Whatsapp app
As part of my design program, I was tasked with creating a new feature for a mobile app. I chose to work on WhatsApp
During the research phase, I soon discovered that users wanted more ways to organize their chat clutter
Problem
Users struggle to manage their extensive chat histories, and managing chat clutter with the WhatsApp system is a challenge
Approach
During research, it was discovered that users do not rely on the search bar
Solution
Develop a system for organizing conversations into folders, so that users can create conversation groups
4 weeks
(Aug-Sep, 2023)
WHEN?
User Interviews
User flow
Ideation
Wireframes
Moderate Usability Testing
MY ROLES
Learning from the users
A survey of 11 users found a strong demand for better chat organization. Nine out of eleven wanted improved chat categorization.
Getting to know our users
I examined major platforms like Telegram, Facebook Messenger, Instagram Direct, and other messaging apps like Viber and Apple iMessage to understand user pain points and effective features.
What I found out
Users are looking for a better way to organize their conversations! They want to be able to categorize and find specific chats easily.
Searching through old messages is a major pain point - users feel overwhelmed and frustrated.
Customization is key! Users love being able to personalize their experience with features like custom notifications and categories.
When it comes to organization, users think of labels and pre-determined categories - anything to make finding what they need easier!
Refining ideas
By conducting in-depth user research and competitor analysis, I designed a feature to streamline conversation management. This feature integrates folder labels directly on the main screen for easy access and includes a user-friendly system for adding contacts to folders. This empowers users to effortlessly organize their conversations.
Testing Time
I conducted a usability test to see how well users could create folders. I timed them and got their feedback. Users made folders in under 30 seconds, which is good. Most people went to the "Folders" section to create a new one. However, some got confused about which tab was active.
To fix this, I made the active tab bolder. This should help users see which tab they're on.
What I learned
Working with WhatsApp's design system taught me how important it is to follow UI guidelines in a corporate setting. When adding a new feature, it must seamlessly fit with the existing UI to ensure it's user-friendly. As I set up the organization, I faced challenging problems that required me to use my problem-solving skills. I asked myself, "How can I create a system that aligns with WhatsApp's standards?" Analyzing the competition helped me find ways to enhance the design for our target users. Learning how WhatsApp operates, I found examples of how they integrated other features into their app. This was like finding the missing piece of the puzzle, such as the folder system for organizing conversations. Despite being a student project, I didn't miss the chance to empathize with real users and understand their frustrations and challenges. I used a survey to define the project's objective of improving the user experience. Further testing is needed to verify the design changes and gather user feedback.
Even with positive test results, there's room for improvement. A small, simple change can make a big difference.
How might I approach this project next time?
As a UX Designer, I would approach this project by first conducting stakeholder interviews with the product manager, design leads, and developers to understand the project goals, technical constraints, and design requirements.
During the research stage, I would also:
Conduct user interviews to gain a deeper understanding of their needs and pain points
Collaborate with the support team to gather insights into user feedback and concerns
Collect internal data to inform my design decisions
Throughout the design process, I would work closely with the design team to ensure that my solutions align with WhatsApp's existing design language and collaborate on prototyping and usability testing to validate my designs.
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