Incubate
2021 UX Course Final Project
A multifunctional self-improvement app designed for young people, inspired by the incubation of eggs – symbolizing the formation of new habits or lifestyles as injecting new energy into one’s life.
Background
The design was initiated to create an app that helps users develop new habits and lifestyles effectively. Through the initial research phase, five highly-rated habit tracking and self-improvement apps were analyzed, and user surveys and interviews were conducted to gather insights.
Challenges
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Balancing simplicity with multi-functionality in the app design.
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Ensuring user daily engagement and maintaining motivation without overwhelming them with features.
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Addressing users' need for companionship and encouragement in the app.
Problem
The challenge was to design an app that is both easy to use and multifunctional, meeting users' diverse needs for self-improvement without overwhelming them.
Solutions
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Introduced animal companions to provide encouragement and a sense of company.
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Implemented a reward and punishment mechanism to motivate users without causing discomfort.
User Research Methods
Competitor Analysis
Analyzed four popular self-improvement apps: Streaks, Habitica, Forest, Fabulous, and Avocation.
Surveys and Interviews
Conducted a questionnaire survey and two interviews to gather user insights and feedback.
Key Findings
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Users prefer simple and daily-use habit tracking apps over distinctive designs.
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The main challenge is cultivating the habit of using self-improvement apps regularly.
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Users need encouragement and companionship to persevere in self-improvement efforts.
Ideation
Based on user feedback and competitor analysis, a multifunctional app concept was developed, focusing on habit formation, to-do lists, Pomodoro, and self-improvement courses.
Persona
User Journey
Service Blueprint
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Visual Design
Adopted a simple color scheme with high contrast to create a soothing and pressure-free user experience.
Integrated a reward and punishment mechanism to motivate users, using the concept of incubating cute animals without harsh penalties for task failures.
The pink progress bar indicates the number of times. For example, in terms of exercise, if you set to do four sets of exercises a day to complete the routine for this part when you create a habit, then each click will only advance the progress bar by 1/4
The different colors of the front vertical line of each To-do represent different types of to-do, such as study, work, personal, etc., which can be adjusted by the user in the setting interface.
In the course interface, big data will send recommendation courses based on users’ habits and to-dos. You can buy courses by stars. After subscribing, the number of stars required for each course will be significantly reduced.
• If the focus mode in the upper left corner is turned on, leaving the interface will mark this Pomodoro as a failure. If you turn it off, leaving the app will not affect the Pomodoro.
• The tab in the upper right corner can select the area that pomodoro focuses on this time.
• Drag the dot on the middle circle to adjust the duration of this Pomodoro.
• Click in the middle of the circle can open the collection interface and select the cute animal that will accompany you in the Pomodoro this time. This little partner will send encouraging words from time to time, and use simple animation effects, not distracting ones, to cheer you up during the Pomodoro.
• In the personal interface, users can set their own main goals.
• User can view your own achievement badges, such
as completing all habit formation tasks for 3 consecutive
days or completing all to-dos for 7 consecutive days.
• Users can view the species they have collected on
the collection page. Species that have not yet been collected will only show a gray outline.
• Participate in user surveys and write reviews will get
extra stars and improve rarity.
• Inviting friends will generate a QR code poster or a download link to share with other social media users. Users can choose the creature they think is the cutest or coolest as the subject of the QR code poster. Successfully inviting users to register will be rewarded.
Results
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The main pages of the app were designed with a user-friendly interface, incorporating features like focus mode, adjustable Pomodoro durations, and interactive animal companions.
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The app's color scheme and visual design principles were well-received, fostering a tranquil and healthy life concept.
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The reward mechanism using star accumulation and species collection encouraged user participation and continuous app usage.
Future Updates
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Develop More Collections: Regularly update species collections and introduce limited editions during festivals to maintain user interest.
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Personalized Notifications: Implement customizable and distinctive notification sounds to encourage regular app usage.
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Section Delete Function: Allow users to customize their app experience by enabling or disabling certain features, catering to individual preferences.