Redesign Project

I want to include projects from various categories, such as writing, research, and design. This second one will entail my research skills.  I conducted user testing for each iteration of my redesign of the mobile version of Canvas discussion boards. I knew there were problems with the files option, which allowed users to upload only one file at a time. I sought to research and design different ways to help fix this frustrating problem.

 Furthermore, I redesigned Canvas discussion board functions, such as the symbol for file, a pop-up menu for different file types, and a way to attach more than one file to the post to accommodate users, leaving them less frustrated with the app. I also created Empathy maps to gauge users' and stakeholders' feelings.

Context

The Context for this project was prompted when I used Canvas in the mobile app version. The interface is frustrating when trying to attach more than one file to a discussion board or receive help or notifications from people who have posted on a discussion board. I wanted to create a way to resolve this issue. 

My role was the researcher, writer, and solution creator. I had a timeline of a few weeks to complete this project for RPW 230. I conducted my own beta testing. I knew of the problem just from my personal experience with the app. I also user-tested three people who either had never used Canvas or had. They all found glaring problems with the interface. 

Steps taken to solve my issues

1. Found issues with the interface on my own.

2. Conducted user-testing with the given tasks and scenarios: 

• My Scenarios:

• 1. You are taking an online class, and your assignment requires submitting multiple files in a discussion post. 

• 2. You must participate on a discussion board on Canvas, use the text box, and reply to another person.

• My Tasks:

• 1. Submit two files in a discussion post.

• 2. Post and Reply to another student in a discussion post. Please make sure to be courteous and kind.

  • Most users were frustrated with these tasks and constantly asked me what to do. I could not answer their inquiries as I was conducting usability tests.

3. Designed one iteration and let others critique it.

4. Digitalized and implemented changes to a second iteration and received feedback.

5. Designed my third iteration on Adobe InDesign and received feedback from my users.

6. Implemented all the changes from the past three iterations into a final prototype and asked for feedback on it.

7. Revised based on feedback.

User testing findings

After making many iterations of my design, I asked friends and usability testing participants for feedback on my four redesigns of Canvas discussion boards compared to the originals. One participant said the file redesign had better “division between icons” and “font choices.”  Another friend exclaimed, “Wow, I like that you came up with solutions to the files and notifications situations.” I combined the file options into one cohesive version, making “Attach” and a files tab next to it. I made these changes because I witnessed my users' issues in usability testing and break-it sessions. It is vital to redesign to alleviate users’ stress.

• Text styles: Currently, Canvas has thin text that users can barely see. They used Arial as their primary font. They should shift to a thicker font. They would also benefit from contrasting and making their text darker against the white background because people who do not have the best vision may struggle to see these options.

• Icon Aesthetics: The icons in Canvas should be more concise and neater since it is an educational application that needs to function effectively. One of the original designs for attaching files is a paperclip, which users needed clarification on. The other is a document. Improved icon clarity would enhance the overall user experience. 

• Extending File Types: Canvas only allows users to attach one file type at a time. It would be more beneficial for users to have the option to insert multiple file types simultaneously, preventing the need to make duplicate posts. Many users encountered this issue and either gave up or tried incorrect methods to resolve it.

• Help Chat: The icon in Canvas may need to be clarified for many users, as most needed to recognize what it was. Specifically, my users asked me about this icon. A more straightforward illustration showing that this is a help panel for asking questions about Canvas or addressing issues would be more effective.

• Notifications redesign: If the notifications worked in my testing, they would look like this. In the past, I have received messages about graded assignments and students replying to discussion boards only when I have already answered. However, students would benefit from these notifications because there is no specified application response when someone replies to a user's post.

This project was for school. However, it made my users more aware of the much-needed revisions to the discussion boards, notifications, and help button. My professor received my work well. He generally commented that my research and writing were well-thought-out and organized. My solutions proposed one set of possible solutions that Canvas could implement to their interface's mobile version. I did a good job with the given skills and technology I had available to me.

Recommendations discussion

These are just a few revisions to increase user satisfaction and allow more time to complete tasks rather than figure out icon functions in the future. I made these changes because I witnessed the issues my users had. Students do not want their time taken up by application errors, as they are more likely to be on the clock to turn in assignments. Sometimes, they also cannot see discussion post notifications, which leads to frustration.

Reflection, Challenges, and potential revisions

My biggest challenge to this project was formatting issues. I have never extensively used MS Word for a big project like this. I also never created tables of contents and figures with hyperlinks embedded to jump users to the page. I would just fine tune some design iterations. I noticed some of the alignment with certain texts and buttons are funky.