ARspace
The AR Furniture app is a cutting-edge solution that revolutionizes the way you shop for furniture. Harnessing the power of augmented reality (AR) technology, this app provides an immersive and personalized experience, allowing you to visualize furniture pieces in your own space before making a purchase.
About the project
The main objective of the project was to apply UX research methods such as surveys, user interviews, creating affinity diagrams, etc. in order to gain valuable information and insights regarding our potential users. After defining and understanding the users’ behaviors, needs and preferences, we translated the information we gained into the final app prototype, creating a product that meets their needs effectively.
Project Period: 16+ weeks
Project Deadline: July 24th 2023
Conducted By: David Copăceanu/UI Five Team
Tools Used: Figma, Miro, Google Forms
UI Five
The Team
I was a member of a 5-person team known as 'The UI Five'. Our collaborative efforts focused on the research aspect of the project. After dividing the user flows among ourselves, each team member individually designed a prototype for their assigned user flow.
Throughout the research phase, we were responsible for various tasks including defining a Problem Statement, formulating Hypotheses, articulating Research Questions, conducting Competitor Analysis, performing User Interviews, and deploying Surveys/Questionnaires.
To ensure a comprehensive understanding of our users' needs and the challenges they face, we approached the research from both qualitative and quantitative perspectives. By combining these methods, we aimed to address their pain points and design the app accordingly.
My role
In addition to my contribution to the research phase of the project, I also took on the role of a UI Designer within the team. For my chosen user flow, which focused on the AR functionality of the app, I created a User Flow, Low-Fidelity Wireframes, and a High-Fidelity Prototype. To ensure consistency, I developed a Design System to guide the visual elements throughout the app.
Within the AR functionality, I designed various key features, including creating new posts, liking existing posts, commenting on posts, saving posts/items to favorites, and sending friend requests to other users. These functionalities were specifically tailored to enhance the app's engagement and social interaction aspects.
By taking on both research and UI design roles, I was able to contribute to the project holistically, ensuring that user needs were addressed and translated into an intuitive and visually appealing user experience within the AR functionality.
*The picture we chose to represent our team
Objectives
The primary objectives of this application are as follows:
Simplify the furniture selection process: Streamline the app's interface to enable users to easily browse and discover a wide range of furniture items based on their preferences and requirements.
Visualize furniture in real-world settings: Develop an immersive AR experience that allows users to view and interact with virtual furniture pieces, accurately visualizing how they would fit and look in their own spaces.
Enhance user engagement and confidence: Implement interactive and user-friendly features to boost engagement, such as placing multiple pieces of furniture into a layout that can be purchased or shared with the community, as well as providing detailed product information, ratings, and reviews.
Improve decision-making: Enable users to compare multiple furniture items side by side, create collections, and share their designs with friends and family for feedback, aiding in the decision-making process.
Competitor Analysis
As part of our comprehensive research process, we conducted a thorough Competitor Analysis to gain deep insights into the current market landscape and industry trends. By closely examining existing apps within our target market, we aimed to identify the key solutions, features, and functionalities that are favored by users. This analysis provided us with valuable knowledge about the competitive landscape, allowing us to pinpoint potential gaps or opportunities where our app can excel.
For our Competitor Analysis, we selected three prominent apps: IKEA, Houzz, and Agmenty AR. By scrutinizing their features such as Log In, AR/View in 3D, Support, Payment Methods, Shopping Cart/Check-Out, and Special Features like Ideabooks or Advice Sections, we gained insights into their strengths and weaknesses.
This comprehensive assessment of our competitors' offerings will play a vital role in shaping our app's development. It enables us to make informed decisions and strategically differentiate our app by incorporating unique and valuable features that address user needs in a distinctive way.
After the project kick-off and defining our research strategy and objectives, our focus shifted to understanding the target audience and their challenges. Here are the key points regarding our survey deployment:
Target population: We aimed to gather insights from a diverse range of individuals, so the survey was deployed to the general population rather than a specific segment. This allowed us to gauge interest in the mobile application across various demographics.
Deployment methods: We chose to use Google Forms to create the survey, as it provided an efficient and user-friendly platform. To reach a wider audience, we deployed the survey through online communities, specifically Facebook groups and WhatsApp groups.
DIY Literacy
Results
Survey
Facebook groups: We identified relevant Facebook groups related to home decoration, interior design, and organization. We posted the survey link in these groups to invite members to participate.
