UX designer
HABIT
SANITIZER
In this project, the client entrusted us with the development of a household sanitizer specifically designed for smartphones. The company had previously invested in a prototype for industrial production, but unfortunately, it did not meet the required standards. This presented us with the challenge of designing a second version of the product that not only aligned with the client's vision but also fit within the confines of a limited budget.
Our overarching objectives were to enhance the value of the product and elevate the overall user experience, ensuring a solution that exceeded expectations while remaining cost-effective
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Enhance the value of the product
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Improve the user experience
RESEARCH
I conducted research to identify user pain points and preferences, extracting key insights to drive our problem-solving approach, using different tools as surveys, interviews to stakeholders and adopting usability tests.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
User are struggling to understand how to use our product due to a lack of intuitive design and unclear informations. This is leading to frustration and low engagement. Need to improve the usability of the product by redesigning and adding user interface be more intuitive and user-friendly.
DESIGN PROCESS
SHAPES & MATERIALS
I switched from a cylindrical shape to a flat rectangular design, reducing the footprint while expanding the sanitization area. In terms of materials, I replaced the nylon case with one made of recycled PET and glass, adding preciousness and elegance to the product.
OPENING SYSTEM
During usability tests, it became evident that users instinctively attempted to open the sanitizer 'like a book' as their initial natural gesture, rather than sliding the sanitization drawer. To enhance simplicity and immediacy, I decided to implement this opening system, allowing users to experience a sense of ease and directness.
LIGHT DESIGN
To enhance the perception of the device's activation status during sanitization, I designed a system that serves both a functional and aesthetic purpose. This system includes a gap between the body and the transparent grid inside, which emits internal light.
USER INTERFACE & DIGITAL CONTROL
Crucially, I made the decision to incorporate a capacitive touch screen as a control interface, enabling users to interact directly with the device. Additionally, I designed a companion app to allow remote control of the device.
IDEATION
Starting from a basic IA structure I explored various solutions and established the foundational layout and functionality of the product. Incorporating user feedback gathered from tests, I iterated on the wireframes, making necessary design adjustments based on their input. The primary focus was to create a streamlined and minimal pattern that enabled users to quickly and effortlessly learn how to use the product. Additionally, I ensured that the design choices aligned with the client's request to maintain low development costs.
Here are some examples of key design changes:
In version 2, we addressed user complaints regarding the inability to change program selections after the start screen was displayed.
Version 3 introduced a differentiation between selection keys and action keys. The cycle selection icons were merged into a single box, while action buttons remained circular in shape.
To enhance user guidance during the process, I implemented backlights on the icons and a progress bar to provide visual cues of the ongoing activities.
HI-FI MOCKUP & PROTOTYPE
In terms of visual style, I explored two concepts: a 'metal' aesthetic and a 'neumorphic' design approach. The objective was to evoke a sense of cleanliness, essentiality, and a touch of medical aesthetics. After careful consideration, I ultimately chose the neumorphic style as it aligned better with the technological concept and had a more captivating appeal.
Following the prototyping phase commenced.
The prototypes focused on delivering a seamless user experience, integrating the chosen aesthetic into every aspect of the user interface. From the tactile feedback of button presses to the subtle use of shadows and light to suggest depth, every element was designed to enhance usability while staying true to the neumorphic style. This phase was instrumental in validating our design choices, as it provided immediate feedback from potential users and stakeholders, allowing for iterative improvements.
APP DESIGN
The app design maintains continuity with the control interface of the physical product, focusing on enhancing the user interface (UI) and refining interactions. While preserving the core user experience (UX), I dedicated efforts to improving visual aesthetics, optimizing layout, and adding interactions.
INTERACTIONS
In the process, I introduced an interaction to adjust the countdown time: a circular swipe with haptic feedback. This intuitive interaction allows users to drag their finger around the timer element to increase or decrease the time. The haptic feedback confirms the action, providing an engaging and rewarding experience. This design choice aims to enhance the app's usability and accessibility, offering users a quick and precise way to adjust the countdown time.
Furthermore, I incorporated a range of minor interactions, including drag gestures, swipe-back functionality, and notifications for the completion of sanitization cycles. These additions contribute to an enhanced user experience and provide intuitive ways for users to interact with the app.
RESULTS
To evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented improvements, we adopted an approach based on measuring results. We utilized various metrics to assess the impact of the changes on product usability and user engagement.
We conducted user tests to evaluate the ease of use of the new design, measuring task completion times, success rates, and user satisfaction. The results of these tests demonstrated a clear improvement compared to the previous version, with faster task completion and a significant increase in user satisfaction.
Finally, we evaluated the product's commercial success, with over 1000 units sold and positive feedback from customers. Through these measurements, we confirmed that the implemented changes had a positive impact on product usability, user engagement, and commercial success.
