Assignment 6
Task List
| Title | Instruction | Rationale | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Task 1 | Send a Friend Request | Currently, you are logged in as Matthew. Please send a friend request to Luke. | This task serves to assess the ease with which users can initiate a friend request, providing valuable insights into the effectiveness of the user interface design for this feature. By observing user interactions, we aim to uncover any potential friction points or areas where the friending process may not be as intuitive as intended. This user-based evaluation offers a perspective that goes beyond a cognitive walkthrough, allowing us to gauge the actual user experience and identify any design refinements necessary to enhance user-friendliness and efficiency in this specific feature. |
| Task 2 | Logout/Login and accept friend requests | Please log out of Matthew's account and then log in to Luke's account, pretending you are Luke. Luke's username is 'Luke' and his password is also 'Luke.’ | This task is designed to evaluate the user interface's effectiveness in seamlessly facilitating the acceptance of friend requests. It aims to provide crucial insights into how intuitively the app guides users through this process. Additionally, it will gauge the ease with which users can navigate to the settings to log out of one account and log in as another user. By observing users in action, we aim to uncover any potential stumbling blocks or areas where the process of accepting requests or logging in/out may not be as intuitive as anticipated. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the actual user experience. We hope to learn if the UI elements are placed in a way that naturally leads users to accept friend requests, and if the process of switching accounts is intuitive and seamless. |
| Task 3 | Creating AI/non-AI posts | "Next, I'd like you to create two posts. For the first post, please utilize the AI feature. For the second post, create it without using AI." | This task aims to assess the intuitiveness of creating posts, both with and without the assistance of AI Image Generator. Through this evaluation, we seek to gain insights into how we can enhance the user experience in terms of creating and viewing their posts, as well as interacting with friends' posts. Additionally, we aim to understand how seamlessly users can transition between utilizing AI features and regular posting methods. By observing user interactions, we hope to identify any potential usability challenges and areas for improvement. Specifically, we want to ascertain if users find it straightforward to switch between AI-powered and traditional posting methods. This user-centered evaluation will provide valuable feedback to refine the user interface and functionalities, ensuring a seamless and user-friendly experience for creating and interacting with posts. |
| Task 4 | Adding Comments To Posts | "Next, please add a comment to one of the posts." | This task is designed to evaluate the intuitiveness of the process for users to add comments to posts, while also considering the aesthetic appeal of the user interface. By observing user interactions, we aim to gauge how easily users can engage with posts by leaving comments. Additionally, we seek to assess the visual design elements to ensure they contribute to a pleasing and user-friendly experience. This evaluation will provide valuable insights into both the functionality and visual aesthetics of the commenting feature, allowing us to make any necessary improvements for a seamless and visually appealing user experience. |
| Task 5 | Creating Memories | "Next, please create a memory. When setting the 'Memory Open Date', please choose a date in the past. Typically, we'd set it in the future, but for this user test, selecting a past date allows you to immediately view the memory." | This task evaluates the user interface's effectiveness in creating memories and the clarity of accompanying instructions. Additionally, we seek user input on the visual appeal of the memories layout and their interest in the 'Random Memory' functionality. By observing user interactions, we aim to uncover any potential challenges or areas for improvement that may not be apparent in a cognitive walkthrough. This assessment will provide valuable insights into how users perceive and interact with the memory creation process, offering an authentic perspective on the user experience. These insights will inform design refinements for a more intuitive and engaging interface. |
Study Report 1: User Testing with Wilson
Key Observations:
Friend Request Task:
Wilson's initial attempt to send a friend request to Luke highlighted a critical usability issue. He gravitated towards the search bar, assuming it would facilitate user discovery for sending friend requests. This misconception led to visible confusion and attempts to troubleshoot, including venturing into unrelated tabs like Memories. Wilson's expectation aligned more with platforms like Facebook, where a search bar is used for user discovery. This insight underscores the need for a clearer call-to-action for initiating friend requests.
Wilson's Expectation: Wilson expected to locate a search bar to input Luke's name, a common convention in social platforms, allowing users to search and send friend requests.
Interface Response: However, the interface did not meet this expectation. Instead of a search bar, Wilson found a navigation tab labeled "Memories," which led to initial confusion. When he attempted to search for Luke in the search bar, the interface did not yield any results, leading to further frustration.
