Overview
The pandemic pushed many to work remotely, emphasizing the need for online tool adaptation and time management due to the ambiguity of homebound schedules.
Limitations in group meeting organization prompted investigation into improving its group scheduling capabilities.
Research Methods
User engagement: Interviewed with 8 remote workers to understand their needs.
Interview objectives: Gain insights into daily scheduling, time management, social interactions, and familiarity with organizational tools.
Tools: Google forms, Zoom, Recording device, & Figma
Generative Research Stage
Research Findings
All 8 interviewees rely on online calendars for time management and productivity.
Problem Statement
How can we enhance Google Calendar to boost social interaction for remote professionals?
Personas
Competitive Analysis
Competitive analysis reveals absence of social interaction features in existing time management apps.
UX Flows
UX flows outline sequential processes for distinct functionalities to enhance user socialization
UI Sketches
Swift prototyping revealed previously unexplored design aspects and sparked fresh concepts.
A list of your friends on the left side, with a weekly calendar view, with your events already planned.
Upon choosing your preferred companions, you'll be able to observe the collective availability
An invitation gets sent to all the meeting members.
Their profile icon will indicate their confirmation status.
User Testing (Evaluative Research)
6 wireframes with 6 participants.
Participants navigated through wireframes, difficulties were noted, and insights were gathered through a series of 5 questions post-interaction.
User Testing Results
Remote worker professionals found Feature 1 most useful, and time saving due to its intuitiveness.
College students found Features 1 and 2 most useful for organizing activities and commitments due to its social aspect.
Feature 1: All available times
Comprehensive view of upcoming days with available time slots.
Simplifies the process of identifying suitable meeting times for group projects, professional meetings, or informal social gatherings.
Feature 2: Automatic Meeting Suggestions
Intelligent assistant prompting users to schedule a meeting with a friend.
Assistant presents a range of potential meeting times for user convenience after the prompt.
Feature 3: Manual Meeting Selection
Allows users to see available individuals when selecting a meeting time
Reflection
Multiple prototype options for testing = avoid local maxima
The preliminary exploratory research reshaped the project, enabling us to pinpoint the pertinent problem
Open and consistent communication within a research/design team is essential
Team
The realization of this project was made possible through the collaborative endeavors of the research and design team.
Nadia Corral
Kelly Nham