THE CHALLENGE
The original version of the app was developed primarily from an engineer’s perspective, focusing heavily on functionality, performance, and backend efficiency rather than user experience. The interface, while technically robust, lacked intuitive navigation and user-friendly design elements. The design was more focused on meeting technical requirements than on creating an engaging or accessible experience.
MY ROLE
As the sole UX designer on this project, I focused on streamlining navigation by simplifying the layout, prioritizing essential features, and removing unnecessary clutter. I introduced more intuitive flow patterns, ensuring that common actions were easily accessible. Additionally, refining the visual hierarchy, making key information and buttons stand out, while incorporating consistent design elements to guide users through the app seamlessly.
GATHERING INSPIRATION
The iteration process for our prototype involved integrating user feedback, refining the interface, and enhancing functionality based on both user needs and technical requirements. After each round of user testing, we collaborated with engineers and developers to analyze insights and align updates with their input on necessary features and system capabilities. This continuous improvement cycle allowed us to fine-tune the design while addressing technical considerations, ensuring the app became more intuitive, user-friendly, and efficient with each iteration, ultimately leading to an optimized user experience.
We realised that the OClass Ignite app had the similar design and functions as Glofox. However, certain aspects of the user flow could be improved.
DISCOVER
USER TESTING OF THE ORIGINAL OCLASS IGNITE APP
To enhance our understanding and supplement the information provided by our client, we initiated a thorough search for qualitative data. Our goal was to uncover deeper insights into user experiences and identify any early issues in the app that could be addressed in the initial development stages. To achieve this, we conducted comprehensive testing sessions with two distinct user groups: existing customers familiar with the brand, and new users who had never interacted with the brand before. This approach allowed us to gather diverse perspectives and pinpoint specific pain points that could be corrected in the first few iterations of the app.
This round of user testing was moderated. We conducted in-person and online testings for exisiting users and new users respectively.
GATHERING INSPIRATION
To gain a deeper understanding of the competitive landscape, we began by thoroughly canvassing the industry, focusing on prominent class booking apps such as Glofox, Momence, Mindbody, and ClassPass. Our primary objective was to analyze these competitors’ offerings to identify trends, strengths, and potential gaps in the market. By examining the features, user interfaces, and overall user experiences of these apps, we sought to gather inspiration and pinpoint areas where we could innovate. This comprehensive analysis enabled us to identify opportunities to differentiate our product, ensuring it would stand out in the crowded class booking app market. Ultimately, our goal was to leverage these insights to create a solution that not only meets but exceeds user expectations, offering a unique and superior experience.
We realised that the OClass Ignite app had the similar design and functions as Glofox.
However, certain aspects of the user flow could be improved.
DEVELOP
WIREFLOW
Given that our client’s primary objective was to enhance user flows, we concentrated our efforts on wireframing high-impact screens and key modules where functionality needed to be clearly defined. Instead of wireframing every screen, we prioritized those that would have the most significant effect on user experience. We then created a detailed wireflow to map out the entire user journey, offering a clear visual representation of how users would interact with the app. This strategic approach allowed us to effectively communicate essential screens and interactions to stakeholders, ensuring alignment across teams while staying on schedule to meet our tight deadline. The wireflow provided a strong foundation for subsequent design phases, ensuring that critical user paths were optimized early in the process.
Low-fidelity wireframes were used to communicate content hierarchy and critical functionalities for development.
MOCKUPS
After establishing a clear design direction, we transitioned into producing both high and low-fidelity mockups to bring our concepts to life. These mockups were then transformed into interactive prototypes with limited functionalities, enabling us to conduct iterative rounds of user testing. This approach allowed test users to interact with a more "polished" version of the design, offering valuable feedback on aesthetics and usability. However, the process also posed challenges, as making revisions to these detailed prototypes required significantly more time compared to rapid prototyping. Despite this, the insights gained from testing with well-developed designs were invaluable in refining the final product and ensuring a high-quality user experience.
High-fidelity mockups and prototypes were great for user testing, as they removed the ambiguity of the design.
CHECK
USER TESTING OF THE PROTOTYPE
Our user testing sessions were conducted on-site, where we closely observed participants as they navigated through the app’s screens. By being physically present, we could capture real-time reactions and subtle user behaviors that might have been missed remotely. Our primary focus was on identifying usability issues, measuring task completion rates, and collecting direct feedback on the overall experience. This approach allowed us to detect friction points, bottlenecks, and areas where users encountered confusion or frustration. The insights gained from these sessions were instrumental in refining the interface, streamlining the booking and payment flows, and ultimately enhancing both user satisfaction and ease of use. This hands-on testing process ensured that our design decisions were rooted in real user interactions, driving meaningful improvements in the final product.
High-fidelity prototypes were employed for user testing, providing users with a clearer understanding of the app.
EDIT
ITERATIONS
The iteration process for our prototype involved integrating user feedback, refining the interface, and enhancing functionality based on both user needs and technical requirements. After each round of user testing, we collaborated with engineers and developers to analyze insights and align updates with their input on necessary features and system capabilities.
This continuous improvement cycle allowed us to fine-tune the design while addressing technical considerations, ensuring the app became more intuitive, user-friendly, and efficient with each iteration, ultimately leading to an optimized user experience.
