Design a candle-ordering mobile app for Goodscent that allows users to browse candles, find detailed scent information, and facilitates easy purchasing for personal use or as a gift. Goodscent's target customers include commuters and workers who may lack the time or ability to visit a physical store
This section revolves around discovering and understanding the user's needs, goals, and pain points. I established several research goals for myself before commencing the work
I posted a user survey on Facebook's scented candle groups and Reddit's scented candle communities, using Google Forms, and received 17 responses. Here is a summary of the average user’s characteristics:
Limitations and assumptions: Survey respondents were not pre-screened.
One of the primary user groups identified through research was females in the age group of 25-34. This user group validated initial assumptions about Goodscents customers. However, the research also unveiled that time wasn't the sole factor restricting users from visiting the store. I observed common themes and patterns among the survey responses.
Working adults are too busy to go to shop in person.
Can't smell scented candles online before buying them, since it is online, not able to smell, So it’s difficult for users to make a decision on which candle to buy.
Platforms for ordering scented candles are not equipped with assistive technologies.
Here’s what some of the users said when asked about what challenges they face in the scented candle ordering process.
Not being able to smell, relies on reviews of other customers to guide my shopping decisions.
Choosing! I haven't ordered candles online, and I think that would actually be easier.
Number of options that is overwhelming to me as I personally do not know anything about candles and I can't test them since it is online.
If we order it online, we never know before we try.
38 yrs old | San Diego, California | Kindergarten Teacher
34 yrs old | Taipei, Taiwan | Software Developer
I made some research on the main candle companies. There are lots of brands but my main research was on the brands that specialized in natural candle making. I evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of three stylish, internationally recognized brands that shared the same target audience.
Fragrance families, moods, benefits and vivid words .
How might we help the user find the right scented candle online that will live up to their expectations?
To help my design process and come up with ideas, I created a user journey using the persona I created. By creating a user journey from start to finish, it ensures I am solving the user's needs and problems.
To brainstorm my ideas, I like to set a timer and sketch out all my ideas on pen and paper. By doing this, I am able to quickly think of all the most important features and functions needed on the app. This method is fast and effective, helping me get a lot of ideas out, even if some are not practical. I picture myself as the user and think about things that may have frustrated me in my own experience without trying to be biased.
Using my sketches and referencing what features I found important, I created a low-fidelity prototype in Figma. By doing this, I was able to visualize my designs, prototype and test them before committing to a high-fidelity design.
To test my low-fidelity wireframe, I completed a moderated usability study with guided questions and prompts for the user. Since this was only a low fidelity prototype, I was able to get a lot of useful feedback and was able to see what issues users had while using the prototype.
I kept the colors simple and chose a modern, variable sans-serif font that is easy to read on all screens. I kept layouts consistent by using a 4-column, 8px grid. Illustrations (modified but not created by me) add some deslightful touches to a simple UI.
While designing the Goodscent app, I realized that the initial ideas for the app are just the beginning of the process. I also gained valuable insights into designing an effective UI, including elements like carousels. Throughout this case study, usability studies and peer feedback played crucial roles in influencing each iteration of the app's design
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