User-Centered Solutions:
A Wish App Heuristics Case Analysis

My Role

UX Designer - researching, ideation of solutions.

UI Designer - Wireframing from scratch.

Deliverables

Insights of Research
Hi-Fi wireframing

Timeline

3 days

Overview

User experience goes beyond taps and swipes; it encompasses understanding user psychology and expectations. Nielsen's heuristic principles guide us in creating interfaces that resonate deeply with users. We'll dissect the Wish app, uncover usability challenges, and devise solutions, aiming to enhance functionality and gain insights into the iterative UI design process.

All hi-fi wireframing were build completely from scratch.

Mission

The mission of the case study is to evaluate the Wish mobile app using Nielsen’s heuristic principles, pinpoint usability issues, and propose effective solutions. Through this process, the study aims to reinforce the importance of user-centered design principles in creating an intuitive and visually cohesive app interface.

Problem

In the realm of mobile apps, simplicity is crucial, but the Wish app faces usability problems. Users encounter difficulty navigating, inconsistency in design, and lack of smooth action control. These issues impact user enjoyment and may drive them away. Our goal is to address these concerns with practical solutions, aiming for improved usability and a more enjoyable experience for all users.


Analysis &
Solutions

Heuristic Violation: Aesthetic and Minimalist Design

The Wish app suffers from an overload of visual elements, violating the principle of minimalist design. Excessive use of colors, shapes, and unnecessary decorative elements clutters the interface, making it overwhelming for users. This violation affects the overall aesthetics and user experience, making it difficult for users to focus on essential content and actions.

Problem: Visually overwhelming

Solution

To address this, I chose a solution that embraces minimalism while incorporating the brand's personality. By prominently featuring the primary color and introducing a color hierarchy, essential elements are emphasized, creating a cleaner, visually appealing interface.

These changes adhere to usability principles and elevate the app's overall appearance, giving it a more luxurious and upgraded feel..

Heuristic Violation: User Control and Freedom & Recognition rather than recall.

One challenge users face is scrolling down a long list of products and struggling to return to the top, violating the principles of user control. Additionally, users can't easily revisit products they've already seen, not being any indicator that tells you that you have check that product, violating the principle of recognition rather than recall.

Problem: Tricky Navigation

Solution

To solve these issues I added a feature that either:
- allows users to go back to the top of the list with a single tap, providing clear feedback on their system status or,
- allows to scroll freely with a sidebar.

I also used a colour code to help users spot products they've already viewed, making navigation smoother and empowering users with control.

Problem: Design Inconsistencies

Heuristic Violation: Consistency and Standards, Recognition rather than Recall.

The app's design lacks consistency, with buttons and sections using different colors and shapes, violating the principle of design consistency. Moreover, some features like the 'filters button' are repeated, confusing users and violating the principle of recognition rather than recall.

Solution

To address this, I propose standardising design elements like buttons and sections, ensuring a consistent user interface. Also iconography remains the same throughout the categories.

Additionally, I remove the redundant 'filters button' and integrate filters seamlessly, reducing confusion and adhering to established design principles.

Next steps

1. Iterative Design Process:

  • Adopt an iterative design process by gathering continuous user feedback, analyzing interactions, and refining the design based on data. Iterative testing and improvements are key for a user-friendly interface.

2. Mobile Responsiveness:

  • Ensure responsive design across devices and screen sizes. Test on various smartphones and tablets for a consistent user-friendly experience.

3. Accessibility Implementation:

  • Incorporate accessibility features for users with disabilities, ensuring proper contrast, alternative text for images, and keyboard accessibility. Adhering to standards like WCAG is crucial for an inclusive user experience.

4. User Education:

  • Consider incorporating in-app tutorials or guides to help users understand new features and improvements. Educating users about the app's functionality can enhance overall satisfaction and ease of use.

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