WhatsApp groups: We also utilized WhatsApp groups, leveraging personal networks and connections to share the survey link. This approach allowed us to tap into existing communities and extend our reach.
Respondents primarily work in the IT field, indicating a certain level of technical literacy.
Approximately half of the respondents are homeowners.
Many respondents engage in home decorating/organizing projects at least once a year or multiple times a year.
The majority prefer to handle these projects themselves without hiring professionals.
Respondents consider themselves creative individuals comfortable with DIY home projects.
Inspiration is sourced online as well as from friends, family, and acquaintances.
A significant portion of respondents value being part of a community sharing a passion for home design, with over 80% interested in sharing their own designs.
Online distribution: By utilizing both Facebook groups and WhatsApp groups, we ensured a diverse distribution of the survey, capturing perspectives from different online platforms.
Survey format: The survey was designed using Google Forms, which provided a customizable and accessible interface for participants to respond to the survey questions.
Inspiration sources
DIY Frequency in users
Key desired functionalities include the ability to create and save a 3D replica of their space and detailed filters for viewing products.
Over half prefer shopping for furniture and similar items in physical stores, though smaller items are more commonly purchased online.
Familiarity with AR and VR technology is split, with some having prior experience and others expressing interest in using it.
Visualizing furniture in a 3D rendition of their space using AR is highly appealing to respondents, saving time in design and furniture selection.
Existing frustrations with home organizing and decorating apps include missing or insufficient product information, lack of product variety, and limited product photos.
User Interviews
During the ideation phase of the project, our team conducted 10 User Interviews to gather valuable insights and inform the design process. The interviews involved individuals of varying ages (ranging from 21 to 42), with a mix of homeowners and renters, as well as people living alone or with others. The goal was to understand the needs, preferences, and behaviors of our target users.
Through targeted questions, we obtained information about their pain points, desired functionalities, and specific challenges they faced in the home decoration and organization process. This allowed us to validate assumptions and hypotheses established during the initial research phase.
To make sense of the data collected from the User Interviews, we created an Affinity Diagram. This visual tool helped us organize the information into meaningful categories by grouping related ideas, insights, and user needs together. By doing so, we were able to structure the data and identify patterns or commonalities that emerged across the interviews.
The Affinity Diagram served as a valuable reference point for the design process, enabling us to design solutions that directly addressed the identified user needs and pain points.
Results
Motivations:
Most of our interviewees are motivated by the need for change, comfort, and having an organized space.
Frustrations:
Lack of time
Existing applications for home decorating/organizing/shopping missing product information, product diversity, or have faulty functionalities.
Collaborative Projects:
Majority of interviewees tackled home decorating/organizing projects with others (family, roommates, friends).
Planning Methods:
Traditional planning methods used, no digital tools for home decorating/organizing projects.
Shopping Preference:
Prefer shopping in-store over online for furniture and home decoration items.
Home Design Community:
Interest in being part of a home design community for sharing designs, ideas, and feedback.
Space Overview and Exploration:
Desire for an app that provides an overview of the space and allows experimentation with different items and designs.
Sample from the Affinity Mapping we’ve done in Miro
These insights from user interviews provide valuable information for designing the AR Space app.
Empathy Map
To enhance the synthesis of data and deepen our understanding of the end users, we employed an Empathy Map as a powerful visual tool. The Empathy Map facilitated a shift in focus towards the users, providing valuable insights into what they Say, Hear, Do, Think, and Feel. This approach allowed us to delve beyond surface-level information and gain a more comprehensive understanding of their perspectives:
Shifted focus towards end users in the design process.
Captured what users Say, Hear, Do, Think, and Feel.
Went beyond surface-level information to gain deeper insights.
Consolidated user feedback and observations from interviews and surveys.
Developed a holistic view of user needs, motivations, and pain points.
Humanized the data and fostered empathy for the users.
Uncovered unmet needs and areas for improvement.
Informed design decisions and created a user-centered app experience.
The Empathy Map played a crucial role in guiding our design process, ensuring that the AR Space app is tailored to meet the needs and desires of our users.
Main areas of concern uncovered during analysis of interviews and surveys
Existing app limitations:
Functionality issues and complexity in home decorating/organizing apps.
Users resorting to traditional methods due to app shortcomings.
Lack of familiarity with technology:
Majority of users interviewed have never used a similar app or are unfamiliar with Augmented Reality (AR) technology.