Login/Logout & Accept Friend Request Task:
Wilson found the login/logout process intuitive. He navigated to the 'Settings' tab with ease, following up with navigating to the 'Friends' tab when he wanted to accept the friend request, indicating a clear understanding of the navigation structure that most likely developed through task 1. This positive feedback suggests that once within the context of friend-related operations, users find it straightforward to interact with the platform.
Wilson's Expectation: Wilson expected to find a way to log out and log in as Luke in 'Settings', which he accomplished seamlessly, as most apps have this functionality in the settings. Wilson was also promptly able to navigate to the 'Friends' tab to accept the pending friend request from Matthew.
Interface Response: The interface aligned with Wilson's expectation in this case. He successfully logged out and logged in as Luke without encountering any significant challenges.
Post Creation Task:
Wilson encountered challenges with the post creation task, particularly in using an image URL for AI-generated images. His initial unfamiliarity with obtaining an image URL indicates a potential user expectation mismatch. Moreover, the inadvertent creation of duplicate posts may be attributed to the absence of clear feedback upon initial post creation. Additionally, the positioning of new posts at the bottom of the feed could be a source of confusion and warrants reconsideration.
Wilson's Expectation: Wilson initially expected a direct image upload option, common on various social platforms.
Interface Response: However, the interface required an image URL for AI-generated images, initially confusing Wilson. This expectation mismatch led to him Googling and selecting a random image, then copying its URL. Furthermore, the interface did not provide clear feedback upon initial post creation, leading Wilson to inadvertently create duplicate posts. Additionally, the placement of new posts at the bottom of the feed may have contributed to the confusion.
Commenting on Post Task:
Adding comments to the posts was intuitive for Wilson possibly due to the big blue text box labeled 'Add Comment' underneath each post.
Wilson's Expectation: Wilson expected to find an easily identifiable area for adding comments to posts.
Memory Creation Task:
Wilson demonstrated ease in creating a memory, but encountered slight confusion with the date-to-open feature. His eventual positive response indicates potential user interest in this functionality. However, the term 'Memory' initially made him think of computer memory rather than a photo memory feature. This insight suggests room for improved labeling or onboarding.
Wilson's Expectation: Wilson's initial expectation was to create a personal memory, which he accomplished without significant difficulties.
Interface Response: However, he encountered slight confusion with the date-to-open feature. Once explained, Wilson expressed positive feedback, indicating potential interest in this functionality. The initial misconception of the term 'Memory' suggests the need for clearer labeling or onboarding to convey the photo memory feature effectively.
Overall Analysis:
The study provided valuable insights into user interactions with the application. Positive moments included intuitive login/logout processes, ease in creating memories, and user interest in the date-to-open feature. Challenges arose in the friend request process, post creation with AI-generated images, and initial misconceptions about the 'Memory' tab's purpose. These observations will guide improvements, focusing on enhancing clarity in UI elements and providing clearer instructions to align user expectations with the platform's functionalities.
The results underscore the significance of aligning user interface design with common user behaviors and expectations. It highlights the importance of clear instructions and immediate feedback. Furthermore, the findings emphasize the need for user-centric labeling. Overall, these insights will inform design refinements to create a more user-friendly and intuitive platform.
Study Report 2: User Testing with Evan
Key Observations:
Friend Request Task:
Evan's approach to sending a friend request mirrored that of Wilson. Initially, he navigated to the search bar for authors in posts, displaying a moment of uncertainty. However, he quickly identified the 'Friend' tab, where he successfully initiated the friend request. This initial confusion most likely stemmed from the expectation of finding a search bar for users, similar to other social platforms.
Possible Causes:
Familiar User Paradigms: Evan's prior experience with social platforms led him to initially search for a user using a search bar, a common convention on other platforms like Facebook.
Login/Logout Task:
Evan found the login/logout process highly intuitive. He promptly located the 'Settings' tab, demonstrating a clear understanding of the navigation structure. This positive experience reinforces the platform's effectiveness in facilitating login/logout operations. Evan's familiarity with this process from using other social media platforms likely contributed to the seamless execution.
Possible Causes:
Prior User Experience: Evan's familiarity with logging in/out on other social media platforms provided a basis for his ease in navigating this task.
Post Creation Task:
Evan's initial attempt to create a post solely with an AI prompt without an image URL demonstrated a user expectation misalignment. He quickly learned that an image URL was mandatory, and he proceeded with a specific AI prompt. The discrepancy between Evan's initial assumption and the platform's requirement highlights the importance of providing clear instructions.
