TIMELINE
2 Months
2 Months
ROLE
UX Desginer and Research - Technical implementation, User interview, Workshop, User survey, Analysis, Sketches, Wireframe, Prototype
TIMELINE
2 Months
ROLE
UX Desginer and Research - Technical implementation, User interview, Workshop, User survey, Analysis, Sketches, Wireframe, Prototype
OVERVIEW
House of Math is dedicated to their vision: Easy access to learning math. Using technology, digitalization, gamification, and play, along with engaged private tutors, they continuously strive to offer the best learning platform for math.
2 Months
CHALLENGE: SEARCH FIELD
The user is encountering difficulties when trying to find the desired content using the search field and is experiencing challenges in this process.
OVERVIEW
Fikse is a digital booking system for small repairs, aiming to foster a culture of easy and accessible repairs for businesses and consumers. Partnered with Høyer-gruppen and EY Doberman, Fikse is now one of Oslo's leading service tailoring companies.
CHALLENGE: SEARCH FIELD
The user is encountering difficulties when trying to find the desired content using the search field and is experiencing challenges in this process.
PROJECT GOAL
The summer job in UX design lasted the summer of 2023. Interns Erik and Karolina, under the guidance of Head of design Mari Iversen. Our internship involved several design challenges, but this case study will focus on how we improved the user experience in the search field.
The project was extensive, utilizing various design processes for each development phase. This case study will focus on how we simplified the user flow in the booking process by:
Making it easier for users to understand tailoring terminology.
Allowing users to communicate issues with their garments to the tailor.
SKILLS DEVELOPED
Figma
Wireframing
UI design for mobile and web
Prototyping
Usability testing
Research, Flows and Journey Maps
Systematic team organisation
Communication with clients, developers and POs
PROJECT GOAL
The project was extensive, utilizing various design processes for each development phase. This case study will focus on how we simplified the user flow in the booking process by:
Making it easier for users to understand tailoring terminology.
Allowing users to communicate issues with their garments to the tailor.
SKILLS DEVELOPED
Figma
Wireframing
UI design for mobile and web
Prototyping
Usability testing
Research, Flows and Journey Maps
Systematic team organisation
Communication with clients, developers and POs
00
THE SOLUTION
00
THE SOLUTION
Filter for search results and terminology suggestions
We have implemented a filter and categorization system that allows the user to more easily find desired content based on category and math subject. This system enables the user to customize the categorization according to their own preferences. Additionally, we have proposed changes to the terminology for the categories.
Filter for search results and terminology suggestions
We have implemented a filter and categorization system that allows the user to more easily find desired content based on category and math subject. This system enables the user to customize the categorization according to their own preferences. Additionally, we have proposed changes to the terminology for the categories.
01 Research
THE DIGITAL RENAISSANCE IN TAILORING INDUSTRY
01 Research
THE DIGITAL RENAISSANCE IN TAILORING INDUSTRY
Primary Research
In this phase of our research, our aim was to deeply understand user experiences, pinpoint pain points, and uncover their unmet needs. We used tools such as Microsoft Clarity for quantitative analysis to grasp user behaviors and preferences. Alongside this, we conducted interviews and heuristic evaluations to gain detailed insights into user perspectives.
Users of House of Math have shared several feedback points regarding challenges in finding desired content using the search field. Some of the main points in the feedback include that search results largely prioritize video material, and users experience an overwhelming amount of content. One of the main tasks during the summer job was to present suggestions for improvements to the search field.
Primary Research
In this phase of our research, our aim was to deeply understand user experiences, pinpoint pain points, and uncover their unmet needs. We used tools such as Microsoft Clarity for quantitative analysis to grasp user behaviors and preferences. Alongside this, we conducted interviews and heuristic evaluations to gain detailed insights into user perspectives.
Users of House of Math have shared several feedback points regarding challenges in finding desired content using the search field. Some of the main points in the feedback include that search results largely prioritize video material, and users experience an overwhelming amount of content. One of the main tasks during the summer job was to present suggestions for improvements to the search field.
Product owners feedback on search field
The POs of House of Math have shared several feedback points regarding challenges in finding desired content using the search field. Some of the main points in the feedback include that search results largely prioritize video material, and users experience an overwhelming amount of content. One of the main tasks during the summer job was to present suggestions for improvements to the search field.
Product owners feedback on search field
6 out of 10 users aged 20 to 40 had limited knowledge of common tailoring terms such as "seam" and "take in." This was especially prevalent among users aged 20 to 30. This gap in terminology and expertise hindered a smooth user experience and created confusion among the users.
Some of the common questions we received included:
"My pants have torn—should I choose 'seam' or 'tear'?"
"My shirt is too long—should I 'take it in' or 'hem' it?"
From interview to workshop
In sprint 2, there was a last-minute change in the approach to user interviews and testing. Initially planned as individual interviews, it was later switched to a workshop format where all participants engaged simultaneously. This adjustment necessitated sudden planning before the sprint ended.
