"As a user, I want to be able to include photos in my journal entries so I can present my memories in a unique and visually appealing way."
CASE STUDY
Ikigai: A Native App
UX/UI Design
Ikigai is a Japanese concept that recognises the value in living, where the small things that bring joy in everyday life add up to a more fulfilling life as a whole.
This native app provides a private and secure platform for users to record occurrences, experiences and reflections, no matter how big or small, that make up their everyday life.
It provides a soothing space for the user to enjoy the benefits of journaling.
TOOLS
Sketch
InVision
Photoshop
ROLE
UX Researcher
UI and Visual Designer
TIMELINE
February 2021
3 weeks
My Role
As the sole UX and UI designer working on this project, I oversaw all aspects from conceptualisation to high-fidelity prototyping.
The UX Research phase of the project allowed me to analyse the existing market for such apps, identify the users as well as the goals they would seek to achieve with the app.
Progressing into the UI phase of the project, I put forward design solutions that would serve the user requirements appropriately channelling a soothing and inspiring mood.
Context
Journaling has become a distinctive feature of the trendy self-care movement. The obvious benefits are improved communication skills, enhanced mindfulness and active use of memory.
A digital journaling platform for mobile – as opposed to the more romantic paper format – presents many benefits: whilst typing entries on a mobile device is convenient and grants quick access, it also allows the user to carry out searches and easily retrieve previous posts.
A native format lends itself particularly well to this project: full integration with the native system allows for secure and easy data back-ups and convenient syncing functions with other system apps such as a calendar, notes or health tracking apps. By remaining faithful to familiar native patterns and elements, the app allows the user to dive straight into the ritual of journaling.
User Flows
My focal points for solving the user requirements were easy navigation and a customisable user experience.
I identified two key functions the app would have to include in order to perform at its best: an option to attach media sources in journal entries, and a practical search function.
"As a user, I want to be able to search through and retrieve previous journal entries so I can remind myself of past experiences."
Ideation, Execution & User Testing
Focusing on simplicity, I established a clear design hierarchy with initial sketches, putting all the elements in place to guarantee an intuitive navigation.
Digitising my wireframes and creating early prototypes allowed me to share them with users and seek feedback early on in the process.
Testing my prototypes early and often was hugely beneficial to help me simplify the navigation system, enhance the functionality of my chosen UI elements and bring my designs to a polished and professional standard. I welcomed the feedback and implemented the relevant changes, showing flexibility and professionalism in my work.
Final Design
I aimed to create a calming and inspiring space for users to feel at ease with their thought process and encourage them to express themselves as they see fit. A soothing colour palette and rounded friendly typeface encourage this.
Implementing this visual aesthetic whilst staying faithful to the Human Interface Guidelines, I concentrated on advancing the design for the iOS platform and created high-fidelity wireframes. I shared my prototype with peers for a final round of iterations.
The prototype addresses the user requirements with familiar design patterns and navigation, whilst also championing a strong individual visual identity.
Android Adaptation
Ikigai’s simple design allows for seamless adaptation for the Android platform. The clean colour palette and typography are versatile and can therefore be repeated on both platforms to reinforce the brand identity.
Comparing Human Interface Guidelines with Google Materials, my main concern was in the iteration of the overall navigation system. The use of Floating Action Buttons being the norm for Android, I adapted the action to create new journal entries to address this.
I also adapted the button styling, the structure of the top app bar and some of the terminology used for calls to action to suit Android users.
Challenges & Insights
The biggest challenge encountered was to make the app enticing to the novice diary keeper.
As the main focus was to promote self-expression, the design solutions had to present an inspiring and liberating environment, so as to encourage even the least experienced writer.
I believe I achieved this with a soothing and pleasing colour scheme, a logical design hierarchy and a simple yet functional navigation. The use of common native patterns allows the app to blend in seamlessly with its respective operating systems, providing an experience the user is familiar with.
Diving deep into the intricacies of the native design guidelines for each system, I developed a thorough understanding of efficient navigation systems and the value of a smooth user experience. I will look back to this project as a milestone in my development as a successful UI designer.
Looking to the Future
Future iterations could be considered to enhance the personalisation aspect of the app.
Advanced formatting functions to enhance the journal entries' look with choices of colour swatches, font and style libraries could be implemented.
A print-on-demand option could be envisaged for the user to purchase a printed version of entries/journals of their choice.
