Spark! is a case study for an application to take the stress and hassle of simply making the decision of what to do tonight. 52% of the initial user survey respondents have trouble making that decision.
Client
Spark!
Team
Jay Littlejohn, Zachary Hollis, Stephen Warwick
Service
UX/UI Design
Tools
Figma, Illustrator, Photoshop, Google Suite, VS Code, Github
Year
2024
The first challenge was par down the number of filter options to make the app simple to use. Gamification with a"slot machine" interface, once filters are chosen, makes the experience enjoyable, and heightens the user experience. The Randomizer Button was added to make for a fun, purely spontaneous option.
The initial design worked beautifully. User testing of the prototype was 100% successful in use and satisfaction. User input, set for future iterations, include the ability for group members to weigh in on filter choices, a little more detail in filters options, and the ability to save favorites.
With the seed of an idea planted, the project began by empathizing with our users.
21 questions distributed to 26 users.
Key takeaways include
52% sometimes have difficulty making decisions
56% spend the most amount time out with their significant other
40% are married with an addition 24% in a relationship
88% are in the likely to very likely range to use such an application
Refinement of the survey data revealed 4 areas of interest for users
Planning challenges
Time
Scheduling
Consensus
Suggestions
Desire for suggestions in decision making rated high. 36% rated it 4 out of 5, 56% rated it 5 out of 5.
Likelihood of using such an app rated high.
Spontaneity vs. Planning
Regardless of being spontaneous or a planner, a majority of respondents indicated they like some structure in the planning process.
Activity type and travel
While all users enjoy various activity types, having a variety of choices given to them is highly rates. Maximum traveling radius users prefer is 30 miles.
User Insight
From the user survey data the following user insight was derived.
Users face significant challenges in planning group activities and dates due to issues with time, schedule, and consensus. There is a strong demand for a more effective planning tool that can streamline decision-making and offer tailored suggestions.
Persona
User Journey
User Flow
Wire Frames
UI Style Guide
Hi Fidelity Prototype
Usability Testing
5 users were asked to perform 3 tasks
You're going on a date, You want food options, outdoor options, special event options.
going in the afternoon, you have a mid level budget, spin to see your choices.
You have decided you want to change an option or two and spin again.
Future Iterations
Based on user input from the initial survey and usability testing the following have been identified as desired additions
Capability of saving favorites
More detailed filter options to better tailor the choices for each user
More sharing options so others can provide input on activities
One button spin for all 3 wheels with the ability to lock in choices then spin again
Integration of Artificial Intelligence to make use of the application easier and efficient
What I Do
Synthesize user survey data.
User problem statement and empathy map.
Prioritization matrix, affinity map and value proposition
