Semester A: Week 1- Week 10
Student: Tai Ser Yeet (22064351)
Programme:
BA(Hons) Digital Media Design
Task:
Week 1's Class Task
Module Brief
Class Tasks
In the first class of this module, I learned about the objectives of this module in brief as well as the breakdown of the Proposal & Pitch Assignment due in January 2024. Next, we evaluated the elements of modern methods when designing user experiences (UX) about our chosen target audiences, societal and cultural norms, as well as current design trends. We also touched on the main differences between the terms UI & UX design and the importance of knowing it to understand job descriptions. My takeaway is that User Interface (UI) is the medium that directly interacts with the user; touchpoints & appearance of the interface. On the other hand, User Experience (UX) refers to the user journey and feelings of the user when they are using an app. Besides that, Dean suggested that before starting our project, we ought to experiment with different prototyping software such as Protopie, Adobe XD & Figma to decipher which platform suits our individual ideas the best. In the past, I have used Figma consistently for my school projects so I would say I am quite familiar with the software.
Followed Up Tasks
As the screenshot reads, we are to select 3 applications that inspired us in regard to the principles of UI/UX design.
The 3 applications I have chosen are:
- Wise
- Circuit Laundry
- Accessibility- Wise is readily accessible on all devices such as Android & Apple phones. The process of downloading the app was quick provided that the internet connection was strong. In terms of creating an account, I personally think that the process might be the most trustworthy & secure out of the other money transfer apps in the market as it requires customers to verify their identification using official documents such as either one's passport, national ID, or driver's license.
- Inspiration- I am very inspired by the thought process behind the User Interface Design of Wise. The chosen colors and their hidden purpose are based on human psychology. For example, as the user gets further into the app, secondary colors which do not involve green, are used as background colors to signify the close relationship that they have with loyal customers.
- Purpose & Selling Points- The purpose of Wise slightly differs from the regular money application mainly because it is not a banking app. Comparatively, Wise has the most affordable international money transfers and I especially like how they are rather transparent with the fees.
- Financial Vialibility- Throughout my entire usage of the app, I do not have to pay for any features except for when I would like to purchase a Wise physical card. They even allow you to deliver another card if the previous one you ordered did not reach you. Wise provides the option of choosing between premium or business services which is helpful for users who like to upgrade.
- Target Audience- Wise's target audience might be the Generation Y-Z. The generations before the ones stated do not seem to appeal to Wise because due to their lack of trust in these online transfer apps. They very much prefer going to an actual bank and dealing with the money there.
2. Instagram App (Social Media)
- Accessibility- The Instagram app is readily available online and through various app stores. Making an account is simple and frequently requires only a phone number or email address, making the signup process comforting.
- Inspiration- I especially prefer how Instagram allows users to save posts into customizable albums. That way, users can easily search for a specific post without wasting any time. Not only that, users could also personalize their background theme based on their liking.
- Purpose & Selling Points- In comparison to Snapchat, Instagram is better in terms of aiding in visual storytelling. Users have a wide array of tools to use when expressing their creativity which includes reels, feeds & stories. When we look at Snapchat, the app only facilitates stories.
- Financial Vialibility- Instagram makes money from advertising but it is available for free. Its financial viability is supported by sponsored articles, Stories advertisements, and the Explore page. In order to reach a larger audience, influencers and businesses can also purchase advertising which opens up doors for revenue growth.
- Target Audience- Teenagers to young adult users are the main demographic of Instagram. Not only that, Instagram also attracts businesses and creative influencers eager to build their career.
3. Circuit Laundry App (Laundry Management)
- Accessibility- Circuit Laundry (CL) is readily accessible on all devices such as Android & Apple phones. The process of downloading the app was quick. Making an account is simple.
- Inspiration- One of the things that captured my attention in the app was the detailed and clear guidelines written on how to use the washing machines and dryer. After reading the guidelines, I felt more confident in using the machine because I knew what to expect. There were no hiccups along the way too which is fortunate. The UI design was minimal and easy on the eyes.
- Purpose & Selling Points- The CL Laundry app shows the duration of the washing and drying which helps users to plan out their schedule around their laundry time. CL also provides mobile payment options, and automated warnings and allows users to scan the QR code to insert details of the machine into the app.
- Financial Vialibility- CL makes money through transaction fees, in which the service provider receives a percentage of the money paid through the app. The app does not include any 'in-app purchases'.
- Target Audience- The target audience of CL consists of young professionals, students, and residents who live in shared or apartment buildings. This is because they might not own a washing machine of their own since they are living in a rented property.