Time constraints:
Lack of time for planning and executing home decoration/organizing projects identified as a significant frustration for users.
AR functionality adoption:
Users' unfamiliarity with AR poses a challenge in determining the level of AR implementation, considering gradual introduction, providing instructions/tutorials, etc.
Monetization concerns:
Users reluctant to pay for premium accounts or additional functionalities, especially for short-term or one-time projects.
Retention challenges:
Anticipating retention issues as most users may only use the app for a single project or short-term purposes.
In-store preference for furniture shopping:
Majority of users prefer shopping for furniture and home decoration items in physical stores rather than online.
These findings will guide the case study in addressing these challenges and developing strategies to ensure that the AR Space app meets the needs of users, overcomes adoption barriers, and provides a compelling value proposition for users' home decoration and organizing projects.
User personas
Creating user personas was a crucial step in our design process. It allowed us to form a deeper understanding of our users' goals, needs, experiences, and behaviors. These personas helped us shift the focus from designing for an abstract, generic audience to designing for specific individuals with distinct characteristics, needs, and goals.
Based on the extensive user interviews and surveys we conducted, we carefully crafted two personas that represented the main categories of our potential users. The first persona was a studio apartment owner who lives alone, and the second persona represented a renter living with her family. We continuously updated these personas throughout the project as we gathered more data, ensuring they accurately reflected our target audience.
Using these personas as our compass, we were able to step out of our own perspectives and empathize with the users' unique situations.
It allowed us to consider their perspectives, challenges, and desires, and incorporate these insights into our designs. This user-centric approach ensured that the app would truly resonate with our intended users and provide solutions tailored to their specific needs.
Throughout the design journey, we frequently referred to these personas as a reminder of who we were designing for. It kept us grounded in the reality of our users' experiences, and whenever we encountered design dilemmas, these personas served as a compass to guide us in making informed decisions.
Creating and utilizing these personas has been an invaluable asset in our design process. By humanizing our users and understanding their unique contexts, we were able to create an app that caters to their individual needs and aspirations.
User Flows
User Flow done in Miro.
Based on the extensive research conducted and taking into consideration the diverse needs of the user persona, the next crucial step in the design process was the creation of detailed and intricate User Flows. These User Flows served as a comprehensive visual representation, outlining the intricate paths and interactions users would encounter while navigating the app.
With the User Flows as a guide, I was able to design a seamless and intuitive user journey, ensuring that users could effortlessly navigate through the app, accomplish their goals, and fulfill their unique needs. The complexity of the User Flows enabled me to address different scenarios, edge cases, and user interactions, thus enhancing the overall usability, efficiency, and satisfaction of the app's interface.
Wireframes
Using Figma, I created Wireframes to organize ideas, plan element placement, and establish the information hierarchy of the app design. Here are the key benefits of using Wireframes:
Organization: Wireframes helped structure ideas and content, allowing for a clear overview of the app's layout and flow.
Planning: By visualizing the placement of elements, Wireframes facilitated strategic
decision-making and ensured a logical arrangement of features and information.Information Hierarchy: Wireframes enabled the establishment of a clear hierarchy of content, ensuring that important information is prioritized and easily accessible to users.
Big Picture View: Wireframes provided a high-level view of the app's design, making it easier to evaluate the overall user experience and identify any potential design flaws or usability issues.
Informed Decisions: With Wireframes, it was possible to make informed design decisions early on, saving time and effort that would have been spent on detailed visuals.
By utilizing Wireframes in Figma, I could efficiently plan and conceptualize the app's design, ensuring a well-organized and user-friendly interface before diving into the detailed visual design phase.
Style Guide
The style guide plays a pivotal role in ensuring consistency, efficiency, and coherence throughout the entire project. It was meticulously crafted during the prototyping process, where I found the need to establish a structured approach to the visual elements of the app.
By creating a style guide, I established a set of guidelines and principles that govern the overall look and feel of the user interface. This guide ensures that every screen, component, and interaction adheres to a unified design language, aligning with the project's branding and enhancing the overall user experience.
Additionally, the style guide outlines a consistent typography hierarchy, incorporating font families, sizes, and weights to establish a clear visual hierarchy for text elements. This ensures readability and enhances the app's overall visual appeal.
Iconography is another essential component of the design system. I carefully curated a collection of icons that complement the app's design language, making it easy for users to recognize and interpret various actions and features.
