vocabulary to learn), I want a way to break down new vocabulary so that it’s easier to remember.
As Joshua (a person with a thirst for knowledge), I want to be able to input my own words so that I can create a personal arsenal of vocabulary.
As a person who frequents social media, I want to be able to study with others online so that it helps me to better effectively communicate.
As Joshua, I want to be able to test my knowledge so that I know I am fully comprehending what I am reading.
Problem Statement –
What Does Joshua Need?
Joshua (a law student) needs a way to learn lots of new terminology in short intervals because of lack of time. We will know this to be true when we see that Joshua is on task according to his school schedule and able to recite new terminology learned thus far.
Hypothesis Statement –
How Can We Help?
We believe that by creating a vocabulary app that incorporates visuals, games, audio & a way to input your own words all in short 5-10 minute intervals, we will achieve having a student who stays on task in school and who is able to be more efficient in communication.
Competitive Analysis
I performed a competitive analysis using Google on three similar apps (Simple Flash Card, Quizlet and Brainscapes). I wanted to understand my competitors’ strengths and weaknesses in order to find a gap n the market and be able to out-do them. Below are my findings.
Pros
• Splash page was easy to understand
• Motivating stats
• It included different learning styles creating a unique experience to each user
• Users can add their own study material making this app extra personalized
• Night mode option is nice on the eyes
• The testing makes it clear what the user still needs work on
Cons
• A short video tutorial would help users understand how to quickly navigate
• The study reminder would be better if users could input exact times
• The game can only be started from the website
Pros
• Onboarding and sign in/log-in was very easy
• Navigation is easy to understand
• There are options to create a more customized feel
Cons
• Does not have a lot of features
• Lacks fun
Pros
• The splash page is simple and makes it easy for users to log-in
• The navigation was pretty easy and I had no issues finding anything
Cons
• Users cannot log-in using Facebook
• There are only two ways to learn rather than accommodating multiple learning styles
• It lacked options, fun and variety
Doing
I use flashcards and online apps.
Make use of new vocabulary to understand it in context and apply it.
I tried to make some sort of association with the word like another word that starts with the same letter or an acronym.
Broke down words.
Look into key terms that are within the word & use process of elimination.
I would try to incorporate the words into sentences to gain an understanding of them and tie them into my daily life.
Try to memorize words off the paper.
Had an easier time remembering keywords.
I would remember context clues to jog my memory.
I spent a lot of time & attention to learn.
I used an app that helps puts words into sentences to help with grammar.
I wrote everything down.
I grabbed a keyword in the definition that reminded me of that word.
I went over the word with other people rather than just by myself.
Feeling
The app was useful, convenient and good to use on the go.
Learning a lot all at the same time was difficult. It made me frustrated because it was too much and could have learned it in spurts.
If it was broken up into groups it would have been easier.
I think the key part of learning new words is breaking them down.
Reinforcement with vocab cards and games.
We’re stuck using the same words everyday and that’s what we’re comfortable with because we’re scared of making a mistake with new words.
I enjoy being able to use new vocabulary in future conversations.
It was difficult when I had to write out the entire definition.
It makes me feel smart to learn new vocabulary.
When words remind me of other words I tend to remember the first word instead. If the word definition was more unique to itself rather than too much like the other word it would help.
Thinking
Grouping similar words or specific topics would have helped.
It’s the most difficult when you’re learning words that you’re not going to use on a daily basis.
I like learning ways to put new words into sentences instead of using the same words all the time.
Long definitions made it harder to remember.
Pictures would help me to remember.
Taking breaks helps me not to get burnt out.
It’s hard to learn new vocabulary because we’re accustomed to what we already know.
Visual aids like pictures helps.
Audio helps.
There isn’t enough fun in learning. Having creativity and making it fun would make it more interactive.
Wireframing And Prototype
Initial Flows & Brainstorming
My next step was creating wireframes to communicate my design. It gives the client, developer & designer an opportunity to walk through the structure of my app without getting sidetracked by design elements such as colors and images. It’s also a good way to discover any kind of errors prior to spending time and money on development.
Information Architecture
Initial Flows & Brainstorming
Based on the user research I was able to understand how users would use the app and the pain points they have. After summarizing the information from the user research, I created user flows and wireframes to come up with solutions to address the pain points.
Information Architecture
Initial Flows & Brainstorming
Based on the user research I was able to understand how users would use the app and the pain points they have. After summarizing the information from the user research, I created user flows and wireframes to come up with solutions to address the pain points.
