Grind
2021
UX
UI Design
User Testing
A chatbot & app design, aimed at helping students improve their productivity & time management.
Working on a team with two other students, I was tasked with designing an AI Conversational Agent (or Chatbot) and app design that responded to a COVID-19 related user need.
Process :
1. Research & Data Analysis
Secondary Research
Interviews
Data Analysis & Sorting
2. Development
Concept Generation
Storyboards & Needs Validation Testing
Chatbot Flowchart
Wireframes & ThinkAloud Testing
3. Final Design
Main Features
Visual Guidelines
Video Sketch
Final Interface
To skip the process & jump to the final design, click here.
In the beginning…
We set out to learn about procrastination and time management challenges faced by college students during COVID-era online learning and the Fall 2021 transition back to in-person learning. We conducted interviews, audits of services on campus, reviewed existing online tips, and directed secondary research into topics relating to time management and procrastination over the course of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Secondary Research
covering four main topics :
1. Common Causes of Procrastination for Students :
Main Findings:
Fear of failure and insecurity about their ability to perform
Lack of interest in subject matter (required courses)
Texting is most prevalent form of distraction
3. Guilt and Procrastination :
Main Findings:
Cycle of anxiety, shame, & guilt with procrastination
Holding self accountable helps
Pressure to be virtually available 24/7 reduces line between work/leisure
Avoid guilt for taking breaks (breaks improve productivity)
60% of procrastinators are students
2. Fall 2021 Transition Back to In-Person Learning :
Main Findings:
COVID-19 has increased stress, fear, anxiety & worry
Social anxiety increased with return to in-person learning
Fears about getting sick on campus and missing class
4. Methods for Coping with Procrastination :
Main Findings:
People are more likely to complete work when they have external deadlines
People are more likely to complete work when they’re convinced it’s not work
Tasks are easier to complete when they’re broken down into small chunks
Primary Research
I conducted seven interviews to better understand my problem space and identify specific pain points within the targeted user group.
Sample Questions:
How has COVID impacted your productivity and time management?
What are your biggest challenges when it comes to time management currently, and how long have you been experiencing these?
What other time management tips have you tried in the past, or are using currently? Do you find that they are working?
Outline of interviewee demographics
Affinity map organizing interview discoveries
Development
My design development consisted of concept generation, creating storyboards for Needs Validation Testing, developing a conversational flowchart between a user and the chatbot, and creating wireframes for ThinkAloud Testing.
Needs Validation Feedback : Students liked this feature, thought it would enable more peaceful & fulfilling freetime.
Needs Validation Feedback : Students didn't love this. Many said that creating & using a planner or strict schedule feels like more work.
Needs Validation Feedback : Students thought this would be helpful for longer periods of study, not 20-5 method.
Needs Validation Feedback : Students liked this feature, reminded them of Canvas Confetti which they look for as visual confirmation when they complete assignments.
Needs Validation Feedback : Students liked this feature, thought it would be cool if it suggested goals for next week based on deadlines & work patterns.
Needs Validation Feedback : Students loved this feature, thought it would be very helpful if the app would update deadlines based on canvas changes.
Needs Validation Feedback : Students thought this feature might be helpful, but were unsure if it would work to pull them away from distractions.
Needs Validation Feedback : Students liked this feature, thought it would be useful to talk to someone when struggling with work.
Conversation flowchart I made for the morning conversation sequence between a person and the chatbot.
ThinkAloud Feedback : Easy to use & navigate. People liked the idea of the chatbot prompting to set up schedule first thing in the morning.
ThinkAloud Feedback : Easy to understand how to add tasks due to edit button location. X and back arrow communicate different functions. Date on Homepage helps keep track of deadlines. Home screen visual hierarchy is strong (date & chatbot are top-level). Suggestions : reorganize content on new task window (staggered layout is confusing).
ThinkAloud Feedback : Helpful that edit menu serves as add/delete function. Green is good confirmation color. Suggestions : Remove boxes on the side when deleting a task (confusing).
ThinkAloud Feedback : Frustrations : confused about stop/pause/x symbol. Many people asked about timer's purpose. Check box looks like selection icon. Language is unclear.
Final Design
Main Features
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Canvas Integration
To-do list automatically adds assignments that are listed from Canvas. App & chatbot prioritize upcoming deadlines for users. Chatbot suggests schedule changes during the day/week if it sees a better option.
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On-Boarding Quiz
When first setting up the app, users will be quizzed on their work habits, goals, challenges, needs, as well as their visual interface preferences in order to create a customized & individual-centered experience.
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Built-In Calendar
The in-app calendar facilitates a one-stop experience for the user’s time management and productivity needs. Users can use the calendar to schedule extracurricular activities & assignmemnts.
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Scheduled Work Periods
The app allows students to schedule personal work periods for completing assignments and reminds them when these periods are about to begin. Students can also use this function to log their time spent studying.
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Chatbot Partner
Chatbot serves as personal productivity assistant & support system. The chatbot learns students’ work patterns and makes suggestions for improvement. It also provides productivity tips, and a weekly summary of hours worked, tasks completed, and revised goals.