The style guide also encompasses a library of reusable components and UI elements. This repository of
pre-designed elements expedites the prototyping process, allowing me to quickly and efficiently create high-fidelity mock-ups and visualize the app's functionality without reinventing the wheel.
High-Fidelity Mock-up
Designing the High-Fidelity Mock-Up Screens was a pivotal step in refining the app's visual aesthetics and creating a cohesive and visually appealing user interface. This stage allowed me to bring my initial vision to life while making necessary adjustments for a polished end product.
Key aspects of the High-Fidelity Mock-Up process:
Visual Aesthetics: I paid meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every screen exuded a consistent and visually pleasing look. This included refining the layout, spacing, and alignment to create a harmonious user experience.
Color Scheme: Finalizing the color scheme was crucial to establish the app's identity. I carefully selected colors that resonated with the app's purpose and conveyed the desired emotions to users.
Typography: I chose appropriate fonts and font sizes that enhanced readability and complemented the overall visual design. This helped maintain a sense of coherence throughout the app.
Iconography: Choosing appropriate icon sets and designing a few bespoke icons added clarity and consistency to the user interface, making it easy for users to navigate the app.
Design System: Throughout the process, I developed a design system for the app. This system consisted of reusable design elements, styles, and components, ensuring consistency across different screens and future updates.
User Interaction: I paid special attention to user interactions, incorporating smooth transitions and animations to create an engaging and delightful user experience.
By designing the High-Fidelity Mock-Up Screens, I could envision the app's final look and feel, ensuring that the app resonated with the target audience and met their expectations. The design system further streamlined the development process, allowing for efficient scalability and maintenance as the app evolved over time.
User Testing
The user testing process involved evaluating the app's usability and overall user experience with real users. We selected a diverse group of participants to represent our target audience, and they were given specific tasks to complete within the app.
During the testing sessions, we encouraged users to think aloud, sharing their thoughts, reactions, and feedback as they navigated through the app. This allowed us to gain insights into their decision-making process and identify any pain points or areas of confusion.
We observed and recorded users' interactions with the app, noting any difficulties they encountered or areas where they excelled. This data provided valuable feedback on the app's strengths and weaknesses, helping us refine and optimize the user interface and user flows.
Based on the findings from the user testing sessions, we made iterative improvements to the app's design, addressing usability issues and enhancing the overall user experience. This iterative process allowed us to continually fine-tune the app, ensuring it meets the needs and expectations of our users.
During this process, one of the things I’ve discovered was that my first idea for the AR action bar reminded people too much of the navigation bar, so I’ve adapted it to a floating style bar.
Conclusions and reflections
As we near the successful completion of the UX Research Project, I cannot help but reflect on the substantial effort and dedication invested in this endeavor. The opportunity to immerse ourselves in this project, alongside a select group of colleagues, has been truly rewarding. Throughout the journey, we encountered a diverse range of emotions, including excitement, challenges, and moments of frustration, all of which contributed to our growth as professionals in the field.
Undoubtedly, the experience of delving into every facet of the UX Research Project has left a lasting impression. It served as a potent reminder of the paramount importance of comprehensive groundwork. Our commitment to conducting in-depth research, engaging with users, exploring competitor landscapes, and meticulously analyzing data has proven to be instrumental in shaping a user-centric design approach.
Embracing the complexities of the project with enthusiasm, we honed our skills and expanded our understanding of crafting meaningful user experiences. The process of scrutinizing every detail, from the minutiae to the broader implications, has underscored the significance of diligent effort in uncovering valuable insights.
Moreover, the invaluable practice of reaching out to individuals and eliciting their perspectives has served as a linchpin in grasping the true essence of user needs and desires. This commitment to understanding our users on a profound level has significantly enriched our design decisions.
Looking ahead, the lessons garnered from this journey have firmly ingrained in us the necessity of thorough research in every product development endeavor. While the challenges may persist, we embrace them wholeheartedly, for it is in these moments of growth that our capacity for innovation truly shines.
In conclusion, the completion of this UX Research Project has been an exceptional learning experience, fostering both personal and professional growth. Our dedication to excellence has undoubtedly positioned us to forge ahead in the world of UI/UX design, armed with the knowledge that meaningful research is the bedrock of exceptional design outcomes. We eagerly anticipate the opportunities that lie ahead, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering unparalleled user experiences in all future undertakings.