The objective of this project was to enhance both the functionality and user perception of an app that currently doesn't operate well in terms of its design and functionality.
For this project, I utilized Figma extensively to craft and design each screen of the app. Illustrator was pivotal in shaping the logo and various design aspects. Moreover, Adobe Photoshop came into play for refining images and creating visual assets. By adopting this comprehensive approach, I ensured a seamless integration of design elements.
The Yik Yak app contains many content issues including; a lack of filters throughout the app, content repetitiveness, and the absence of content screening before posting. Within the app, there are a lot of communities that students can scroll through. However, when finding a community there is no filter, but rather a search bar. Also, there are two areas where users can search for communities which is very repetitive. One way is through the hamburger bar located in the top left corner, and another way is through the bottom toolbar. Before posting, Yik Yak does not provide a screening to check for inappropriate content. AI can detect and remove content that goes against the Community Guidelines before anyone reports it by searching for specific words which Yik Yak does not utilize. Yik Yak can also send the content to human review teams to take a closer look and make a decision on the discussion. This will help the number one content issue on Yik Yak, which is inappropriate content.
Usability Issues
Regarding usability problems, Yik Yak encounters a couple, including the absence of filters and screens that can be overwhelming. The initial problem arises during scrolling on the main page, where the bottom navigation bar vanishes. To make it reappear, the user needs to scroll upward. There is also a lack of filters for communities resulting in frustration from new users and returning users. Users would have to take more time to find what they are looking for. The app contains overloaded screens in that there is too much information and options that may overwhelm users. Lastly, when scrolling on the app, there is not a way for users to return to the top of the page. Leading to the user having to scroll back to the top in order to view new posts.
Visual Design Issues
The app contains a few visual design issues such as an excessive use of emojis and an abundance of images and colors that may inundate the user. Within the app, Yik Yak utilizes emojis in that there are emojis sporadically everywhere on the app. The emojis on the app block important information/navigations. These emojis are simply for design, however, they are poorly placed. Also, each Yik Yak community contains an image chosen by the creator of the community. This results in a profuse amount of images and colors that will overwhelm the user. Ultimately, the creators of the app ignore their user feedback and are not willing to make design improvements based on their suggestions.
Content Issues
The Yik Yak app contains many content issues including; a lack of filters throughout the app, content repetitiveness, and the absence of content screening before posting. Within the app, there are a lot of communities that students can scroll through. However, when finding a community there is no filter, but rather a search bar. Also, there are two areas where users can search for communities which is very repetitive. One way is through the hamburger bar located in the top left corner, and another way is through the bottom toolbar. Before posting, Yik Yak does not provide a screening to check for inappropriate content. AI can detect and remove content that goes against the Community Guidelines before anyone reports it by searching for specific words that Yik Yak does not utilize. Yik Yak can also send the content to human review teams to take a closer look and make a decision on the discussion. This will help the number one content issue on Yik Yak, which is inappropriate content.
