A Scavenger Hunt App Prototype
What is "Schnitzeljagd"?
Schnitzeljagd is a prototype mobile application that I have developed. The main idea was to create an app that enables users to enjoy a game of Scavenger Hunt without a large set up time.
The Process
In order to create an application that was "fast, simple, and intuitive", we explored several important concepts such as:
Thinking like a UXer
Understanding the User
Fundamental Designs
Usability Testing
Redefining the Design
Each step would also reflect the UX Design Process from start to finish. All of which would eventually shape what Schnitzeljagd would look like in the end.
Thinking Like a UXer
One of the key steps to thinking like a UXer is doing research on the current similar apps on the market. By doing product research, we have an idea of the different types of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats competitors bring to the table.
This information is essential in creating an executive summary that focuses on what needs to be accomplished in Schnitzeljagd.
Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT TABLE) along with an brief example executive summary
Understanding the User
Once we have an idea of what needs to be focused on, it's time to take a user based approach in order to figure out exactly how Schnitzeljagd will appeal to certain audiences.
User insights on how they feel about a Scavenger Hunt app are obtained through survey questions. This information is then sorted through affinity maps that show key points of behaviors, frustrations, and attitudes. User personas are then created to represent a broader audience of users. Finally, a mental model is created based off these user personas to reflect how they may feel navigating Schnitzeljagd.
Persona and User Journey profiles help push Schnitzeljagd in a simpler direction favoring the ability to quick play over other functions
Fundamental Designs
Here we start to take a look at how to build the frame work and architecture of Schnitzeljagd. The process begins with a site map which serves as the ground work for the low, mid, and high fidelity prototypes. Balsamiq and Proto.io were utilized for mid and and high fidelity prototypes.
Low Fidelity Prototype Hand Sketched (Creation of an Account)
Mid Fidelity Prototype Using Balsamiq (Creation of an Account)
Rapid High Fidelity Prototype Using Proto.io (Creation of an Account)
Usability Testing
Even with a High Fidelity wireframe, Schnitzeljagd was nowhere near finished. In this process of design, the high fidelity clickable prototype was sent out for user testing. Different testing methods ranging from moderated in person and moderated remote were explored to figure out which types were best for which scenario.
Ultimately, moderated in person testing was selected to create a more controlled test with specific results. A carefully created Usability Script and Test Plan were used to help facilitate the process of testing.
In addition A/B preferential testing was conducted to gather quantitative data on design decisions that were changed due to feedback.
A/B Preference Testing Results Show what users preferred (Conducted on UsabilityHub.com)
Refining the Design
With user feedback in tow, it's time to polish Schnitzeljagd's design. Using a combination of visual design principles such as Gestalt's laws of grouping, CareerFoundry's principles of design, and iOS Material guides--Schnitzeljagd's goes through several visual reiterations to be refined.
From start to finish, see below for the evolution of Schnitzeljagd.
Mid Fidelity Prototype
High Fidelity Prototype
High Fidelity Prototype Refined to Accommodate User Feedback
High Fidelity Prototype further down the refining process. User feedback indicated that the majority all still felt that the app was bland so the background was changed. Visuals are fine tuned to look more aesthetically pleasing and easily navigated.
What's Next for Schnitzeljagd?
While refining the design is the last step in the design process, that does not necessarily mean that Schnitzeljagd is a fully realized and complete app. There are always improvements / additions to be made and the refining is a constantly ongoing process.
Please visit the link below for a clickable prototype.
https://pr.to/TK6FL3/