As a result of this change, sprint 2 saw an increased workload. We had to create new workshops for each participant group This delayed the data analysis, due to the demanding nature of the workflow. We adapted and overcame, despite these sudden changes, sprint 2 was successful given the circumstances.
From interview to workshop
In sprint 2, there was a last-minute change in the approach to user interviews and testing. Initially planned as individual interviews, it was later switched to a workshop format where all participants engaged simultaneously. This adjustment necessitated sudden planning before the sprint ended.
As a result of this change, sprint 2 saw an increased workload. We had to create new workshops for each participant group This delayed the data analysis, due to the demanding nature of the workflow. We adapted and overcame, despite these sudden changes, sprint 2 was successful given the circumstances.
Research-intensive start
To thoroughly validate and explore our research findings, and gain deeper insights into phenomena and pain points, we used triangulation techniques involving expert evaluation, heuristic evaluation, and both quantitative and qualitative data sources.
Research-intensive start
To thoroughly validate and explore our research findings, and gain deeper insights into phenomena and pain points, we used triangulation techniques involving expert evaluation, heuristic evaluation, and both quantitative and qualitative data sources.
Heuristic Evaluation:
We assessed the House of Math portal's search field design using Jakob Nielsen's 10 usability heuristics, informed by human behavior, psychology, and information processing insights.
Quantitative Data:
We analyzed user behavior patterns and demographics using Microsoft Clarity, studying specific patterns over 30 days and broader trends over the past 6 months. This research focused on heatmaps for various devices, portal click patterns, and user recordings related to search, activities, and navigation.
Qualitative Data:
We held six workshops lasting two and a half hours each. These included six focus groups with a total of 18 participants, consisting of 16 private math teachers from diverse academic backgrounds and two Norwegian students.
We conducted semi-structured interviews with both product owners at House of Math and five private math teachers from abroad.
Heuristic Evaluation:
We assessed the House of Math portal's search field design using Jakob Nielsen's 10 usability heuristics, informed by human behavior, psychology, and information processing insights.
Quantitative Data:
We analyzed user behavior patterns and demographics using Microsoft Clarity, studying specific patterns over 30 days and broader trends over the past 6 months. This research focused on heatmaps for various devices, portal click patterns, and user recordings related to search, activities, and navigation.
Qualitative Data:
We held six workshops lasting two and a half hours each. These included six focus groups with a total of 18 participants, consisting of 16 private math teachers from diverse academic backgrounds and two Norwegian students.
We conducted semi-structured interviews with both product owners at House of Math and five private math teachers from abroad.
Heuristic evaluation
We identified some pain points in the search field based on the heuristic evaluation. Here are the results of our heuristic evaluation:
Heuristic evaluation
We identified some pain points in the search field based on the heuristic evaluation. Here are the results of our heuristic evaluation:
Product owner interview
After the heuristic evaluation of the search field, we interviewed the product owner to uncover additional pain points and gather relevant insights. The product owner highlighted several issues, including:
Product owner interview
After the heuristic evaluation of the search field, we interviewed the product owner to uncover additional pain points and gather relevant insights. The product owner highlighted several issues, including:
Findings
The search field prioritizes Video Crash Courses. As a consequence, Geogebra is deprioritized because it lacks videos.
The search field does not include study tips, blog posts, and users cannot search for math games.
Overwhelming choice of options
The search field is not optimal. Sometimes it is slow and unresponsive.
Users are confused by the category names, both in English and Norwegian.
Difficult for users to find what they are looking for.
The search field is not optimized for long-tailed search. For example: "what is" search.
The hierarchy may need some work.
Requests
The product owner wanted to know what expectations users have and if the search field meets them.
The product owner wanted to know if there are specific difficulties or frustrations users encounter while using the search field.
Difficulty describing garment issues
Limited pre-visit communication
Understanding tailor options
Inconsistent service experience
Inconsistent service experience
Inconsistent service experience
Findings
The search field prioritizes Video Crash Courses. As a consequence, Geogebra is deprioritized because it lacks videos.
The search field does not include study tips, blog posts, and users cannot search for math games.
The search field is not optimal. Sometimes it is slow and unresponsive.
Users are confused by the category names, both in English and Norwegian.
Difficult for users to find what they are looking for.
The search field is not optimized for long-tailed search. For example: "what is" search.
The hierarchy may need some work.
Requests
The product owner wanted to know what expectations users have and if the search field meets them.
The product owner wanted to know if there are specific difficulties or frustrations users encounter while using the search field.
Difficulty describing garment issues
Limited pre-visit communication
Understanding tailor options
Inconsistent service experience
Inconsistent service experience
Inconsistent service experience
Workshop and interview with users
After conducting workshops and interviews with users, we gathered valuable insights into pain points and user needs. The goal was to identify recurring pain points from the heuristic evaluation, product owner interview, workshops, and user interviews. Here are the key observations and pain points:
Workshop and interview with users
After conducting workshops and interviews with users, we gathered valuable insights into pain points and user needs. The goal was to identify recurring pain points from the heuristic evaluation, product owner interview, workshops, and user interviews. Here are the key observations and pain points:
PAIN POINTS
Users feel overwhelmed by the large number of search results, making it difficult to find specific content.
