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SearchMe
SearchMe is an app designed to simplify the process of searching for messages across various messaging apps. This app reduces the time and effort required to search for specific messages by searching all messaging apps simultaneously. Users can find short words like "cake" with 3 times fewer keystrokes than searching each app individually, and longer words like "birthday" with more than 6 times less keystrokes. The time saved increases the chances of repeated use and recommendations to new users.
"More than 3x faster at finding your old messages."
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SearchMe
A search app to make life simpler.
The SearchMe app reduces the time and effort required to search for specific messages by searching all messaging apps simultaneously. Users can find short words like "cake" with 3 times fewer keystrokes than searching each app individually, and longer words like "birthday" with more than 6 times fewer keystrokes. The time saved increases the chances of repeated use and recommendations to new users.
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Problem statement
How can we design a social media messaging app to make keeping in touch with family and friends easier for mums with children under 5 years old.
What are the highlights?
The goal of SearchMe was to speed up the search process across various messaging apps, rather than creating a new messaging app. Through the research conducted, it was discovered that people have multiple messaging apps and are short on time. The design journey that led to the creation of SearchMe is outlined below.
Research Summary
What did I learn & how did I discover it?
Through conducting user interviews with "Mums with children under 5" via face-to-face and video calling, I discovered that the main pain point was the difficulty in searching for specific messages across multiple messaging apps, particularly with limited time and young children causing distractions. Rather than another messaging app, what was needed was a way to search across all messaging apps simultaneously.
Prototype
Where did testing and iteration take me?
During the testing and iteration process, the app evolved from paper wireframes to medium and high-fidelity prototypes. The feedback received from users during testing was invaluable in identifying areas for improvement and making necessary changes.
One example of a change made based on user feedback was the presentation of the "document search results" feature. Through testing, it was discovered that users found the original presentation confusing and difficult to navigate. As a result, the design feature was intended to make it more user-friendly and intuitive.
What were my deliverables and why?
To ensure that the primary user was kept in mind during the design process, I created a User Persona named Annabelle and a Journey Map to identify pain points.
How do deliverables help the team?
However, if there had been a team involved in the project, these deliverables would have been even more beneficial. A User Persona would have acted as a reference point for the entire team and stakeholders, ensuring that everyone was aligned with the user's needs and goals. These deliverables would create a more collaborative and efficient design process. Overall, User Personas and Journey Maps are essential tools for any team involved in the design process, as they help ensure a user-centred approach and improve collaboration and communication between team members.
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“I also use a different default messaging app to my spouse therefore our conversations are spread over two apps!"
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Did the quantitative data support the qualitative data?
The quantitative data collected supported the qualitative research findings, demonstrating a broad user demand for an app that could search all messaging apps at the same time. The data revealed that users had an average of 5 different messaging apps installed on their phones. Additionally, the majority of users surveyed expressed their desire to "search all messaging apps for keywords." This increase in user base would also lead to higher onboarding rates and potential business growth.
Summary
How would I summarise this project?
In summary, the SearchMe app project underwent a shift in direction after the initial research phase, resulting in the identification of a new market niche and the development of a minimum viable product. The primary goal of the app, to save time when searching through messaging apps, was achieved through testing and iteration. Furthermore, additional features were identified through user testing, such as the ability to search within a specific date range or for documents sent or received. These features could be considered for future updates based on analytics and further research. Design considerations such as hierarchy, spacing, typography, and accessibility were taken into account, and a dark mode alternative was also developed. Overall, the project demonstrates the importance of thorough research, testing, and iteration in the UX/UI design process.
Thank you for taking the time to look at my project. If you would like to know more or if you have a business proposition you would like to discuss please contact me.
NEW problem statement
How can we help users, who don't have much time find the messages that they want with less effort?
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How did I come up with a design idea to develop?
How can we help users, who don't have much time find the messages that they want with less effort?
To further develop this idea, I created a user flow diagram that outlines the steps a user would take when using the app. The user flow diagram helped me identify potential pain points and refine the user experience before moving on to designing the app's interface.
Ideation
Let’s talk about Numbers
48%
want to be able to search all messaging apps at the same time
5
messaging apps on each smartphone
86%
use written text as their primary method of communication
Why create a dark UI?
Dark mode has become a popular trend in UI design due to its benefits such as reducing eye strain and using less battery power. To cater to this trend, I created a dark mode alternative for the app, which not only provides a different aesthetic but also enhances usability in low-light environments.
Visual Design
What were my deliverables and why?
However, if there had been a team involved in the project, these deliverables would have been even more beneficial. A User Persona would have acted as a reference point for the entire team and stakeholders, ensuring that everyone was aligned with the user's needs and goals. These deliverables would create a more collaborative and efficient design process. Overall, User Personas and Journey Maps are essential tools for any team involved in the design process, as they help ensure a user-centered approach and improve collaboration and communication between team members.
To ensure that the primary user was kept in mind during the design process, I created a User Persona named Annabelle and a Journey Map to identify pain points.
My Role: UX Researcher - UX Designer - UI Designer - Team of one
Tools Used: Pen & Paper - Figma - UXPin - Word - Excel - Google Forms
Time On Project: 10 weeks
Final Solution
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How was spacing used to create hierarchy?
Spacing was used strategically to create a clear visual hierarchy in the design. A 48bp space was used to create clear groups of content; CONTEXT, INPUT, and CALL TO ACTION, which helps to differentiate these sections and guide the user's attention.
Within each group, smaller spacing was used to provide adequate separation between individual elements while still keeping them visually connected within the group. This creates a sense of organisation and order, making it easier for the user to navigate and understand the layout of the design.
How was hierarchy created with text?
To create a clear hierarchy with text, using the same font, Plus Jakarta Sans, throughout the app but with varying sizes and weights. Consistent fonts provide a sense of unity and cohesiveness throughout the app, which can improve the user experience by reducing confusion and making it easier to navigate. By using different sizes and weights, I was able to draw attention to important information such as headings or calls to action, while ensuring that other information was still easily readable.
Why design for accessibility?
Accessibility is an essential consideration in any design project, as it ensures that all users, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, can use the product. Visual impairments, such as colour blindness, affect a significant number of people, with more than 2 million people living with sight loss in the UK alone. It is important to design with accessibility in mind to ensure that all users can access and use the product.
In addition to being morally important, designing for accessibility also makes good business sense. By making your site or product accessible, you can expand your potential audience, increase user satisfaction, and ultimately improve your bottom line.