Week 10 - Content
For this weeks challenge activity, we have been asked to consider the content that we have in our app. The content embodies both the design and the user experience. I created a content inventory which lists all the raw data from the prototype. Content inventories are a useful process, though sometimes painstakingly long.
“Beyond the basic assessment of a website’s content quantity and quality, they help designers understand an information space, facilitate strategic conversations, and uncover substantive insights that directly influence design direction and strategy. In short, we increase our likelihood of redesign success by approaching audits with these broader goals in mind.” (Detzi, 2012).
Fig 1. Content Inventory for Walkease prototype (3rd iteration).
Even as I compiled this document, I was shocked by how much content I had on each screen. Aside from the onboarding screens, every page has links to the hamburger (which itself links back to new search pages), a home screen button and close icons. At the bottom of each page, you find back buttons. From carrying out this task and really analysing the elements on the page, it made me realise that a user visiting my app for the first time, would feel overwhelmed by the amount of options they have.
I also noticed how by not having a clear navigation menu at the bottom of each page, you always felt unsure where in the app you were. The home page does not look like a home page, or state anywhere that that’s what it is. I knew at this stage that my navigation and app structure needed refining at the next iteration.
This is quite a word heavy app, with descriptions of destinations, peer and user reviews, and step by step walking guides. Aside from a few basic illustrations and an image for each search result, there was a noticeable lack of visual interest. Instead, the eye is drawn to the orange buttons, often too many per page.
By analysing this raw data, I have a clear idea how to proceed moving forwards with a fourth iteration. I intend to insert a clear navigation menu at the bottom of each page (past the onboarding screens). Whilst a hamburger menu looks nice, I don’t think it is necessary for this app, as I can see that it can lead to duplication and confusion for the user. I will group my pages as follows:
Home Screen - this will include the search fields, small cards to show favourite walks and direct access to guides, a suggested walk and the newsletter sign up.
Favourites - a carousel with larger cards of the users saved walks.
Gallery - this will stay as before, with a grid showing all images taken by the user on walks, with the ability to make each image larger.
Profile - this section allows the user to update their personal details.
I also wanted to revisit my onboarding screens to ensure that I really showcased the benefits of this app to the user. Previously, I used titles such as Inspiring, Peace of Mind, and Convenience, which in hindsight don’t entirely make sense. I also want to use real imagery instead of the illustrations. This app is to be used to experience real destinations, and the benefits both the user and their dog could gain from them. Real images can actively evoke a sense of what it would be like to use this app to go walking with your dog and the human-dog connection it activates.
“a photograph has the power to do infinitely more than document. It can transport us to unseen worlds.” (Draper, 2013)
Previous Onboarding Experience
Updated Onboarding Experience
References
Detzi, C (2012). From Content Audit to Design Insight. [online]. Available at: https://uxmag.com/articles/from-content-audit-to-design-insight [Accessed 14th April 2022]
Draper, R. 2013. The power of photography. National Geographic, 224(4)