Buy-in before building.
Mobile Prototype Design and Testing
Overview
When our team saw opportunities within the market from the numerous research and learning methods we use, we often got to work creating a prototype. In this case, a consistently clear finding we had was difficulties with communication between classrooms and families to support their student’s in the classroom.
Process
Prototype design created using Sketch and Invision
The prototype felt real, and used gestures as intended to test out usability and discoverability of interactions. It drastically reduced our time to test out a concept without building it and launching it in the app store.
Testing it out
I helped to design a mobile prototype to test market fit and I really appreciated how we were able to run the project. While I can't share all of the facts, findings and problems we solved, I will share the processes.
After some ideation from our design director was presented to me, I wireframed some interactive concepts and collaborated with our project manager (Pamela Livingston) and design director (Jason Coudriet) on creating user flows using LucidChart. After much iteration from internal stakeholders and design team, we planned an in-person event around an existing conference with our target user type, and performed user testing with our project team.
The user research session was held at an existing conference, so our sales personnel were able to qualify customers who fit the goals of the project and send them back to us. We had a relaxing atmosphere that was private, with snacks and beverages for a break.
I set up at a present but out-of-the way area for notes and chimed in as I had questions.
Conclusions
The research helped our business to find proper focus on the product front, and know how to best implement something like this in the future. Although we had a very positive response from our potential users for this new product, it was clear that there were other gaps that would need to be closed to make this product adoptable in school districts.
Our research continued to be referenced in other projects and business decisions. It was a valuable experience for our business and helped grow stronger relationships with our customers.
