Google Calendar Redesign:
Motivation Reminders
Olivia Ao
PROBLEM:
For busy college students, managing multiple time commitments and maintaining motivation is a full-time job. Tools can be used to help us succeed. However, with so many different tools and applications on different platforms, it is hard to make use of all of them. How might we enhance Google Calendar to encourage users to stay productive and motivated?
NEEDS:
After engaging with our target group—college students—we uncovered several insights:
1. Procrastination is a common issue, with students seeking solutions to stay on task.
2. Users appreciate tools that are easily accessible through their current workflow.
3. There's a desire for customizable features to tailor the user experience to individual needs.
4. Students value both motivational nudges and overly aggressive reminders.
3. There's a desire for customizable features to tailor the user experience to individual needs.
4. Students value both motivational nudges and overly aggressive reminders.
IDEATION:
Divergent:
- Initial brainstorming: enforced focus times, aggressive notification tiers, and integration with other productivity tools
- Goal: find a balance between nudging users towards productivity and allowing them the flexibility to customize their experience
Convergent:
- Decided on enhancing the existing calendar with a motivational reminders feature
- Potential for simplicity and effectiveness
LOW FIDELITY PROTOTYPE:
MID FIDELITY PROTOTYPE:
USABILITY TESTING INSIGHTS:
Alex
Year: Sophomore
Major: Computer Science
Well-versed in technology
Uses Google Calendar for school and assignments
"Having aggressive notifications might actually push me to stick to my schedule." – Alex
"The reminder setup fits right into my usual planning, it's intuitive." – Alex
Emma
Year: Senior
Major: English
Moderate knowledge in technology
Uses Google Calendar for everything
Major: English
Moderate knowledge in technology
Uses Google Calendar for everything
"I'm more for gentle nudges than being harassed with notifications." – Emma
“If this feature is effective for me, they would definitely be extremely helpful during my busy days.” - Emma
Overall Feedback:
1. Could add a tutorial/more information about the customization options
2. Potentially add a couple preset options for notification ideas
3. Tool that will be extremely useful if effective
4. Very intuitive as it is implemented in an app that is familiar to most students
HIGH FIDELITY PROTOTYPE:
Have a look at Motivation Reminders, a new feature within Google Calendar meant to maximize productivity and increase motivation during your everyday tasks and assignments!
