ROLE: UX DESIGN, VISUAL DESIGN
DURATION: FEBRUARY - MARCH 2023
Design a cross platform tool to alert hearing impaired about flight status
VISUAL DESIGN | UX | CONCEPTUALISATION | RESEARCH
Overview
Notifly is a flight status app that primarily allows the users to check the flight notification with just a tap of a button. Notifly also aims to focus on the hearing impaired, who will be able to check the last-minute alert smoothly and easily.
Problem statement
Passengers may find it burdensome to check the flight alerts or struggle to hear the announcements relevant to their schedule due to their challenges.
Goals
To create an inclusive design with a user-friendly mobile app and website for passengers, to prompt them to check the last-minute alerts. The goal is to focus on the notification page that should pop up on the main lock screen of the mobile device.
User research
The year 2020 was challenging for the travel sector. Our ability to travel has been hampered by the pandemic, and boarding an aeroplane seems like a very distant memory.
Since the situation has returned to normal, it would be fair to say that consumers are looking forward to booking trips on airline apps again.
After conducting an extensive analysis of flight alerts across different platforms, we found a significant limitation with existing flight booking apps. I noticed most apps do have flight alerts, but no notifications appear anywhere on the platforms, which makes the passengers frustrated. Moreover, there is limited accessibility on most websites, which is painful for people with disabilities. I have listed some pain points and usability issues that need to be addressed in order to provide a better user experience for our target audience.
Pain points
Decision making
Senior citizens and people with disabilities find it challenging to check flight alerts.
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User Experience
Too much irrelevant information makes digital platforms hard to use.
Competitive analysis
I looked at the competition's primary objectives and general approach, and
I came up with a strengths and weaknesses study.
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I was able to identify their key points of strength and weakness, which enabled
me to perform fact-based analysis and create ideas and strategies.
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In order to enhance the user experience, I looked at the advantages and disadvantages of Makemytrip, Skyscanner, and Airbnb based on user research.
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The Notifly app might use some work, as shown by comparing it to rival services.
User personas
User Journey
To better understand the user’s actions, problems, and motivations in each stage of the app, I have created a User Journey Map to further assist in identifying the possible pain points and improvement opportunities. A user journey map assists us in creating customers paths. Additionally, I am checking the bias items to reduce the impact.
Information Architecture
Paper wireframes
Before moving to digital, the initial step in the design process was to sketch out concepts on paper. I did a quick sketch on paper to come up with ideas for how to address the gaps identified in the competitive audits. My focus was specifically on push notifications for hearing-impaired users.
Digital wireframes
I made sure to collect comments and user research data based on design screens as the initial design phase progressed. In order to move forward with producing digital wireframes, I refined the first paper wireframes. It is now simpler to observe how the design may alleviate user aches and pains and enhance the user experience thanks to the transition flow.
Options appears on the main screen gives the users on what they are looking for.
Able to track the flight alert easily on the main screen.
I produced a low-fidelity prototype using the finished set of digital wireframes. The prototype may be used in usability research because the main user flow I connected was looking through a veterinary clinic and scheduling an online appointment.
Low fidelity prototype
Usability studies
With five participants of various ages, genders, abilities, and backgrounds, I conducted the first round of unmoderated usability research. Before moving to mockups, the results of this initial study guided the designs while they were still in the lo-fi prototyping stage.
Challenge 1
Based on the insights from the usability studies, I implemented a change: a push notification for a last-minute flight alert.
Before
After
Challenge 2
Before usability studies, there was no voice search icon on the home page; however, after usability studies, I added an icon for "Voice Search" for quick information.
Before
After
Style guides
High fidelity prototype
Followed the same user flow of low-fidelity prototype and updated the new elements after putting user usability research into practice. The final high-fidelity prototype featured a clearer and easier interface for consumers to check flight alerts and includes push notification.
Key mockup
Responsive Design
The designs for screen size variation included mobile, tablet and desktop. I optimized the design to fit specific users needs of each device and screen size.
Accessibility considerations
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Provided push notification to users for faster viewing.
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Used icons to help make navigation easier.
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Designed the site with alt text available on each page for smooth screen reader access.
Going forward
Impact
Customers were relieved when the app was shared, especially because no other app had push notifications. Users sharing the app make them relieved especially push notifications as no other app has it.
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One quote from peer feedback”
“This app is a lifesaver for every passenger who can easily check push notifications on the phone screen without opening the app."
Next steps
Conduct research on how successful the app is in reaching the goal to help the accessibility more user-friendly.
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Identify any additional areas of needs and ideate that need to focus on new features.
What I learnt
In order to develop a user-centered design, user research is essential since it helps identify the wants and problems of the target audience. User research aids in identifying user goals, motivations, and challenges that can be overcome during the design process.
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Recognise the needs and pain points of the user during the booking process.
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Give UI interfaces' simplicity and usability top priority.
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Use push notifications to convey succinct and clear information about the flight status.
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Make use of visual aids to direct the user's attention and aid in decision-making.
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Test and refine the design iteratively to enhance the user experience over time.