Application Design - Project 3: Lo-Fi App Design Prototype

3.6.2024 - 15.7.2024 ( Week 6- Week 12)
Gam Jze Shin / 0353154
Application Design / Bachelor of Design in Creative Media
Project 3: Lo-Fi App Design Prototype


Index

1. Instructions
2. Project 3
3. Feedback
4. Reflection


Instructions


Project 3: Lo-Fi App Design Prototype

After completing the UX design process, students will create a low-fidelity prototype of their app. They should arrange all screen wireframes, actions, and visual feedback, linking them together in a prototyping software such as Adobe XD, Figma, or Invision Studio. Next, students must conduct usability testing by inviting guests to interact with their low-fidelity prototype. During these tests, students will gather information, responses, feedback, and note any pain points observed. This process should be documented through video recordings and a detailed analysis document that outlines the findings and proposed solutions to the issues encountered by testers.


Visual Design Concept
Before we start designing the low-fidelity app, we need to base our design on our chosen app and think about the UI kits, including color, iconography, typography, and more. This will help guide our design process.


fig 1.1 UI kits

Additionally, I researched layout references of e-commerce applications online to understand what constitutes a good UI design for e-commerce layouts.

 
fig 1.2 E-commerce layout design references via online


Designing Progress
After deciding all the UI kits, designing progress can be start.


fig 1.3 process in Figma

First, I created the login page and the loading page, which will navigate to the homepage.

fig 1.4 Login and homepage

Next, I focused on creating the homepage and side menu page. I noticed that the current Senheng app lacks a side menu, leading to a cluttered homepage with too much information. To make the homepage cleaner and less complicated, I summarized and moved some features to the side menu page, allowing users to access them more easily.

fig 1.5 - 1.6 Home and side menu page

I began by working on the navigation bar, specifically the search and notifications pages. Since the filter options in the current Senheng app are not very visible, I made them more prominent to improve usability.

fig 1.7 - 1.8 Notifications and product page

After that, I redesign the "My Cart" page and the product page. The "My Cart" page allows users to view and manage items they have added to their cart, providing an organized and accessible way to review their selections before proceeding to checkout. The product page showcases individual items, offering detailed information and options to enhance the shopping experience. Both pages are designed to improve user navigation and streamline the purchasing process.

fig 1.9 Cart and product page

Additionally, the profile page is crucial for users to access their order forms, track their order status, and view their purchase history. This page serves as a central hub for managing their account-related information and interactions with the app, making it easier for users to keep track of their activities and stay updated on their orders.

fig 1.10 Profile page

The additional features in my redesigned Senheng app include a QR page and a photo search page. The QR page allows users to scan QR codes for quick access to product information or special offers, enhancing convenience and interactivity. The photo search page enables users to upload or take pictures to find similar products, making the search process more intuitive and efficient. These features aim to improve user engagement and streamline the shopping experience.

fig 1.11 QR and searching photo page

Usability Test
In this stage, I developed three scenarios/tasks with detailed descriptions that require users to perform specific actions within the application. Three people are involved in this usability test of the low-fidelity Senheng app design.

fig 1.12 Prototype in Figma with 3 scenarios

I placed the three scenarios in Figma's presentation view so that participants can refer to them while conducting the usability test. The three scenarios are:

Scenario 1: Adding Products to Cart

  • As a new user of the Senheng app, imagine you have just downloaded it. First, navigate to the category page and find the Laifen product. Then, use the filter functions to find the most suitable option and apply the filter. Next, view the product's details and add the product to your cart. After this, double-check to ensure that it has been successfully added to your cart.

Scenario 2: Purchasing a Product

  • In this scenario, imagine you would like to find a product using the Photo Search function. Click on any product you like and view its details. Then, choose your favorite options and proceed to payment until the payment is completed.

Scenario 3: Tracking Your Order
  • Now, imagine you have completed your order and received a notification. You would like to check your order form to confirm your order. Then, you want to view the tracking status of the product. After a few days, you receive your order and want to find the history of your order to view it.



fig 1.13 - 1.15 Usability Test Video

The videos above document the usability playtest conducted by different participants.

User Feedback
I asked for feedback from the 3 participants. Here is the link of user feedback in Google docs.

fig 1.16 User Feedback - Google Docs


Summary of Areas for Improvement Based on User Feedback

  • Font Size: Increase the font size for better readability, especially on larger screens like computers.
  • Icons and Buttons: Enhance visibility and responsiveness of icons and buttons. Implement hover effects to indicate when a specific page is selected or a button is clicked.
  • Layout: Improve layout consistency, such as displaying the home page in the background during login instead of a blank screen with an ad. Ensure the design remains clean despite the presence of multiple brands and categories.

Final Outcome
Click here to view the walkthrough video of low-fi Senheng app design prototype in YouTube.

fig 1.17 Low fidelity walkthrough video - YouTube


Click here to view the Final Low Fidelity Wireframe in Figma.

fig 1.18 - 1.19 Final Low Fidelity Wireframe - Figma


Feedback

Week 13
Specific Feedback: The flow of the page should be improved; for example, on the order form page, clicking the back button should return to the previous page instead of navigating to another page. Additionally, after clicking the "Add to Cart" button, there should be a visible effect to confirm the action and prevent user confusion.

Week 12
Specific Feedback: 
Mr. Wong suggested that the user scenarios could be written in more detail by following the sample provided by the lecturer.

Week 11.
Specific Feedback: In the home page layout arrangement, super deals should be placed above the brand stores to attract users when they browse the e-commerce mobile app.


Reflection

Project 3
In this project, I had the opportunity to redesign an app of my choice, as outlined in my proposal, using Figma. I created a complete wireframe prototype from scratch. Designing an app is a complex process that involves considering the concept and style, choosing fonts and colors, deciding on spacing, and more. All UI kits must be confirmed before starting the design to ensure consistency throughout.

Thinking and problem-solving skills (TGCs 2) were applied in this project as I needed to figure out how to redesign a better version of the Senheng app, addressing the problems and weaknesses of the current version. I realized that user feedback is crucial because it highlights areas for improvement in my design. Overall, redesigning and creating the low-fidelity version of the Senheng app was enjoyable, and I am satisfied with the outcome.


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