Insufficient feedback during searches leaves users unsure if their search is being processed, with some experiencing long wait times.
Users do not understand elements like the orange image, breadcrumbs, and the image at the bottom of the search field, leading to confusion.
Users accidentally click on the white search field while scrolling, causing unwanted actions.
Users struggle to return to the search field after clicking on a result, leading to confusion and extra effort.
Users are unclear about search terms, particularly between "ganging" and "multiplikasjon," resulting in different search results.
OBSERVATIONS
Users need a search field for finding specific content and easy navigation for exploring familiar content.
Users need clear feedback indicating that their search is being processed.
Users use the search field when they have specific content they want to find, while they prefer to navigate when exploring or already familiar with the portal for desired content.
Users need clear terminology and an easily accessible categories to find relevant content efficiently.
Ineffective communication options
Ineffective communication options
PAIN POINTS
Users feel overwhelmed by the large number of search results, making it difficult to find specific content.
pre-delivery communication
Users do not understand elements like the orange image, breadcrumbs, and the image at the bottom of the search field, leading to confusion.
Users accidentally click on the white search field while scrolling, causing unwanted actions.
Users struggle to return to the search field after clicking on a result, leading to confusion and extra effort.
Users are unclear about search terms, particularly between "ganging" and "multiplikasjon," resulting in different search results.
OBSERVATIONS
Users need a search field for finding specific content and easy navigation for exploring familiar content.
Users need clear feedback indicating that their search is being processed.
Users use the search field when they have specific content they want to find, while they prefer to navigate when exploring or already familiar with the portal for desired content.
Users need clear terminology and an easily accessible categories to find relevant content efficiently.
Ineffective communication options
Ineffective communication options
Analysis of data
We gathered significant data from evaluations and interviews. To make the analysis more structured, we used an affinity diagram. This tool helps organize ideas according to their natural relationships, allowing us to systematize and consolidate relevant information related to our problem area.
Analysis of data
We gathered significant data from evaluations and interviews. To make the analysis more structured, we used an affinity diagram. This tool helps organize ideas according to their natural relationships, allowing us to systematize and consolidate relevant information related to our problem area.
From Research-heavy start to user needs for potential solutions
Based on our findings, we identified key user needs to improve the search field:
From Research-heavy start to user needs for potential solutions
Based on our findings, we identified key user needs to improve the search field:
USER NEEDS
There is a need to minimize and replace some elements in the search field to reduce clutter and enhance the user experience.
It is crucial to make it easier for users to find desired content by allowing them to customize categorization according to their preferences and language.
Users need clearer system feedback indicating whether their search was executed and if results are available.
There should be an easy way for users to return to search results.
USER NEEDS
There is a need to minimize and replace some elements in the search field to reduce clutter and enhance the user experience.
pre-delivery communication
Users need clearer system feedback indicating whether their search was executed and if results are available.
There should be an easy way for users to return to search results.
02 Target audience
FROM SKETCH TO SCREEN
02 Target audience
FROM SKETCH TO SCREEN
Freedom to come up with lots of ideas
From the affinity diagram's pain points and ideas, we identified key findings. We then translated these ideas into sketches and digital prototypes to lay the foundation for improvements, resolving these pain points and enhancing the search field's user experience.
Freedom to come up with lots of ideas
From the affinity diagram's pain points and ideas, we identified key findings. We then translated these ideas into sketches and digital prototypes to lay the foundation for improvements, resolving these pain points and enhancing the search field's user experience.
04 Reflection
Learning from the past to shape the future
04 Reflection
Learning from the past to shape the future
Learning from the experience
My summer job at House of Math has been a valuable experience, enhancing my ability to work independently. Unlike previous internships with close supervision, Karolina and I tackled problems on our own, planning and executing tasks independently. This strengthened our self-management skills. Thanks to Karolina, my UX design partner, and Mari, my UX mentor, for a fun and educational summer!
Learning from the experience
My summer job at House of Math has been a valuable experience, enhancing my ability to work independently. Unlike previous internships with close supervision, Karolina and I tackled problems on our own, planning and executing tasks independently. This strengthened our self-management skills. Thanks to Karolina, my UX design partner, and Mari, my UX mentor, for a fun and educational summer!
06 Future for Fikse
What's Next?
06 Future for Fikse
What's Next?
Digital tailoring with technology
My summer job at House of Math has been a valuable experience, enhancing my ability to work independently. Unlike previous internships with close supervision, Karolina and I tackled problems on our own, planning and executing tasks independently. This strengthened our self-management skills. Thanks to Karolina, my UX design partner, and Mari, my UX mentor, for a fun and educational summer!
Digital tailoring with technology
My summer job at House of Math has been a valuable experience, enhancing my ability to work independently. Unlike previous internships with close supervision, Karolina and I tackled problems on our own, planning and executing tasks independently. This strengthened our self-management skills. Thanks to Karolina, my UX design partner, and Mari, my UX mentor, for a fun and educational summer!
OTHER PROJECTS
OTHER PROJECTS
