Special Events App
Case Study:
Special Events
App Design
Project Overview
The problem
Many event apps and websites don't provide users with a simple way to RSVP quickly, ability to view event details easily, and visible contact information for app assistance. This makes users frustrated, give up on using the app or website to RSVP, and contact the event organizer to RSVP and get information.
The goal
Design a Special Events app that allows users to view event details, RSVP, contact event organizer and contact app support easily and quickly.
The product
Special Events is a mobile phone application that allows users to easily and quickly RSVP, view event details, visible app assistance and ability to contact the event organizer easily. The typical user is 18 to 70 years old. Most users are tech savvy and always use their mobile phone to access information, but some users need encouragement to use their mobile phone to RSVP. Special Events' goal is to make the RSVP process and other tasks easy and quick for everyone.
My role
UX designer leading the Special Events app design
Responsibilities
User research, conducting interviews, paper and digital wireframing, low and high-fidelity prototyping, conducting usability studies, accounting for accessibility, and iterating on designs.
Project duration
May 2021 to September 2021
Understanding the User
I conducted interviews and created empathy maps to understand the users I’m designing for and their needs. A primary user group identified through research was busy adults who need a special events app that’s mobile device responsive and user friendly.
This user group confirmed initial assumptions about some special events apps seem difficult to use because the user’s lacks excellent digital literacy, but research revealed that was not the only factor in preventing a good user experience. Another factor was that some special events apps are not mobile device responsive. Other user problems included busy schedules, missing and difficult to find information on app, and lack of support from app to assist users. These problems cause users to spend too much time on the task.
User Pain Points
Digital Literacy
Special events apps should be user friendly with simple and clear information. They should not require a user to have excellent technology or computer fluency.
Mobile Responsiveness
Some special events websites are not responsive on mobile devices which make it difficult to view major details.
Time
Working adults are too busy to spend a lot of time attempting to navigate through a difficult special events app.
Content & Layout
The content on a special events app should always be consist on all platforms. Call-to-action buttons, navigation menus, landing and redirect pages should function properly, as well as, display major event details.
Support
Customer service and technical support contact details should always be available to users.
Persona & Problem Statement
Sharon is a busy working wife and mother who needs an uncomplicated special events app with no missing information because she is always on the go and wants to complete as many tasks as possible on her mobile device.
User Journey Map
Mapping Sharon's user journey revealed how useful it is for users to have a straightforward and functional special events app that saves times.
Starting the Design
Paper Wireframes
Drafting the screens on paper helped in visually addressing the user pain points and organizing the best user flow. These iterations ensured that all elements are represented for a good user experience. For the homescreen, I prioritized a simple way to quickly start the RSVP process to help users save time.
Digital Wireframes
Based on the initial findings and feedback from the user research, I made sure to include the “Invite Code” where users can start the RSVP process quickly. As a helpful feature, I added the “Change Language” button to the top of the Homescreen. Additionally, the clickable feedback, accessibility, and help buttons are available at the bottom of every screen. View the Special Events App low-fidelity prototype
In continuing the initial design phase, I wanted to acknowledge the user pain points by making sure the event details' section, contacting event organizer button and RSVP options are clearnly visible and clickable. Since the app is mobile device responsive, the user will be able to complete this task on the go.
To improve the overall user experience, I ensured the menu contents are uncomplicated and quick to navigate through. Additionally, I wanted to guarantee that various user needs are available.
Usability Findings
Based on the initial findings and feedback from the user research, I made sure to include the “Invite Code” where users can I conducted two rounds of usability studies. Findings from the first study helped guide the designs from wireframes to mockups. The second study used a high-fidelity prototype and revealed what aspects of the mockups needed refining.
Round 1 findings
Users want to easily view special event details on their mobile device.
Users want to RSVP easily and quickly.
Users want to be able to contact the event organizer or app support simply, if necessary.
Round 2 findings
The word "Menu" was slight confusing and the "Menu" button was not easily utilized as an option to find the contents of the app for some users.
The "Change Language" button was in a unrecognizable location and cluttered the homescreen.
Icons and words were too small and not easily seen with visually impaired users.
Refining the Design
Mockups
Early designs showed a cluttered Homescreen, but after the second usability study, I eliminated the Homescreen and replaced it with a "Contents" screen. I revised the contents of the app in order to simplify the user flow.
Initially the Homescreen appeared to have too many buttons and too much information for users to process without feeling overwhelmed. After the second usability study, I adequately distributed information and positioned buttons neatly throughout the app to declutter - creating a cleaner layout. For example, I eliminated the "Change Language" button from the Homescreen. Now users can change language easily by going to the "Accessibility & Language Options" screen. This location is similar to other apps and is a familiar path to the user.
The second usability study revealed confusion about the word "Menu". I changed the "Menu" button label to "Contents". Additionally, I changed images and fonts to create consistency in the app. I also scaled the screen, added a title to the screen, dividers, sections, more icons and rearranged the screens to make a cleaner layout.
Accessibility Considerations
1. Hierarchy
Clearly organized content, labels, and titles provide guidance for users relying on screen readers.
2. Navigation
Recognizable icons and buttons allow users to easily locate important content quickly.
3. Alternate options
Various options are available to make sure users have more than one way to complete tasks.
Refined Designs
High-fidelity Prototype
The final high-fidelity prototype visually presented uncluttered screens, unity and consistency with colors and images. It also meets the user needs for function by providing a easy and quick RSVP process.
View the Special Events App high-fidelity prototype
Going Forward
Takeaways
Impact
The app encourages users who are not tech savvy, to feel confident that they can RSVP simply without any assistance.
One quote from study participant feedback:
"I would recommend this app because I was able to RSVP on my own easily and quickly. I did not need to contact the event organizer directly, but it was nice having an easy access button located on the screen, if needed to."
What I learned
While designing the Special Events app, I learned that what a designer thinks is simple and clear does not always mean that the user will think the same way. I also learned that the color palette and images significantly impacted the users' moods in a positive way - feelings of calm, peace, and ease with motivated them to continue their tasks unperturbed. Usability studies and peer reviews also positively impacted my designs.
Next Steps
1. User Feedback
Review user feedback that might be sent from the app feedback screen.
2. User Research
Perform additional research based on user feedback.
3. Testing
Perform another usability study with a more diverse participant population to ensure that the app is easy and visually appealing to everyone.