IOS Case Study

Elisabeth Watkins

BenefitConnect Application

2022


Project Brief

The goal of this project was to create a mobile app design complying with IOS design guidelines. The content of the app was meant to help solve a social problem of the designers choice.

Project Proposal 

The government assistance program, while providing support, can be intimidating for its audience. Long wait times, complicated and unintuitive application processes, and unclear messaging cause many people to avoid getting the benefits they are eligible for. For example, a SNAP benefits application can take up to 30 days to process, according to the USDA (2019). Many people end up not applying at all due to the lengthy process. The Annie E. Casey Foundation states “Families may not apply for benefits due to complicated/lengthy application procedures, a perceived stigma about receiving benefits, and that modest benefits available through programs make applying ‘not worth the trouble (2010)’”. Oftentimes the process can be considered to be not worth the benefits and many people are unaware of the steps and required documentation to begin an application.  Those who rely on assistance need access to benefits in a simple and approachable way so that they are being properly supported for their needs. An app that introduces possible benefits and the steps to apply for them allows for people to have a less intimidating start to government assistance, which in turn could increase the number of users. By removing unnecessary complications, allowing for more accessible options, and communicating benefit opportunities, government assistance could become more used overall, greatly improving many people’s lives. Having a clearer understanding of assistance, access to help and communication, and an easily comprehensible app would help improve the overall opinion of government assistance as well. By including all aspects of benefits and assistance in one app that is easily accessible and understandable, more knowledge of benefits will be spread as well as a more positive view of it. Overall, both the public outlook on government assistance will be improved, and the reach of help the government provides could also be strengthened and expanded by the introduction of a useful app.  

Project Workflow

To begin, I chose government benefits as my topic to create an app design for. I started research on benefits and the most common problems people have- leading to a problem with overwhelming information and overcomplication. This problem was not only commonly brought up but also had a large audience impacted by it, allowing me to form a projection for my design. I wrote my project proposal with this research to align my ideas with a stronger goal and plan. I then designed draft screens giving a general idea of the flow and aesthetics of the app. After receiving feedback from peers, I began using the Adobe XD program to design a functioning app. Using IOS styles and guidelines, I created an app that worked to show the use of the app. This draft was then sent to receive feedback from peers and members of the site UserTesting. This gave valuable feedback to continue and improve the app to the most current version.

Design Research

After deciding what I wanted to focus on, I began research into problems and solutions surrounding this topic. There were apps created to help the daunting experience of benefits, so I downloaded multiple of the top recommended and took notes based on what worked and what could be improved on. Adding this to my prior research of what I wanted the app to address, I was able to create a more cohesive and well-rounded app design to start working on.

Usability Report Findings

To improve the app design, I launched a remote usability test on UserTesting. I began by creating a summary to give the testers enough context to use the app, a linked app prototype, and research questions for them to answer. I received 3 completed tests from users from the UsertTesting platform, then 2 additional tests from peers. Overall, all 5 users found the app useful, the inbox being considered the most helpful aspect.

Quantitative Insights:

3 of 5 participants found the news option the least useful of the app 

2 out of 5 found the intro sequence too long and complex 

5 out of 5 participants found the inbox to be a very helpful feature 

Qualitative Insights: 

“(The) Easiest to navigate was the inbox as it was easy to see what you have read and what you haven't.” -casz 

“The login feature was the hardest just because it took so many clicks and it made me feel like the app might not have been properly working.” -Msnita174 

"I feel like the text could be a bit larger to help readability.” -Sofie Maliyevsky 

After receiving feedback, I summarized the feedback into changes and began working on the prototype. I first worked on aspects that had the most comments, starting with inbox and news priority, aesthetics, and consistency. I focused on ease of use and having a good flow within the app, noting where users had to pause based on design. I added page access in more areas as well to keep use quick and efficient. Lastly I refined details to improve the apps aesthetics and professionalism.

Review Videos

https://youtu.be/bd-xyLgZByA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6JsD9hs0xc

Sources and Citations

Project Proposal References 

Improving access to public benefits. The Annie E. Casey Foundation. (2010, April 1). Retrieved September 15, 2022, from https://www.aecf.org/resources/improving-access-to-public-benefits Links to an external site. 

Facts About SNAP. Food and Nutrition Service U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2019, August 14). Retrieved September 12, 2022, from https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/facts#:~:text=If%20you%20qualify%20for%20SNAP,SNAP%20benefits%20within%207%20days Links to an external site.. 

Research References

Adobe. (2020, May 11). Visual Hierarchy in Design: Key Principles & Examples | Adobe XD. Ideas. Retrieved October 20, 2022, from https://xd.adobe.com/ideas/process/information-architecture/visual-hierarchy-principles-examples/

Cao, J. (2021, June 15). 10 Pro Tips to a Smarter Design Process. Designmodo. Retrieved October 19, 2022, from https://designmodo.com/design-process-tips/Links to an external site.

Dogtiev, A. (2018, September 19). How Can you Generate a Unique App Idea? Business of Apps. Retrieved October 23, 2022, from https://www.businessofapps.com/news/how-can-you-generate-a-unique-app-idea/ Links to an external site.

What is the Most Difficult Part of the Design Thinking Process? | The Design Thinking Association. (n.d.). Retrieved October 19, 2022, from https://www.design-thinking-association.org/explore-design-thinking-topics/external-links/what-most-difficult-part-design-thinking-process Links to an external site.