Linking Cyclists Together
Project Overview
The Ryders app was created as a group deliverable for my 'Advanced Interaction Design' unit at UTS. We utilised Adobe XD as the collaborative prototyping tool to design the app.
The main aim of Ryders was to evoke a sense of immersion in cycling through the creation of interaction and social communities for cyclists.
Introduction
Typical User Persona
Charlie Stewart is a recent UTS graduate with a full-time software development job located in his proximity. After purchasing a bike he frequents cycles to work most days of the week. His cycles to work take the same amount of time as train commutes do, and so finds it to be more efficient, less crowded, and a peaceful alternative to traditional commute modes.
As a software developer, he is very familiar with technology since he uses a PC daily. He enjoys tracking his transport and exercise activity through his Apple devices because he favours the features. Charlie finds himself too busy to meet new individuals although enjoys the company of others who share similar interests and hobbies.
The problem & the solution
The problem goals and needs that this application supports is the common situation of lonely cyclists seeking companionship on their way to work, school, etc. This aims to introduce the user experience of sociality to the daily commute where cyclists are able to meet up with new individuals who share similar routes in their routine.
The solution is the design of a mobile application available across both Apple and Android devices to bring forward a way of commuting that is unique and social.
☺︎
The Prototype
The prototype currently sits between a medium - high fidelity digital state, mocked up using Adobe XD, as it contains most of the functions and features of the finished product. Most of the aesthetic and overall UX design for the prototype has been established prior to evaluations and now has been even more refined through numerous tests and feedback.
In regards to operation, Ryders currently consists of functioning wireframes meaning users may digitally interact with the final prototype to gain an understanding of the main logistics of the application. Namely the main features of finding cyclists, joining meetups, pinging host spots, etc. Consequently, testers find how the app supports commuter experiences by primarily exploring the social aspect to which the application was intended to cater.
☺︎
Usability Testing
The usability testing for this prototype consisted of a series of controlled tests and experiences to measure the efficiency and effectiveness in completing specific tasks provided for the participant. These tests are then evaluated according to “Nielsen’s Usability Heuristics”, which are applied due to their ability to determine the ease of use and “user-friendliness” of digital interfaces.
Thus, the objectives of this evaluation are to establish whether or not users may understand the interface elements and successfully interact with them to achieve the goals, as well as to measure the number of errors, feelings, and reactionary behaviour without prior app knowledge. We managed to gain an understanding of Usability Heuristics in play and the few lacking that are required in order to increase the usability of the prototype.
Recruitment & Procedure
For our application, in particular, there is a broad audience range that may benefit from it. Although not defined, we vision that this app may cater for ages ranging 18 years and up due to its social and leisure/active nature which led us to recruit users of different ages to test the prototype.
As for the testing procedure, the usability tests were conducted in the one-to-one setting where the participant is introduced to the prototype, gets a hands-on test, and a brief interview afterward to discuss their experience.
Results
The overall usability of the prototype, in its current state, is decent as most of the features of the application are fairly obvious and can be accessed and navigated without much difficulty even for first-time users (tech familiar). However, throughout testing it was found that the prototype was lacking in a few aspects, most notably being a lack of “Help and documentation” across a few key interfaces. Multiple overlooked features also did not follow the consistency of the app and some irregularities were present.
Some issues present:
Need for user help when they’re stuck in any step of the process, especially during main phases
The visual clarity of the map is impacted upon by the colour of the map, making it difficult to see the pathways
Once a Ryder is selected and the preview is shown, there is no presence of a back button to reselect/go back to the previous screen
In certain parts of the app, it is unclear what is occurring on the screen and what element the user is to interact with
The user is not able to cancel the meetup. Once ‘Return to the main menu is clicked, the meetup is still ongoing.
☺︎
Improvements based on recommendations
#1 Applying a confirmation screen/button after the ryder is chosen for meetup
A solution to the 'Error Prevention'heuristic
#2 Including a ‘Cancel’ button in the meetup section of the app
A solution to the 'User control and freedom' heuristic
#3 Changing the placement and location of the filter button for clearer visibility
A solution to the 'Consistency and Standards' heuristic
☺︎
My contribution & summary
Multiple of the map-involved screens were designed by myself. Since I was the most proficient in adobe XD in my team and had some solid knowledge around the software, I was able to guide my team with designing.
This creation was the most challenging, as working in a team, we strive to be on the same page and take in as many ideas from each other as possible. Design styles are bound to conflict and through this project, i have become more versatile with working in a team.
I aspire to become a visual problem solver and this project has allowed me to think outside the box to create solutions for modern individuals. Overall, I've gained design brainstorming, concept video, user research, prototyping, and interaction design skills from the creation of the Ryders application.
☺︎
