SET

UI/UX Designer

Mobile app screen showing options for calendar, timer, progress, and profile for user Rachel Cheng.

SET is a prototype design for a mobile app aimed at helping users manage procrastination while enhancing their study habits. The app focuses on creating a structured yet flexible environment for users to organize their tasks, set goals, and track their progress through engaging features. My role involved developing the user interface and user experience using ADobe XD to create an intuitive prototype.

the problem

Many students and professionals struggle with procrastination, leading to decreased productivity and increased stress. SET aims to provide a solution by combining study tools with motivational features that encourage users to stay focused and manage their time effectively.

my role

As the UI/UX designer, I was responsible for the entire design process of the app, from conceptualizing user flows to creating high-fidelity prototypes in AdobeXD. My goal was to design an app that is both visually appealing and easy to navigate, promoting an engaging user experience.

timeline

Feb - April 2023

role

UI/UX Designer

tools

AdobeXD

A mobile app login screen with a teal and white color scheme. It features a 'SET' title at the top, followed by email and password input fields, a 'CONTINUE' button, and a 'NO ACCOUNT? CREATE ONE NOW' prompt at the bottom.
A mobile app homepage with a welcome message to Rachel Cheng, displaying options for calendar, timer, progress, and profile icons.
Mobile phone screen showing a calendar app with February 2022, highlighting the 8th and 17th, and the current location as San Francisco, CA.
Mobile app screen displaying user progress with icons for goals, leaderboard, and trophies.
Smartphone screen displaying a timer app with a circular countdown set for 30 minutes, showing 1 hour total, with controls for pause, cancel, and resume.
Mobile app screen showing trophies earned, categorized into Level 3 and Level 4, with a legend indicating locked, in progress, and unlocked trophies.

user requirement gathering

Initial survey responses (n=11) revealed that the primary goals users sought to achieve through similar applications were task checklists, accessibility, and a method to prevent distractions.

These concerns aligned with my previous research findings:

  1. Many users reported feeling overwhelmed by apps that had too many features crammed into one interface. This led to confusion and disengagement, as users struggled to find the tools they needed quickly.

  2. Some apps offered limited options for personalization, making it challenging for users to tailor their experience to fit their individual study habits and preferences.

  3. A common complaint was that existing apps did not provide enough motivational support. Users wanted more engaging elements, such as reminders or rewards, to help them stay focused and combat procrastination effectively.

ideation, design, prototype

There were two main areas of focus for the design of SET: a simple and intuitive design and the application itself.

My goal for SET was to create a balance between the tone and design of the app to avoid an overwhelming interface. I opted to incorporate simple icons and amble ‘white’ space to enhance the user experience and ensure that the content was easily navigable and manageable.

I employed a calming color palette of monochromatic green to reduce anxiety and promote focus. The typography was selected for clarity and legibility, ensuring that users could easily read tasks and instructions. I also included motivational elements like progress bars and achievement badges to encourage users to stay engaged and make the study process more rewarding.

Three mobile phone screens showing a fitness app setup. The first screen is a login page, the second is create an account page, and the third displays the main menu with icons for calendar, timer, and leaderboard.

Login Page

Screenshots of a mobile app interface displaying a calendar, a task check-in screen, and an input assignment screen, all set in San Francisco, CA.

Calendar/Assignment Input

Screenshots of a study timer app on a smartphone, showing settings for study and break durations, a countdown timer, and a confirmation prompt to cancel the session.

Study Timer Option

Screenshots of a goal-tracking mobile app showing progress, goal creation, progress stages, trophies, and leaderboard screens.

Goals/Trophies/Leaderboard

Reflection

This project deepened my understanding of user-centered design principles and the importance of balancing functionality with visual appeal. I learned that engaging users through motivation and reward systems can significantly enhance their experience. In future projects, I aim to integrate more extensive user testing to refine features based on direct feedback. Additionally, I want to explore how different design styles can influence user engagement, diversifying my approach to create unique experiences for different applications.

Time was a constraint on this project as it was for a course, but if I were to continue working on this project, I would conduct a second phase of usability testing to validate the updates made to the original design. While the changes were minor, obtaining concrete data showcasing improvements in task completion time and success rates would be valuable.

Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to showcase my design and research skills. This project allowed me to work on my first app prototype while combining research and design, reaffirming my passion for the field.

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