OCR Companion App
Branding - UI/UX
2024
About
On-Chain Records specializes in blockchain enabled NFC-chipped vinyl records. While customers can scan their records individually to access exclusive content, they couldn't access all of their records' digital content in one central place, leading to a large UX issue. To address this, I proposed the creation of an official On-Chain Records mobile app. The app aims to consolidate access to a users owned digital content, enhance the discovery of new artists' records, as well as allow direct purchasing, adding value and enhancing the overall user experience for digi-physical record holders.
Involvement
I was involved in user research, ideation, branding, wireframing, and prototyping. I conducted research to understand the target audience, which helped shape the initial concepts. I also worked on brand integration to create a consistent visual identity, then developed wireframes and prototypes to refine the app’s design and functionality for a better user experience.
What is On-Chain Records?
I conducted school-based research, starting with a Google survey to students and faculty on recycling practices, barriers, and impact. I then interviewed a student and professor for deeper insights into their routines and challenges.
Results showed a need for clearer recycling guidance, with many unsure of what’s recyclable and desiring greater impact awareness to encourage consistent habits.
To better understand recycling, I researched which items can be recycled at home versus those needing special facilities. I discovered that plastic resin codes indicate plastic type, not recyclability, which adds to the confusion. "Wishcycling"—recycling uncertain items—complicates sorting, raises costs, and can lead to contamination, diverting more waste to landfills. With only 32% of U.S. recyclables actually recycled, clearer guidelines on what and how to recycle are essential.
Using the data, I created an affinity diagram to identify themes like material complexity and consumer confusion. I then designed storyboards to visualize user interactions and highlight pain points, helping to test core app concepts.
For app prioritization, I applied the MoSCoW method, focusing the MVP on key features: item identification, user accounts, and activity tracking. Future additions like rewards and community challenges were noted as potential enhancements.
Competitive Analysis
I conducted a competitive analysis of the top three recycling apps, examining user flows, key features like item identification and tracking, and overall practicality. This review highlighted gaps in existing apps (e.g., scan methods, history) and areas where my design could improve by reducing UX barriers.
Wireframes to Prototype
Using insights from competitor app flows, I designed intuitive wireframes aligned with user expectations. I refined these into mockups focused on core functionality and navigation. After creating a functional prototype, I tested it in class, gathering feedback on usability issues and areas for improvement.
Seamless Artist & Record Search
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Takeaways
Empowering Students through Relevant Insights
Surveying and interviewing students provided varied, actionable insights, making users feel invested in the app. This approach led to a design that fit their daily needs, highlighting the value of engaging local users for a truly resonant product.
Refining with Competitive Edge and User-Centric Features
An in-depth competitive analysis revealed strengths and weaknesses in existing recycling apps, guiding me to incorporate effective elements and avoid UX flaws. This approach ensured a design that’s both appealing and functionally superior, emphasizing the importance of meaningful competitive advantages.
User-Driven Refinement for an Engaging Prototype
Building a prototype and gathering feedback enabled rapid, user-driven improvements, making the app intuitive and enjoyable. Users appreciated the simplicity and innovative approach, affirming the impact of iterative design and real-time feedback for future projects.