Possible Causes:
Assumption of Functionality: Evan's initial assumption that he could create a post with AI only might have been influenced by experiences on other platforms where this feature might exist.
Commenting on Post Task:
Evan navigated this task effortlessly, emphasizing the intuitive design of the commenting functionality. The prominent 'Add Comment' text box underneath each post contributed to a seamless user experience. Evan's quick understanding of this feature showcases its user-friendly design.
Possible Causes:
Clear UI Element: The well-placed 'Add Comment' text box provided a clear and accessible area for adding comments, contributing to Evan's easy interaction.
Memory Creation Task:
Evan initially grappled with distinguishing between memories and posts, perceiving them as "largely similar". After clarification, he recognized that memories were for personal use, while posts were visible to friends. Evan's initial confusion highlights the need for clearer differentiation between these two features.
Possible Causes:
Lack of Clear Distinction: The initial confusion may have arisen from a lack of clear visual or instructional differentiation between the 'Memories' and 'Posts' features.
Logout vs. Delete User:
During the briefing, Evan accidentally clicked on 'Delete User' when attempting to log out. This unintended action resulted in the complete deletion of user data. This incident underscores the critical importance of implementing safety measures, emphasizing the need for clear and distinct buttons for logout and account deletion.
Possible Causes:
Button Placement and Similarity: The close proximity and visual similarity of the 'Logout' and 'Delete User' buttons may have contributed to Evan's accidental selection.
Overall Analysis:
Evan's feedback provided valuable insights into user interactions with the application. Positive moments included intuitive login/logout processes, user adaptability in post creation, and the straightforward commenting functionality. Challenges emerged in the friend request initiation process, AI image prompt handling, and the initial understanding of memory creation. Evan's accidental deletion of user data highlighted the need for additional safety measures.
The observations from this study will guide refinements in the user interface and functionality, focusing on improving clarity in UI elements, providing guidance on effective AI prompts, and implementing safety-first design principles.
Design Flaws/Opportunities
Confusing Search Functionality (Conceptual, Major)
Friend Request Task
Description: Participants initially attempted to use the search bar in posts to send friend requests, leading to confusion and a delay in task completion.
Why: The participants expected the search bar to facilitate user discovery for sending friend requests, aligning with common social media platforms. However, the search bar is designed for finding posts by authors, not for locating users for friend requests.
Improvement: Next to the 'search by author' bar, we can have a "Add Friends" button that takes the user to the 'Friend' module where they can add friends.
Dropdown Menu Pre-selection (Conceptual, Minor)
Friend Request Task
Description: Participants noticed that 'Send a friend request' in the dropdown menu always appeared pre-selected, potentially causing confusion about whether an action had been chosen.
Why: The pre-selection of 'Send a friend request' in the dropdown menu may mislead users into thinking they've already chosen an option, potentially causing confusion.
Improvement: Adjust the dropdown menu behavior to ensure clarity, indicating whether an option has been actively selected.
Deletion Proximity and Confirmation (Physical, Critical)
Login/Logout & Delete User Task
Description: Participants accidentally clicked on 'Delete User' when attempting to log out, resulting in the unintentional deletion of all user data. There should also be an additional confirmation step to ensure users truly intend to delete their data.
Why: The close proximity of the 'Delete User' button to the 'Log Out' button increases the risk of accidental deletion. The absence of a confirmation step further exacerbates the severity of this issue.
Improvement: Place the 'Delete User' option in a less accessible location, add a confirmation prompt before executing this action to further confirm user intent. This will help prevent critical data loss due to accidental clicks.
Filtering and Feedback (Linguistic/Conceptual, Major)
Post Creation Task:
Description: Participants expressed the need for additional post filtering options (e.g., most recent, most likes, filter by date) and a confirmation message upon successful post creation.
Why: These features enhance user experience by providing more control and immediate feedback on their actions.
Improvement: Implement additional post filtering options, but more importantly incorporate a clearer confirmation message that lingers to signify successful post creation to improve user satisfaction and interaction.
Dropdown Menu for Memories (Conceptual, Moderate)
Memory Creation Task
Description: Participants found the placement of 'Get Ready Memories' in a dropdown menu confusing and suggested separating it into distinct, easily recognizable buttons.
Why: Placing critical actions in a dropdown menu can lead to momentary confusion, especially if they are essential functions.
Improvement: Separate 'Get Ready Memories' and 'Choose Option' into two distinct buttons to enhance user clarity and accessibility.