The Problem
How might we provide users a way to control their home that is secure, convenient and customizable?
My Role
UX Research, UX/UI & Interaction Design, Wireframes, Prototyping User Testing
Research & Modeling
I conducted user interviews and an online survey to gather insights about what users want from a home automation app. Following this step, I made three personas based on the users I interviewed.
One of three user personas I created for this project.
From Empathy to Design Requirements
Understanding the user's expectations helped me to create problem and vision statements for Homer. I then wrote a context scenario covering a day in the life of my user, Nadine. All of these tasks helped me to determine specific design requirements.
These are the features that users will come to expect from Homer based on research of their wants and needs.
• Control smart appliances, lights, outlets
• Live camera feeds
• Live two-way audio
• Various customizable modes (housesitter, sleep, party, etc.)
• Lock/unlock doors and windows
• Notifications when the app automatically makes changes to your home
• Notifications when security risks are detected
• Ability to react to notifications by changing house settings
Interaction Framework
Data and Functional Elements
Under
Functional Groups and Hierarchy
Scenarios
Sketches
These sketches are based on the functional groups I previously determined: Home screen, home control, modes and entertainment.
Wireframes
Usability Testing
I conducted three usability tests using an interactive InVision prototype. The tests consisted of having the user walk through several tasks based on a scenario. This is the feedback I received:
Revised and Annotated Wireframes
Next Steps
If I were to continue this project, my next steps would be to test the revisions with more users. I would make further revisions based on feedback and create high fidelity mockups.
Lessons Learned
If it's not going to be helpful to the user, what is the justification of including it in the design? I would like to have spent more time on industry research, not only for inspiration but to see what I could have done better.
I learned that when in doubt, look to the personas for guidance. I would have liked to sketch more. I also learned that it's important not to fall in love with features. Again, if they're not useful, why include them? And lastly, I learned not to be afraid to change things if they're not working.