Project
I undertook the project of designing a mobile app for a Fair Worlds client, focused on controlling an innovative scent-emitting hardware device. The task was to design and build this app quickly, ensuring it was ready for demonstration at CES 2023. The design was to align with Material Design guidelines while specifically tailoring the MVP for iOS.
Challenges
Ongoing discussions and decisions regarding MVP features for CES 2023 during the design process.
Collaborating with developers to implement complex interactions in the timeline-based app.
Role
My involvement began with some initial screens already created, but with the overall features, screens, and design still undecided. My responsibility included designing all new screens and reworking existing ones for consistency. An integral part of my role was collaborating closely with developers, guiding them through the implementation of my designs and advising on the nuances of the app’s timeline interactions. Throughout the project, I engaged with the lead designer at Fair Worlds, collaborating for feedback and creative input to enhance the design process. Additionally, I presented the status of my design in daily standups, as well as in a few more formal design critique sessions.
Process
Feature Flux: Initially, I faced the challenge of fluctuating features and design styles. This led me to realize the importance of establishing a simple design system and component library. Once in place, this system allowed for efficient updates to the app’s style and the addition of new features, ensuring consistency across all screens.
Interactive prototypes were a key part of my process. They helped in comparing screen designs, refining the information architecture, and confirming the practicality of interactions, particularly with additional elements like menus and popups.
I also focused on designing menus, popups, and icons, ensuring consistency and functional clarity. My approach was to research and create multiple icon options, integrating them seamlessly into the app's design as components which could be switched out during feedback sessions to help decide or refine.
In terms of accessibility, I adhered to Material Design guidelines but had to adjust the color schemes for better contrast. Documentation was streamlined by organizing the final designs in Figma, which the developers could directly access, facilitating a smooth transition to the implementation phase.
A significant aspect of the design process was the implementation of the timeline interface and controls. Drawing from my experience with various video apps, I ensured that the timeline interactions were intuitive and matched the interface design.
Another area that required a fair amount of time were the different elements and screens required for mixing, saving, and loading scents, for viewing
Learnings & Future
The rapid completion timeline meant skipping formal usability testing, but assisting in the implementation phase allowed me to anticipate user needs and potential issues. CES served as an initial platform for user feedback. The project underscored the value of a simple design system and component library, a practice I plan to continue in future projects.
Outcome
The project culminated in a comprehensive set of Figma screens, including a design system and component library, facilitating efficient future development. The app, presented at CES 2023, reflected my design insights and feedback during the implementation phase, marking a successful completion of the project.
