Kingston University App Redesign
Redesign of the current app created for Kingston University based on feedback from students as well as my own experience with it. The project introduces a new interface as well as new features to make the app easier and more efficient for its users.
Duration: 5 days
Methods: Primary research methods were used for this project, including:
analyzing user feedback on Apple Store
user interviews
conducting own observations
Tools: Sketch, Adobe Illustrator
Year: 2019
Context
As a Kingston University app target user I had a chance to use and test this platform on a daily basis while developing my own opinions. The concept of an individual university application is great in itself, but its execution was not so good. I found it not aesthetically pleasing and struggled to do some tasks that this app was supposed to make easier for me. I was also lacking a lot of features that in my opinion should be essential in such an app or would simply be a nice addition to make student daily tasks more efficient. These problems inspired me to redesign this application as part of my first ever UX/UI project.
Research
Primary research:
Primary research that was conducted based on Apple Store app reviews as well as interviews with fellow student said that:
- the app is rated at 3.4 stars out of 5
- students use the app mainly to access the timetable and bus information
- students find the live bus tracker useless because it is not updated properly
- students feel that the links that are placed in the footer are irrelevant
- students are not aware of some practical features such as library opening hours or
“find a PC”.
- students use less than half of the links that the app offers
- students do not like the look and feel of the app
- students feel that the app has the potential to improve
Theory that informed my practice:
The way I study the idea of app design is based on hypertext theory. Just like in hypertext, app creation is characterized by links that create a non-linear story determined by users' actions. The hypertext also talks about how “movement between links and content should appear in low cognitive mode so that users don't have to spend time wondering what the computer will do or how to reach what they want”(Nielsen, 1995). I don't think this is the case in the current version of the app since it is very chaotic. If considering the hypertext approach, creating a design that focuses primarily on user comfort becomes easier.
Design Process
Define
Core features:
Menu - The current app is built of just one main page that contains everything that students can access. Footer navigation focuses on actions that users rarely use such as settings or search. The “arrange” link suggests that students should think for themselves which arrangement will work best for them, while a good design should be able to predict it on its own. A design that I am proposing is clearer to understand and places the main navigation in the footer. It divides the app into four sections that are most commonly used: home page, personal information page, transport page and student life page.
Student ID - Built in student ID is a new feature that provides students an instant access to their ID whenever and wherever. Without the use of physical cards, the university takes care not only of its students but also the environment. Built in cards are impossible to lose and are easy to access at any time. “You” page contains everything that is personal, from timetable, mail, access to Canvas and Box to extended learning opportunities.
Library & FASS loans page - The library & FASS Loans page shows all current loans for students to review and gives information about libraries opening hours. It provides students with easier access to books, as well as other university offerings, such as booking studio rooms or renting professional equipment.
Student life page - The last page focuses on everything student life related, including events in which everyone can get involved. This section is a place where students can access all the information necessary to make their university experience easier and brighter.
Design Guide
Colors used in the app were extracted from the Kingston University logo.
Final Product
Retrospective
Challenges: The main challenge in this project was learning how to operate the Sketch programme and how to illustrate my ideas. At that time I didn’t yet know where to access the library of free icons so in the final design they are all taken from different sources, which is visible.
What can be improved? I could have gathered more feedback from students on how they would see improved app. I should be more careful on the size of icons and check how big they should be for the mobile design, also use icons from one source for the design to be more professional and consistent.
What’s next? After a year since I made this design I was happy to see that in a new version (2020) of this app some of my ideas were actually implemented, meaning that so early in my career I had a very good understanding of future design trends and visionated main user needs.