Project Overview:

SpeakE is a mobile application designed to facilitate real-time, audio-based communication between individuals and groups. This case study outlines the design process for SpeakE, focusing on user needs, interaction design, and prototyping.

Target Users:
  • Busy professionals seeking a hands-free way to communicate
  • Individuals with visual impairments or who prefer audio communication.
  • People who enjoy voice-based social interaction.

User Research:

  • Conducted user interviews to understand communication pain points.
  • Analyzed existing audio chat apps to identify strengths and weaknesses.
User Personas:

These user personas provide a starting point for understanding the diverse needs and motivations of potential SpeakE users. By considering these personas throughout the design process, the app can be tailored to cater to a broader audience and provide a valuable communication tool for everyone.

Key Findings:
    • Users struggle to type while multitasking or on the go..
    • Text-based communication can lack nuance and emotion.
    • There is a desire for a more engaging and social audio chat experience.

Information Architecture:

The core functionalities of SpeakE are:

Interaction Design:
  • Simple and intuitive interface: The design prioritizes ease of use with large, clear buttons for core actions like starting a chat, recording a message, and adjusting volume.
  • Accessibility features: Option for voice commands to navigate the app, transcript generation for voice messages, and compatibility with screen readers.
  • Visual cues: Avatars represent users, waveforms indicate ongoing conversations, and color-coding differentiates chat types (one-on-one, group, channel).
  • Push-to-talk or hands-free mode: Users can choose between holding a button to speak or utilize hands-free voice activation.

Prototyping:

A low-fidelity prototype was created using a wireframing tool to test the core functionalities and user flow. Usability testing was conducted, revealing the need for:

  • A more prominent “record message” button..
  • Clearer visual indicators for unread messages..
  • Easier access to group chat settings..

These findings were incorporated into the first iteration of the high-fidelity prototype.

First Iteration:

Usability Research

User Journey Map:

Persona: Sarah, Busy Professional (32)

Pain Points

  • Difficulty finding colleagues on the app (Consideration)
  • App feels overwhelming during onboarding (Decision)
  • Feeling self-conscious about using voice chat for work (Activation)

Opportunities

  • Implement a recommendation system to help users find colleagues (Consideration)
  • Offer a simplified onboarding process for new users (Decision)
  • Provide tips and best practices for using voice chat in a professional setting (Activation)

These findings were incorporated into a high-fidelity prototype with a polished UI for further testing with a broader user base.

 

Future Considerations:

  • Integration with existing communication platforms.
  • Live transcription with translation features.
  • Voice-based search within channels..
  • Explore monetization options such as premium features or branded channels.

Conclusion:

SpeakE aims to fill a gap in the instant messaging landscape by offering a convenient and engaging audio-based communication experience. By prioritizing user needs and accessibility, the app can empower users to connect and express themselves in a new way.