Identify and resolve usability challenges in key features, especially within the positive statement section to ensure a smooth and intuitive user journey.
Solution
Conduct in-depth, moderated usability testing to deliver user-centered recommendations that improve clarity and accessibility.
Collaboration & Scope of Work
Strategic Collaboration for a Focused, Insight-Driven Process
Our journey began with a promising kickoff meeting, where we worked closely with Affirmation Studio’s founder and co-founder to understand the application's usability and identify any issues that might confuse or frustrate users with particular attention to the positive statement section.
Our team strategically divided responsibilities, focusing on different aspects of the study and usability testing. My primary role involved leading the visual documentation process, transforming our ideas, research, and insights into clear visuals that supported our findings and recommendations with clarity and understanding.
How do task-driven evaluations improve user interaction and experience?
Pre-Test Questionnaire
Participants provided insights into their interests, preferences, and wellness practices, setting the stage for personalized task-focused experiences.
Task-Focused Experiences
Seven tasks were designed around application interaction and AI engagement, reflecting Affirmation Studio’s goals and user preferences.
Post-Test Feedback
Highlighted usability challenges, offering a window into the app’s impact on user experience.
Findings & Recommendations
Improving Usability for Enhanced User Engagement
To resolve these issues, we recommend simplifying the user interface, enhancing feature visibility, offering detailed audio customization options, and improving instructions for engaging with AI capabilities. These changes will enhance accessibility and overall enjoyment for users.
Navigation Complexity
Users struggled with the app’s interface, finding it non-intuitive.
Feature Awareness
Lack of awareness about AI-generated affirmations hindered engagement.
Audio Customization
Users sought more control over sound settings and preferences.
Instructional Clarity
The need for clearer guidance on using AI features was evident.
To resolve these issues, we recommend simplifying the user interface, enhancing feature visibility, offering detailed audio customization options, and improving instructions for engaging with AI capabilities. These changes will enhance accessibility and overall enjoyment for users.
Enhancing the usability and navigation of Onboarding
Usability Issue
The onboarding screen was hard to navigate, lacked explanations, and was difficult to exit. The dark background created a sad mood.
Solution
The onboarding screen should be designed as a cheerful, user-friendly onboarding screen with clear exit options and more detailed content.
Decluttering Icons on the home screen
Usability Issue
The overload of icons confused users and made it hard to understand the interface with two rows cluttering the screen.
Solution
The focus area, audio settings, favorites, and settings icons can be rearranged. The app uses the settings menu to change the font and background and displays only primary action icons.
Creating a user friendly workflow for the focus area
Usability Issue
The interface was confusing with unclear icons and multiple navigation routes. Editing and deleting affirmations was difficult, requiring repetitive browsing.
Solution
Add an "Explore Focus Area" search bar at the top and remove the floating indicator. Use a swipe-right option to delete affirmations, making them easier to select or remove.
Providing Customization for Voice Setting
Usability Issue
Users found the voice too melancholic and wanted to adjust the settings. The variety of audio settings was overwhelming, and customizing for their moods was time-consuming.
Solution
Offer an option to customize the voice, including gender and speech speed. Combine ambiance, binaural beats, and audio settings for easy customization. Include a preview and visual representation of the sound.
“I like the suggestion of combining three different audio taps, customization of beats and ambiance. We also suggested making improvements by making better beats and ambiance. This is pretty interesting, we can make the customization a separate tab as well. I like the music selections, the preview, play, and pause. I notice a detail there of the state change.“ Kerry Siderakis, co-founder of Affirmative studio
Reflection
Big Insights in a Usability Testing: Navigating Challenges
This project was my first experience with Moderated Usability Testing (MUT), where I faced challenges balancing participant observation with communication. Despite this, our team successfully gathered valuable insights. The experience highlighted the importance of understanding user needs and targeting the right groups.
Positive client feedback and the practical application of our recommendations confirmed the project's impact. We expect these changes to improve app usability, enhance user experience, and promote positivity. This project boosted my usability testing skills and highlighted the potential of digital tools for mental well-being.
How do task-driven evaluations improve user interaction and experience?