Project Brief:
This project was designed to have designers create an IOS version of an emergency services application. The app would ideally serve an emergency function and have smaller moving part within its structure to create a seamless user experience that would be helpful in an emergency situation of some sort.
Project Idea/Why I found it interesting:
Women in the US need a way to alert/call for help if they feel threatened, in order to provide peace of mind to themselves and their families.
It has been documented that “78% of the victims who are abducted into situations of trafficking are women” (CTDC). That puts women at a significantly higher risk of abduction than men. “Globally, an estimated 71% of enslaved people are women and girls, while men and boys account for 29%” (Dosomething.org).To think that this large of a percentage exists currently, one would imagine that there are strong efforts in place to correct this, and there are many good ones, but they need strong allies in their corner to strengthen the fight against these crimes.
Female tech users need access to an application such as this, which could potentially work through mobile phone, tablet or even computers, pigging out an alert and GPS location of a woman who feels scared or worried she may be in a compromised situation. This could provide a significant amount of peace of mind to the user as well as their families. Even if this application Beta starts in small ways, it has enormous potential. This application could not only empower women who live in fear, but also possibly deter criminals by providing more hurdles for them to stumble on, giving police more precious time.
To me, this was a topic an idea I had to explore because of the lack of current applications in this realm. Within the apps I did find and research, I found that they were lacking in details needed for complete safety or that of loved ones.
References
Counter-Trafficking data COLLABORATIVE (CTDC). CTDC. (n.d.). Retrieved September 21, 2021, from https://www.ctdatacollaborative.org/story/abducted-victims (Links to an external site.).
11 facts about human trafficking. DoSomething.org. (n.d.). Retrieved September 21, 2021, from https://www.dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-human-trafficking (Links to an external site.).
A written description of the work completed:
To complete this project I went through a lot of small steps within a few different programs. I used templates downloaded to Adobe XD to get IOS icons and structure. I used my IPAD and Adobe Draw to create a small logo for the Application. Adobe photoshop was used manipulate photos that I put into my app. I had to link icons to actions to create a smooth and user friendly application. By using adobe illustrator I was able to make a workflow chart that helped me keep the app prototyping in order. I watched several tutorials on Adobe.com as well as YouTube videos to help me get ideas of how to make the app user intuitive.
Design research:
I used free stock photos form the internet to create visuals to accompany the Flow Chart. In the application itself I tried to use calming colors, photos of women and a very readable font. I went through a process of checking the visuals again their backgrounds to ensure things wield not get lost along the way. The colors were meant to compliment the visuals.
Individual screen designs:
How I prioritize my design updates based on the feedback I received
Consolidated feedback in categories for update:
Based on the feedback and testing I made 5 priority categories. The items listed in each category are what I plan to focus on.
Aesthetics: Font is too small and inconsistent in size, the options need to be larger, all things centered for balance, colors need work to help visibility and clarity but they need to stay consistent. First screen is confusing unless a timed transition is added. Logo should be centered but smaller and the name of the app should be centered as well, less empty space.
Icons: Clean up and make sure proportions are right, make all uniform, drop shadows could help identify and some may need short explanations to help users navigate.
User friendly: Get rid of back button if not needed, fix sign in glitch with face id screen, hover effect could help users.
Menus: Less is more, make sure they link to the right ipotion, why do we need to search on a location screen, and the keyboard should go away once tapped. There could be a shortcut menu button to help get back to that more quickly.
Emergency: Needs to be much easier to access, consider a safety button feature with an added screen that asks users to be “sure” before allowing them to proceed.
Based on the feedback above and screen shot feedback, I have decided to start in the order of categories above. I will take the look and feel and tweak it to be cleaner, more aligned and give things the right size for focus. I intend to then move on to making sure the icons look good and are polished, and they are linked to relevant things. The app needs to be more user friendly so I intend to add some short but informative descriptions where necessary. There are some function, location and frequency issues with the menus that should be remedied by simplifying the layout and links. The most important aspect I want to make more prominent and easy to access is the actual “Emergency Alert” feature. It fell wayside in the thick of design and I intend to make it the star I created her to be!
My research analysis, including quantitative and qualitative insights
Quantitative findings: The more people navigated the application the more the same issues got a tick mark. There was a direct correlation between how many times people clicked a button (2-3) and how smoothly the transition was, meaning that the more choppy the transition or confusing caused more clicking to reaffirm an issue in experience not user.
Qualitative findings: I found that the simpler the better with an emergency application. If the screens are too busy, it can cause confusion and that is the worst outcome in an emergency situation. After simplifying the action buttons and menu, navigation seemed to flow and there were not extra buttons on the screen to confuse the user.
How I ran my unmoderated remote usability tests:
I would change an aspect of the design then go directly to the start and record myself moving through the application. By doing this I was able to make sure I was not leaving out any steps that could disrupt the flow of the user. I went in order, ne screen at a time to make sure Nothing was missed. After each computer monitor test I moved through testing on the iphone based application to make sure it translated just as well.
Updated retrospective
What did I find most challenging about this latest round of design updates?
After this round it was clear I would have to make some major changes which can make it difficult to know where to begin. I had to remove a few boards and add some which affected the order of animation. I think it can get overwhelming to make such fundamental changes but it was very needed and helpful.
What was the biggest lesson I learned from this design project?
The biggest lesson I learned would have to be time management. The things I thought would not take long, ended up eating up a lot of time. I know now that a very padded schedule for production is helpful but being decisive and confident is better.
References/Citations
Counter-Trafficking data COLLABORATIVE (CTDC). CTDC. (n.d.). Retrieved September 21, 2021, from https://www.ctdatacollaborative.org/story/abducted-victims.
11 facts about human trafficking. DoSomething.org. (n.d.). Retrieved September 21, 2021, from https://www.dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-human-trafficking.
Eyediass Digital Design 