HOW2

Project Overview

I was excited to embark on a unique project, a defining piece of my Emerging Media Masters program. This Emerging Media Capstone project represented not just a requirement but a significant opportunity to combine and apply the knowledge, practical skills, and diverse experiences I had attained throughout my education to this point.

The focus of my project was at the intersection of technology and design, allowing me to explore a range of applications, from innovative product development to solutions for specific clients.

The Problem

We're all familiar with the moment when inspiration strikes and we're eager to dive into learning something new or tackle a project. I know personally I have spent hours looking online for tutorials or inspiration and ended up feeling more unsure than when I began.

We knew this experience was not unique to us, and knew that there was an opportunity for an educational, interactive application to fit into the crowded landscape of online learning resources today.

The Solution

Our journey began with a vision for an app that would deliver educational and interactive (short form / live stream) content to its users.

HOW2 is a live-stream video app designed to inspire and enhance users' skill sets through easily accessible educational content. It features a distinct navigation UI, offering a wide range of skills from DIY projects to vehicle maintenance. HOW2 aims to simplify the process of finding and learning skills by addressing the overwhelming abundance of online information and making educational live-stream content easily accessible and user-friendly.

Xcode and Google Firebase were utilized to develop HOW2.

Design System

The development of a design system for HOW2 was a strategic decision aimed at ensuring consistency, efficiency, and scalability in our design processes. By creating a centralized repository of design elements, patterns, and guidelines, we aimed to streamline collaboration among designers and developers while maintaining a cohesive visual identity across all HOW2 platforms.

The design system signifies our commitment to delivering a seamless and user-centered experience to our audience. It serves as a foundation for crafting user interfaces that are not only visually appealing but also intuitive and accessible. Additionally, the design system fosters innovation by providing a structured framework for iterating on design elements, experimenting with new ideas, and incorporating user feedback effectively.

The design system played a crucial role in shaping HOW2's brand image, enhancing user satisfaction, and facilitating continuous improvement in our digital products and services.

Alpha & Beta

For our initial alpha application, we wanted to address information overload online by using short-form video content for HOW2. Our alpha offered a TikTok-like experience, with scrolling videos. This approach aligned with familiar platforms like TikTok, Reels, and YouTube but also felt fitting for DIY and educational content. The Alpha Application included a Menu, Profile Page, and a DM Feature.

As we got deeper into development and began working on our Beta, we realized it was wise to turn to live-stream content instead. This shift was motivated by our desire to create an intuitive learning experience where users could learn from and interact with others in real time. We felt that the real problem with current educational resources today is that they don't deliver that personalized, interactive feel. The Beta application transitioned away from a social media feeling app, eliminating profile and DM sections, and shifted toward a more interactive, live-stream-based platform, introducing live-stream videos and interactive chats instead.

UX Testing

Before UX Testing began, a comprehensive User Experience Research Plan (UXRP) was created. Users were asked to: fill out a pre-test survey; complete a series of tasks on the HOW2 Beta app while being observed and recorded; and complete a post-test survey.

The overarching goal of our UX testing initiative was to refine and elevate the user experience on the HOW2 platform. Our approach involved systematically evaluating user interactions, preferences, and challenges through comprehensive testing methodologies.

From our research, we learned that users were mostly comfortable navigating our application; they found HOW2 to be intuitive, simple, and navigable (10–30 seconds on average to complete usability tasks). Many participants wanted an interactive feature like a chat or direct messaging for real-time collaboration, and expressed interest in scheduling or archiving live streams. Users also felt the icon images could be clearer and that there was room to improve the homepage design. This information was invaluable as we iterated on HOW2 to provide the most seamless experience for users.

Results & Conclusion

The success of the HOW2 project can be attributed to a comprehensive approach that encompassed UXRR, UXRP, Trailer, poster, coding practices, graphic design skills, and more. These components were instrumental in shaping the final iteration of the HOW2 application and ensuring its effectiveness in delivering hassle-free live education online.

The HOW2 project has been a transformative experience that has shaped my approach to designing meaningful and impactful digital solutions. It equipped me with technical and design skills, deepening my understanding of the intersection between technology, user experience, and education. During the project, I had the opportunity to work closely with a partner and be part of agile methodologies, leading to a more streamlined development process and better outcomes for the application.