APPLICATION DESIGN /PROJECT 1: MOBILE APPLICATION PROPOSAL

Started from 26.9.2024

26.9.2024-17.10.2024 / Week1-Week4

LI XINLI / 0379305

Application Design 1 / Bachelor of Interactive Spatial Design

Project 1 : Mobile Application Proposal 

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INDEX

1.Lectures

2.Project 1 / Mobile application Proposal

3.Refection

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LECTURES

Week 1 : Introduction to Mobile Application Design

This was my first experience with application design. Teacher introduced the basic principle of mobile application to us and discussed how to design from the needs of users.

The three keys of users experience design are usability, functionality and visual appeal.

In the digital age, there are many challenges for application design, designers need to make a clean app on a limited screen and ensure that the effect is the same across devices, while taking into account the multiple factors that users will face when using it.

Next, the teacher showed the interface design of several classic applications, and explained to us how to analyze the functional structure and user operation path of applications. Design is not just about making the interface beautiful, but also ensuring that users can easily achieve their goals.

At the end of the class, the teacher gave an assignment: To find three software of comparison investigation. Week 2 : The Art of User-Centered Design

Today’s lesson mainly covered the differences between User-Centered Design (UCD), User Experience (UX), and User Interface (UI).

UCD focuses on designing everything around the user’s needs from start to finish. UX is more about making sure the product is easy and smooth to use, while UI is responsible for the product’s appearance and how users interact with it. 

In simple terms, it’s about making the product both functional and visually appealing so that users find it comfortable and convenient to use.

This lesson made me realize how important it is to improve the usability of a product to increase user satisfaction.

 I think usability is about how quickly and efficiently a user can learn and use a product. 

I need to make sure that the interface is simple and intuitive, reducing the chances of users making mistakes. 

Additionally, providing feedback mechanisms helps users complete their tasks more effectively. This way, the product will feel smoother and easier for them to use.

This week, we did individual presentations. We followed the final submission order, with each person presenting for about five minutes.

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INSTRUCTION

MIB DST60504_APPDESIGN_I_202404Project 1 :  Mobile Application proposal

First, we need to determine the software for preliminary research and conduct an initial analysis of the software.

Second, based on user feedback and user experience, identify the potential issues you believe exist in the application.

Finally, propose corresponding and reasonable solutions.

Week 1 / Task 1 : Draft Proposal 

Intruction : 

This week’s assignment is to select three suitable applications for a brief analysis. First, provide screenshots of the application pages, along with company information and app reviews, and compile them into a single slide.

Based on user feedback and personal usage experience, identify the existing problems and propose corresponding reasonable solutions. 

Generate a concise report.

These are the three applications I am looking for:

1.Shopee

2.Weibo

3.Bilibili

In my first week of research, I found that Shopee has more issues related to logistics information rather than the application design and user experience. Bilibili has relatively fewer problems and higher ratings. In the app store, most user feedback for Weibo is related to issues with application design, and it has the lowest rating among the three apps. Therefore, I ultimately chose to focus my research on the Weibo app.

In this week’s research, there were some minor incidents. Initially, I chose three apps that were all related to music. The teacher suggested that I find three different categories of apps to avoid having similar problems. Additionally, in my first investigation, most of the issues I found with the apps were related to functionality rather than design.

PRESENTED BY：LI XINLI，作者 LI XINLI

Week 2 / Task 2 : Finalised Proposal

Based on last week’s progress and the suggestions provided by the teacher, this week I focused on analyzing user reviews from the app store to identify the issues with these three applications. I have summarized these problems accordingly.

Week 3 / Finalised Proposal

Application name: Weibo 

Category:Socializing

Target audience: Young People, Users Who Follow Hot Topic,Content Creators and Influencers, Brands and Businesses

Age: 24-34 years old

In the third week, among the three applications, I focused on selecting Weibo for further analysis in my new research.

Week 4 / Presentation

PRESENTATION

This is the final proposal:

WEI BO，作者 LI XINLI

After the presentation, the teacher gave us some suggestions on the design of our PPT. For example, no more than three font sizes should be used on a single page, as having too many can make it look cluttered. Additionally, key points should be highlighted with standout colors, which will help viewers read more quickly and make the purpose clearer.

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REFLECTIONS

Through this research, I realized the importance of UI and UX in design. Previously, I didn’t fully notice the UI and UX in applications, and I found it difficult to distinguish between them.

Additionally, I learned how to redesign or optimize the entire process of an existing application, which includes understanding user needs, setting clear goals, identifying existing issues, and more.