UM Rec Sports
Provided UX design consultation to enhance the user experience of the UM Rec Sports app.
Project Context
Background
In my UMSI capstone course, SI 487, we were tasked with a client assignment — the University of Michigan Recreational Sports Department. Our objective was to enhance their app for improved user engagement and functionality. Through surveys, usability tests, and interviews, we gathered data to inform our design decisions, culminating in a fully interactive prototype. This project aimed to meet user needs while aligning with UM Rec Sports' goals and our course objectives.
Role
UX Consultant
Team
Marlee Hooberman, Oresti Dine,
Sneha Yedulla
Timeline
Sept 2023 - May 2024
Overview
Problem
The Rec Sports app suffers from slow performance, high cognitive load, and user confusion, reducing its effectiveness.
Solution
Conduct thorough user research and analysis to design solutions that address these pain points and enhance overall usability.
Design Process
Final Product
Interactive Prototype
Research
Research Questions
Method 1: Research Survey
We surveyed over 80 users using random sampling and direct outreach to gather diverse data on behaviors, values, and pain points with the Rec Sports app.
Method 2: Usability Testing
Next, we conducted usability tests to assess intuitiveness and gather quantitative data on key tasks identified from our surveys and client feedback.
Analysis
Affinity Mapping
After our research, we compiled user feedback from surveys and tests, categorized it by themes, and identified patterns.
User Personas
We crafted two user personas for the Rec Sports app, focusing on undergraduate students, to inform our user-centric design approach.
Journey Map
Next, we developed a journey map to visualize how undergrads use the Rec Sports app, revealing their interactions, emotions, pain points, and improvement opportunities.
Design
User Flow Chart
We started by creating a user flow chart to outline the core functions and screens that would be part of our redesign process.
Sketches & Mid-Fi Wireframes
Each team member provided sketches for the app's main pages (Home, Fitness, Competition, Adventure, and Member ID), later refined into mid-fidelity frames using Figma.
Final Frames
We created hi-fi designs based on the Rec Sports style guide, resulting in a prototype for Group-X sign-ups, intramural registration, and Member ID scanning.
Evaluation
Usability Testing
After completing our first prototype iteration, we tested the same tasks as the current app on a new random sample to gather quantitative data. Usability tests showed significant improvements in task completion times and success rates, thanks to streamlined processes, simplified navigation, and enhanced user satisfaction.
Qualitative Feedback
During the usability tests, we documented participants' feedback on specific criticisms and praises for functions within our prototype. As before, we organized this data into an affinity map for easier processing. Here is a summary of our findings:
Conclusion
Design Expo
At the end of our project, we designed a poster for the 2024 UMSI Student Project Exposition to showcase our project, share our journey, and present our results to interested teachers, alumni, and fellow students.
