23.09.2025 - 16.10.2025 / Week 1 - Week 4
Brenda Wynn / 0372128
Application Design 1 / Bachelors of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Task 1
JUMP LINKS
LECTURES
Week 1
Introduction to Mobile Mobile Application Design
Usability
= how effectively and efficient a user can complete their goal while interacting with a product.
Usability Principles
= ensures that an application design is created to fit the users needs.
Usability Testing
= helps validate design decisions and ensures a efficient user experience.
Mobile Importance in the Digital Era=
1. Smartphones availability;
2. Shift in user behavior;
3. Mobile-first approach;
4. Competitive advantage.
Challenges in Designing for Mobile=
1. Limited screen space;
2. Diverse device capabilities;
3. Contextual awareness.
User-Centered Design
= focuses on understanding the target users needs.
Applying User-Centered Design=
1. Research= gathering information about the users needs, behavior, & pain points.
2. Design= creating mock ups, prototypes, & wireframes.
3. Evaluation= usability testing & feedback for further improvements.
User-Centered Design Benefits=
1. Increased user satisfaction;
2. Improved product adoption;
3. Reduced development cost;
4. Enhanced brand reputation.
Designing for Mobile Usability=
1. Understand user needs;
2. Prioritize key features;
3. Optimize for mobile;
4. Validate & iterate.
Prototyping & Testing=
1. Low-Fidelity Prototype;
2. Interactive Prototype;
3. Iterative/repetitive testing.
Designing for Small Screens=
1. Compact layout;
2. Intuitive navigation;
3. Physical interactions;
4. Visual hierarchy.
Types of Gestures & Interactions=
1. Tap;
2. Swipe;
3. Pinch;
4. Drag.
Performance Optimization=
1. Minimizing app size;
2. Using caching and lazy loading methods;
3. Optimizing network requests and data transmission.
Week 2
The Art of User-Centered Design
User-Centered Design (UCD)
= a cycle where designers focuses on the users need through out the product development process.
User Experience Design
= focuses on the functionality of the design.
User Interface Design
= focuses on how it looks visually and the overall aesthetics of the design.
User-Centered Design Process
1. Discover/Analysis = Business requirements & user personas
2. Define= Ideation & experience mapping
3. Design= User experience & user interface
4. Validate= Testing, prototype validation, & Minimum viable product(MVP)
5. Develop= Production
Figure 1.1 ROI of User-Centered Design
Figure 1.2 UX UI comparison chart
User Experience Design
= A users response and perception after using a product, service, or system.
User Experience Designer Priority
= Creating a delightful experience that satisfies the users needs and achieves their organization's goal.
Empathy
= Ability to understand somebody else's experience through their perspective.
Great User Experience Fundamentals=
1. Functional designs;
2. Easy to use;
3. Positive brand experience;
4. Appealing visuals.
Week 3
Usability: Designing Products for User Satisfaction
Usability
= The effectiveness, efficiency, and success of a user using a product.
Usability Challenges=
1. Complex interfaces;
2. Confusing navigation;
3. Lack of clear calls to action (CTAs);
4. Insufficient error handling.
Usability Key Principles=
1. Consistency= avoid confusing users by using consistent layouts, navigation, & elements.
2. Simplicity= ensures easy access for users with minimal steps.
3. Visibility= appropriate visual hierarchy that guides the users eyes throughout the interface.
4. Feedback= avoids confusion by giving a signal that confirms the users interaction with the interface.
5. Error prevention= enables the users to provide a more accurate data.
INSTRUCTIONS
<iframe src="https://drive.google.com/file/d/17be1dK-2TbPj4sVphddIMWfRszBmG9aj/preview" width="640" height="480" allow="autoplay"></iframe>
TASK
We were assigned to do some research about mobile applications and see what can be improved from their app. We also had to analyze the app and its competitors after we chose a specific mobile application we wanted to develop. We could either add new features, make it better from the competitors, etc. We were also given the opportunity to use features from other apps from a different field as reference.
FEEDBACK
Week 1
Mr. Sylvain told me that I need to do some more research on how second-hand
markets or online shops build trust with customers.
Week 2
I had changed my idea and Mr. Sylvain recommended me to move forward with the Duolingo app idea.
Week 3
Mr. Sylvain told me to do some more research on the app and to see what service it provides to users that bought the subscription.
Week 4
Mr. Sylvain advised me to bold out the key points in the sentences and to expand the competitor apps with visuals.
REFLECTION
Through this task, I realized how much each feature in an app can affect the User Experience. I also realized how important it was to do a proper research to find out more about what the user struggles while using the app and what is the best way to fix it. Mr. Sylvain has helped me a lot throughout the making of this and I have learned how important it is to consider the user while developing an app.
Comments
Post a Comment