Project Brief | UX method to identify problem
This UX project was to research a user problem from an interview to create an interactive prototype of a mobile application. The process involved using a planned approach with an iterative method to arrive at a packaged outcome and solution to the user's problem.
Research Interview
Questions were written for a user interview to inquire about interests to then discover some paint points relating to the topic for the foundation of a mobile app design to assist as a solution to the problem. Approximately 4-8 open ended questions emerged from the chosen topic of Travel and French.
Problem Statement
Joanne is unable to make real progress when learning French because the podcasts and apps she uses are not interactive, they waste her time, are boring and don’t include conversational learning techniques. She wants to form consistent habits with strategic plan to really improve her french. She also wants to study well before her travels to meet a friend in France.
Project Solution | "Affluer" Mobile App
To create a Mobile App. that engages the user specifically in French ‘conversation’ with real-time French speaking characters. The characters will converse with her directly as an interactive design feature, serving as the solution to the ‘pain point’ problem of not being able advance her french practise beyond disjointed words and phrases – allowing her to advance progressively into French conversations. She will still be able to practise subjects, words and phrases in the lead up to real conversations with a 'virtual' teacher.
The Affluer Concept
Creative concept to brand the solution with a french word 'Affluer'. This word is an accurate summation of the purpose for learning. Affluer means to stream in; come together; rush and pour in; and keep flowing.
The significance for this word is the user pain point of not having effective practise in conversational french.
Affluer Characters
YOUR VIRTUAL TEACHERS
The unique selling point of Affluer is the development of french characters sharing the language learning journey with the app users.
Wireframes and low fidelity prototype
Affluer app | User Flow
Prototype design
Iterative Designs - user feedback
Affluer Prototype - immediate user, and other ‘user’ feedback.
1. French characters may need to have the ‘user’ recorded message repeated or said clearer, may not understand immediately. Eg: Button – ‘sorry, please say that again?’ or ‘That sentence is incorrect… try again’, or ‘Go back and practice words and phrases, you’re not ready yet’.
2. Also user said she must be able to ‘practice’ her vocabulary/words, phrases and sentences, before full conversations in French.
4. Also user wanted to have an option to schedule days and conversations in advance, such as a weekly program of talks etc.
5. Users responded well to the interface design, loved the 'tutor characters' and found it fun to navigate the prototype. Users were interested in the recording and saving of sessions as a useful function for long term progress.