Mufee: Your go-to Social App

IntoxiBlock is an app designed to tackle the grave issue of drunk driving. It's explicitly crafted for high-functioning individuals who struggle with alcohol yet still take the wheel. The app cleverly uses Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC), coupled with Ignition Interlock Devices, to create a unique, effective barrier against driving under the influence. IntoxiBlock stands out as an example of how technology can be leveraged for societal well-being, bolstering road safety and fostering awareness about the perils of impaired driving.

Scope: Database Management System
Duration: One Semester (5 months)
Tools: Android Studio, Firebase, Figma
Role: Concept, Research, Frontend Development
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Disclaimer: Awarded Best Design Project & Impact Project among 70 groups at Cornell University. Link to Poster Presentation.

CONTEXT

In our ever-evolving digital era, forging new connections has become both streamlined and innovative. Platforms like LinkedIn revolutionize professional networking, while a myriad of dating apps facilitates personal relationship building, making such interactions nearly ubiquitous. Yet, giants like Facebook and Instagram often presuppose an existing social circle. But what about those looking to simply make new friends locally?

//PROBLEM

We've identified that many individuals, particularly those in their 20s and university students, face significant challenges in establishing friendships. This issue is exacerbated by the lack of targeted platforms that facilitate the creation of local, personal connections outside of existing social networks.

UNDERSTAND THE DESIGN PROBLEM

How can we design an application that enables students to easily connect and meet peers with similar interests and aspirations within their own academic and social circles?

//SOLUTION

A mobile app integrated with a personal breathalyzer that provides real-time feedback on BAC levels. This device not only prevents a vehicle from starting when BAC is above legal limits but also educates users through interactive content about the risks of drunk driving. By connecting consequences directly to behavior, we aim to cultivate responsible decision-making among young drivers. The app includes features such as tracking usage patterns and offering alternative transportation options, enhancing safety and awareness.

RESEARCH

We initiated our research by conducting interviews, collecting data to scrutinize individual perspectives.

//USER
INTERVIEW

Part I: Target Audience Identification
My partner and I engaged with various individuals to pinpoint the demographic that would gain the most from our product. Currently, this app is designed specifically for university students.

Part II: Utilizing the Think Aloud Method
In addition to analyzing several existing dating apps, conducting think aloud sessions with users enabled us to develop a more logical and user-friendly workflow.

//IDATA ANALYSIS

At this stage, we weren't familiar with digital collaboration tools like Miro or FigJam, so we relied on traditional methods. We used pen and paper to transcribe our audio notes and record observations and comments made by our friends and acquaintances.

//INSIGHTS

We extracted 4 pivotal insights unanimously resonating with all participants

• The vast size of the campus makes it challenging for students to connect with seniors from different departments, despite the presence of various university clubs.
• Students expressed a desire to interact with peers who share similar interests or are in the same field of study.
• There is a strong interest in a platform similar to a dating app, but designed specifically for finding friends.
• It was evident that students are looking for stable, long-term friendships, not just temporary connections.

BUILDING PERSONA

After gaining our insights, we refined our problem statement -
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"As a university student, I want to easily connect with seniors and peers from different departments who share my interests, so that I can build meaningful, long-term friendships and expand my academic and social network."

Meet Aishwarya (Yep, it's me - I represent the target group)

It's only now, as I compile this portfolio, that I realize the work I did five years ago actually constituted autoethnography!

WIREFRAMES

The research we conducted provided the foundation to envision a tangible product and guided the wireframing process, inspired by the Crazy 8 design sprint method. In our subsequent release, we were able to address several user concerns that had emerged during the initial feedback phase.

DEVELOPMENT

We developed our system using Android Studio, employing JavaScript and C for programming. For the database, we utilized Firebase.

POST LAUNCH & TESTING

After launching the app, it became clear that it was not adhering to many of the heuristic principles of design, which led to a significant realization. The app struggled with both its user interface and overall usability.

USER TESTING & FEEDBACK

Here are some of the specific issues we identified:
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• The sign-up process was overly lengthy.
• Poor color contrast made the text difficult to read.
• There were inconsistencies across the call-to-action buttons.
• Redundant call-to-action buttons cluttered the home screen.
• Users were unable to edit their preferences after setting them initially.
• Users struggled to locate their previously matched connections.
• There was no functionality to save contacts for future communication.
• The overall UI was not intuitive and lacked adherence to established standards.

By creating a design system, the system would standardize the elements used across the app, facilitating the development of a more intuitive and cohesive high-fidelity prototype.

REFLECTION

Reflecting on this project, I've understood the critical importance of design principles in creating an effective user interface. Realizing that our app was failing across multiple heuristic principles was a challenge and a turning point. It forced us to rethink and restructure our approach to design, emphasizing the need for a robust design system. This experience taught me the value of iterative development and continuous user feedback in crafting solutions that are not only visually appealing but also functionally seamless and intuitive. As we addressed the identified usability issues, I saw firsthand how thoughtful design can profoundly enhance user satisfaction and engagement, highlighting the impact of good design on the overall user experience.

KEY TAKEAWAY

The key takeaway from this project was the transformative impact of adhering to design principles and the essential role of iterative feedback in refining user interfaces. It vividly demonstrated how a well-constructed design system can significantly enhance usability and user satisfaction.