Designing for Usability: Notefy
ID200: Module 2
This module was focused on designing for usability, focusing on user-centred design. We were tasked with creating our own note-taking app and making use of competitor research and a user-centred design approach to achieve a usable note-taking/reminders app. I designed an app called Notify, which would allow users to easily add and manage notes and reminders, with the addition of attaching voice recordings or image files to these notes or reminders for complete administration immersion.
The user-centred design process involved doing user research in the form of a general survey, and a specific user interview which served as an insight into the pain-points and objectives we are trying to solve. We then used this knowledge to create User personas, which we would base our final app around. These personas were used to put together a feature list that would be prioritised and fleshed out in an in-depth user flow diagram. We also had to conceptualise a rational database that would logically enable our app to process users and their notes or reminder items.
We then used all our preparation to design high-fidelity wireframes of our app, which would be fleshed out to final app designs after finding a brand identity and creating a style guide.
Researching Progressive Disclosure and Progressive Enhancement
What to avoid
User research
User Interview
1.What is the name of the app you are using?
2.How often and where?
3.What is the main reason for using the app?
4.how satisfied are you with your experience when performing this task?
5.What is the biggest frustration that you have come across?
6.does this stop you from using any particular features or have you found ways to work around the frustration
7. If yes, what shortcuts or alternatives have you found?
8. Do you ever struggle to use the app because you forget the user interface?
9. Has using the app frequently resulted in a better understanding of the features and interface?
10. Are there any features that you have started using without an initial knowledge of said features or have you always stuck to using the same features?
10.What new features have you learnt, did you find them accessible/easy to understand?
12. How do you like to organise your notes/reminders?
13.Do you use the default categories or do you have a personal system?
14. If personal system, why not use the default system?
15. Do you use the system default (apple notes, Samsung Notes, etc) app out of convenience, or do you like the way it works and the features it has?
16. Do you find it easy to differentiate between reminder and note items when they are displayed on the same page?
17.Yes? What makes it easy
17.No? What do you think could help, why is it so hard?
19. Does feedback such as being able to cross off list items or tick reminders provide an enhanced experience or do you find it distracting?
19. Do you think there is a better way to order notes than chronologically?
20. Do you like to know all of the tasks that you need to complete or do you prefer a focus on the most immediate task?
21. Do you find using the app at work makes it easier or more difficult to get things done, please elaborate.
User Personas
Add note
- Add type, add image, add voice recording, add video
- Change font styles
- Basic font styles, sizes and colour
- Header, sub-header and body text
- Add a Checklist or bullet points
- Cross off items
- Add numbered list
- Select content
- Copy, paste, cut, resize etc.
- Share note
- Move, share externally, copy
- Create category
- Add note to category
- Add date parameter, time parameter
- Prioritise reminder
- Organisation by category
- Add custom priority categories
- Set recurring reminder
- Snooze reminder
Rational Database Concept
User Flows and Feature Prioritisation
Wireframe Designs
Style Guide
Final Design File