Iterations were done based on user feedback to refine designs, enhance usability and overall user experience.
WHAT I LEARNED
This project, though less time-restricted, required extensive changes and a highly adaptive approach to address evolving requirements. The focus was on flexibility, demanding constant iteration and frequent design adjustments. Unlike previous projects, the shifting scope emphasized the importance of an agile working style.
The team embraced this, allowing us to incorporate ongoing feedback, explore new solutions, and respond quickly to change. The iterative process enabled us to refine the product continuously, resulting in a polished final design that successfully met the client’s goals. The project highlighted the value of adaptability and reinforced the effectiveness of agile collaboration in dynamic environments.
DEVELOP
LAW OF FAMILIARITY
The Law of Familiarity states that users are more likely to prefer and engage with designs that feel familiar or align with their past experiences. This is crucial because it leverages users’ comfort with recognizable patterns, layouts, icons, and interactions.
Applying the Law of Familiarity in UX design ensures that users can intuitively navigate and interact with digital products, leading to a more seamless and enjoyable experience.
DESIGN SYSTEM
Recognizing the importance of user comfort and intuitive interaction, I restructured the interface to align with familiar patterns and established conventions. This approach reduced cognitive load and enhanced overall usability.
Additionally, design templates and comprehensive style guides were developed to ensure consistency in future development, enabling the product to maintain a user-centered focus while streamlining design processes across all iterations.
We realised that the OClass Ignite app had the similar design and functions as Glofox.
However, certain aspects of the user flow could be improved.
WHAT I LEARNED
This was a high-impact project with a challenging deadline, requiring us to maintain a high level of focus and adaptability throughout. While many aspects went smoothly, as with any complex project, there were inevitable setbacks and hurdles to overcome. I make it a point to reflect on both successes and challenges after every project to learn and grow from the experience. One key takeaway from this project was the effectiveness of our small, agile team. Despite the intense pressure and demanding timelines, our team consistently collaborated with precision, communicated openly, and remained resilient. We were able to deliver the product on time without compromising quality, thanks to our agile approach.
The most rewarding aspect of this project was experiencing the agile UX process in action and witnessing its profound impact on both the team and the final product. Our process allowed us to iterate rapidly, involve users consistently for real-time feedback, and adjust our design decisions accordingly. The seamless collaboration minimized stress, encouraged creativity, and resulted in a final product that our client not only valued but also implemented in their current app. Seeing our work come to life and knowing that it contributed meaningfully to the client’s goals was a gratifying conclusion to a demanding but fulfilling project.
THE CHALLENGE
The original version of the app was developed primarily from an engineer’s perspective, focusing heavily on functionality, performance, and backend efficiency rather than user experience. The interface, while technically robust, lacked intuitive navigation and user-friendly design elements. The design was more focused on meeting technical requirements than on creating an engaging or accessible experience.
MY ROLE
As the sole UX designer on this project, I focused on streamlining navigation by simplifying the layout, prioritizing essential features, and removing unnecessary clutter. I introduced more intuitive flow patterns, ensuring that common actions were easily accessible. Additionally, refining the visual hierarchy, making key information and buttons stand out, while incorporating consistent design elements to guide users through the app seamlessly.
DEVELOP
LAW OF FAMILIARITY
The Law of Familiarity states that users are more likely to prefer and engage with designs that feel familiar or align with their past experiences. This is crucial because it leverages users’ comfort with recognizable patterns, layouts, icons, and interactions.
Applying the Law of Familiarity in UX design ensures that users can intuitively navigate and interact with digital products, leading to a more seamless and enjoyable experience.
DESIGN SYSTEM
Recognizing the importance of user comfort and intuitive interaction, I restructured the interface to align with familiar patterns and established conventions. This approach reduced cognitive load and enhanced overall usability.
Additionally, design templates and comprehensive style guides were developed to ensure consistency in future development, enabling the product to maintain a user-centered focus while streamlining design processes across all iterations.
We realised that the OClass Ignite app had the similar design and functions as Glofox.
However, certain aspects of the user flow could be improved.
EDIT
ITERATIONS
The iteration process for our prototype involved integrating user feedback, refining the interface, and enhancing functionality based on both user needs and technical requirements. After each round of user testing, we collaborated with engineers and developers to analyze insights and align updates with their input on necessary features and system capabilities.
This continuous improvement cycle allowed us to fine-tune the design while addressing technical considerations, ensuring the app became more intuitive, user-friendly, and efficient with each iteration, ultimately leading to an optimized user experience.
Iterations were done based on user feedback to refine designs, enhance usability and overall user experience.
WHAT I LEARNED
This project, though less time-restricted, required extensive changes and a highly adaptive approach to address evolving requirements. The focus was on flexibility, demanding constant iteration and frequent design adjustments. Unlike previous projects, the shifting scope emphasized the importance of an agile working style.
The team embraced this, allowing us to incorporate ongoing feedback, explore new solutions, and respond quickly to change. The iterative process enabled us to refine the product continuously, resulting in a polished final design that successfully met the client’s goals. The project highlighted the value of adaptability and reinforced the effectiveness of agile collaboration in dynamic environments.