https://xd.adobe.com/view/65251350-a002-4242-b63a-5fcbd298bee6-3076/
How the FlexFest Companion App Meets the Usability Goals
The usability goals include effectiveness, efficiency, utility, learnability, memorability and safety.
The high fidelity FlexFest companion app is a redefined and finished version of the mid-fidelity companion app created in the research blog portion of the UX and UI module. The developed version of the companion app is a constrained version of the website, utilizing the same design pattern and interface as the website to ensure the user is familiar with the interface solidifying the relationship between the companion app and website. Considering the five usability goals required for solving the app problem space, the users can seamlessly utilize the app when at the event. The app effectively functions as a compressed version of the website and doesn’t lose any accountability when acting as a constraint. The usability goals for the app are consistent with the website and meet the goals by providing a similar experience across both platforms. Achieving this helps users when familiarising themselves with the app.
How the FlexFest Companion App Meets the User Needs
The user needs include a place to purchase tickets, view line-ups, find accommodation and travel information, safety precautions and event contacts. The user requires a seamless experience to avoid website abandonment.
The FlexFest companion app also consistently meets the user’s needs by displaying information relevant for use on the event day. The constricted app shows all relevant information in the dropdown menu, including the pre-purchased festival tickets, line-up, updates, gallery, accommodation, travel and site information. The information is easily accessible by all and the app; the app’s main goal has been met by providing the user with a safe and reliable entry pass they will never lose. The app also shows many maps, including a festival map, which users can utilize to navigate the event and locate essential areas such as medics and restrooms.
Design Laws Utilized in the Companion App Design
The design laws from the website prototype convert over into the app, ensuring the companion app stays consistent with the website. Hicks law has been applied to the design by constricting menu options and reducing the time it takes for the users to make decisions by providing them with less complex choices. Jackobs law has also been applied to the design by ensuring the app stays consistent with the website and other apps the users may use daily; menus and icons are universally recognised, helping maintain familiarity.
Companion App Onboarding
When the user opens the companion app, they’re greeted with an onboarding sequence this introduces the app and what the user can expect from it. The simple sequence consists of three screens, a welcome screen explaining the app, a QR code explanation and a festival map. This ensures safety for the user and tells them exactly what they can expect when using the app on the day of the event. The onboarding sequence is skippable for those already familiar with companion app interfaces or who do not have the time to go through each screen and want to get to the main app.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the overall usability needs for the companion app are met in a stress-free and seamless fashion, ensuring all the user needs are met. Furthermore, the companion app is displayed professionally and stays consistent with the website to provide a memorable and easily learnable user experience.
References
Adobe Stock. 2022. Festival Images – Browse 1,572,262 Stock Photos, Vectors, and Video. [online] Available at: <https://stock.adobe.com/uk/search/images?filters%5Bcontent_type%3Aphoto%5D=1&filters%5Bcontent_type%3Aimage%5D=1&order=relevance&safe_search=1&limit=100&search_page=1&search_type=usertyped&load_type=page&acp=&aco=festival+&k=festival+&get_facets=0> [Accessed 23 April 2022].