Case Study: Akkad Audio Tours App
Project Overview
The Product
Akkad Audio Tours - An Audio Tour App
An easy-to-use mobile app that features audio-tour capability and prioritizes accessibility.
Tools
Figma, Google Forms, Photoshop
NOTE: Akkad Audio Tours is an original design project.
Goal
Design an audio-tour app that allows remote access to exhibitions and simplifies the ticket buying/in-person visit planning process.
My Role
Lead UX Designer, Writer, Content Strategist
Understanding the User
Survey
User Pain Points
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Accessibility I
Digital streaming platforms require users to navigate through the app’s settings to change language settings.
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Accessibility II
Intermittent or costly internet doesn’t allow users to listen to audio ranging in varying sizes (think cost to stream large files).
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Multi-tasking
Users lack the ability to access gallery information (i.e. opening hours) and/or purchase tickets for in-person visits.
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Information Architecture
Confusing iconography and imagery inhibit users who are not versed in today’s tech-savvy language.
User Personas
User # 1: Nia
User # 2: Daniel
Problem Statement
Daniel is a busy, 38-year-old professional who needs an all-inclusive audio-tour app where he can plan art-based outings for his family. His hectic schedule and PTSD diagnosis require him to seek easy-to-use, ‘one-stop-shop’ apps and websites.
User Journey Maps
Nia’s Journey
Mapping Nia’s user journey revealed how young users access and use the Akkad Audio-Tour app.
Content Strategy Check-In
A Comparative List of User and Gallery Goals
AI-simulated user journey
Digital Wireframes
Concise and easy navigation was a key user need to address in the designs, in addition to, equipping the app to work with assistive technology.
Low-fidelity Prototype
Using a completed set of digital wireframes, I created a low-fidelity prototype. The primary user flow I connected was navigating through a ‘Current Exhibition’ audio selection and creating a new profile, so the prototype could be used in a usability study.
View the Akkad Audio-Tour Low-fidelity Prototype
Usability Study Findings
I conducted two rounds of usability studies. Findings from the first study helped guide the designs from wireframes to mockups. In the second study, I utilized a high-fidelity prototype which revealed what aspects of the mockups required refining.
Mockups
The second usability study revealed the following:
Feedback regarding color contrast was addressed and the app’s overall color scheme was updated to enhance accessibility.
Users wanted clarification for the toolbar icons and titles were added to the design.
Animation for screen shareability via social media was added to the app.
*Final design is shown on iPhone 11 Pro Max prototype.
Key Mockups
Audio Listening Flow
Original Design (above), Redesign (below)
Ticket Purchasing Flow
Original Design (above), Redesign (below)
High-fidelity Prototype Redesign
The high-fidelity prototype redesign presented provided users with a more comprehensive experience. The app’s content allows users to gain more information on artists and exhibitions, clarified hierarchy and iconography, and developed a smoother ticket purchasing process.
Accessibility Considerations
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One
Upon entering the app, users select their desired language - eliminating a gap seen in competing apps where users must navigate to Settings to achieve this adjustment. Additionally, we have labeled all icons to decrease miscommunication.
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Two
Finding a color palette during the ideation process was a priority to allow for the highest level of accessibility. Users experiencing temporary, permanent, or situational vision difficulties can view and experience the app in its entire capacity.
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Three
Several options and paths are available to users to complete simple tasks. For example, navigation to the homepage can be accomplished through the ‘Home’ icon or by clicking the ‘Akkad Audio Tour’ title.
Thanks!
Your time is valuable! Thank you for reviewing this project!
Akkad Audio Tours is an original design project.
Email: tia@tiatelese.com