Client:
a class project for UX Bootcamp
My Role:
UX Researcher & Designer
Timeline:
3 months
methods & skills:
Market Research
Remote User Interviews
Affinity Mapping
Persona Creation
Competitive Analysis
Card Sorting
Information Architecture
Sketching
Paper Prototyping
Wireframing
Visual Design
Prototyping
Remote Usability Testing
Tools:
Draw.io
Google Forms
InVision
Optimal Workshop
Pen, Paper, & Post-Its
Sketch
Zoom
Deliverables:
User Interview Results
2 Personas
Competitive Analysis
Sitemap
User Flow
Wireframes
Prototype
Overview:
Securely Social is a mobile security app I designed that ensures your privacy when using social media by protecting and concealing your personal information from the platform itself as well as unauthorized people.
Challenge:
The majority of American adults report that they use Facebook. However, nearly two-thirds of Americans have experienced a major data breach. I needed to find a secure way for people to communicate on social media without concern for their personal information being stored, monitored, monetized, or stolen.
Process:
After compiling quantitative background research on the use of social media in America, I sought more qualitative insights to provide a greater understanding of the issue. I conducted remote user interviews and created an affinity map to help me to better assess user needs, wants, and pain points.
I used this quantitative and qualitative interview data to inform the creation of personas and a storyboard of ideal use that kept my users in mind throughout the rest of my process. Additionally I conducted a competitive analysis of popular apps already on the market to see if any existing product could meet my users’ needs.
Next I developed a simple user flow showing how to access social media for both new and current app users. I also conducted a closed card sort to gain feedback regarding the pages where users would expect to find each informational item. This greatly informed the app’s information architecture. With the structure in place, I began drawing low-fidelity sketches and tested some paper prototypes. Once I had decided on a general design and layout, I created medium-fidelity wireframes and a prototype.
Outcome:
Through usability testing, I learned that my users liked Securely Social’s ease of use, but they wanted to eliminate redundant elements and standardize the text. They were also unsure of the location of the feedback button. With these changes in mind, I created the high-fidelity version of Securely Social.
Lesson Learned:
Keep It Simple!
It’s imperative that the user’s journey to and experience with their preferred social media not be hindered by its integration into Securely Social. Unfortunately, my first wireframes had redundancies, inconsistent text, and too many screens; all of which can lead to a confusing flow. To remedy this, my updated wireframes made Securely Social as clean, concise, intuitive, and convenient as possible.