Wireframing And Prototype
Initial Flows & Brainstorming
My next step was creating wireframes to communicate my design. It gives the client, developer & designer an opportunity to walk through the structure of my app without getting sidetracked by design elements such as colors and images. It’s also a good way to discover any kind of errors prior to spending time and money on development.
Test Report
Observation:
Make vocabulary icon clickable to get back to categories easier.
Severity: 3
Recommendation:
Will make this clickable from every screen.
Observation:
Wasn’t sure where to find the “Add New Term” section.
Severity: 3
Recommendation:
Need to make navigation easier to use.
Observation:
If you could click & save the questions that you want to review further in the answers so you can have the option to just review those specific terms.
Severity: 3
Recommendation:
Add a star to each question from the test where users can “Star” whichever questions they want to further review later.
Observation:
If there was an option to take test randomly rather than choosing how you 2 want to take it I think it would help.
Severity: 2
Recommendation:
Add a an option for “random” in the test options section.
Observation:
Wasn’t sure where to find the “Test” section.
Severity: 3
Recommendation:
Need to make navigation easier to use.
Observation:
I like the success part but it’s not so easy to find.
Severity: 3
Recommendation:
Need to make navigation easier to use.
Test Report
Observation:
Make vocabulary icon clickable to get back to categories easier.
Severity: 3
Recommendation:
Will make this clickable from every screen.
Observation:
Wasn’t sure where to find the “Add New Term” section.
Severity: 3
Recommendation:
Need to make navigation easier to use.
Observation:
If you could click & save the questions that you want to review further in the answers so you can have the option to just review those specific terms.
Severity: 3
Recommendation:
Add a star to each question from the test where users can “Star” whichever questions they want to further review later.
Observation:
If there was an option to take test randomly rather than choosing how you 2 want to take it I think it would help.
Severity: 2
Recommendation:
Add a an option for “random” in the test options section.
Observation:
Wasn’t sure where to find the “Test” section.
Severity: 3
Recommendation:
Need to make navigation easier to use.
Observation:
I like the success part but it’s not so easy to find.
Severity: 3
Recommendation:
Need to make navigation easier to use.
Improvements
Changes That Were Made
Overall after gathering the data from the usability testing, a more efficient navigation was implemented, the “Add Term” section was reorganized making it more visually appealing, an option for randomly taking a test was added along with a way to highlight words that the user needs to study a bit more. Last but not least there was a pause and exit button added to the testing screen.
Next Steps
Plans For Future Changes
Going forward I’d like to add the following user suggested ideas: A tutorial on how to use the app, a way to get recommendations directly from the user’s school, study reminders and night mode.
Learnings
• Referring to your persona throughout the process is highly helpful.
• Asking high quality interview questions early on is very important.
• Observing human behavior and letting them do most of the talking is key.
• Testing helps you pinpoint exactly what’s working and what isn’t.
• Be extremely open to critiques.
• It’s all about the user.
THANK YOU!
Improvements
Changes That Were Made
Overall after gathering the data from the usability testing, a more efficient navigation was implemented, the “Add Term” section was reorganized making it more visually appealing, an option for randomly taking a test was added along with a way to highlight words that the user needs to study a bit more. Last but not least there was a pause and exit button added to the testing screen.
Next Steps
Plans For Future Changes
Going forward I’d like to add the following user suggested ideas: A tutorial on how to use the app, a way to get recommendations directly from the user’s school, study reminders and night mode.
Learnings
• Referring to your persona throughout the process is highly helpful.
• Asking high quality interview questions early on is very important.
• Observing human behavior and letting them do most of the talking is key.
• Testing helps you pinpoint exactly what’s working and what isn’t.
• Be extremely open to critiques.
• It’s all about the user.
THANK YOU!
Improvements
Changes That Were Made
Overall after gathering the data from the usability testing, a more efficient navigation was implemented, the “Add Term” section was reorganized making it more visually appealing, an option for randomly taking a test was added along with a way to highlight words that the user needs to study a bit more. Last but not least there was a pause and exit button added to the testing screen.
Next Steps
Plans For Future Changes
Going forward I’d like to add the following user suggested ideas: A tutorial on how to use the app, a way to get recommendations directly from the user’s school, study reminders and night mode.
Learnings
• Referring to your persona throughout the process is highly helpful.
• Asking high quality interview questions early on is very important.
• Observing human behavior and letting them do most of the talking is key.
• Testing helps you pinpoint exactly what’s working and what isn’t.
• Be extremely open to critiques.
• It’s all about the user.
THANK YOU!