InCitu Redesign
Re-designing the InCitu app to simplify the complex onboarding process associated with augmented reality experiences.
UX Research & UX Design
My Role
InCitu
Client
4 Weeks
Timeline
InCitu is an Augmented Reality (AR) civic engagement app showcasing 3D models of planned urban development in a geographical context. InCitu’s app expands public involvement in the urban change process beyond traditional council meetings, fostering collaboration with a broader audience
In this project, I collaborated with InCitu, and a UI designer to enhance the AR experience for end-users and improve the onboarding and calibration process of the AR experience.
At-a-Glance
Discovery
Interviews
I kicked off the discovery process by conducting stakeholder interviews. Through those interviews I gathered relevant knowledge about the product and the existing flow, I learned about user feedback that my client obtained through countless observed live product demonstrations and learned about the technical requirements and limitations of the product.
Wireframes
Identifying the Problems
We agreed to focus on designing the solutions for the areas of the flow that could be most impactful on the overall experience and easiest to achieve in a short timeline so we can validate in an upcoming live demo of the app. The areas we decided on were the calibration process and the right after calibration.
During the development process, my client had a planned live demonstration for a group of 30 participants. We saw this as a good opportunity to validate the updated experience, primarily the updated onboarding and calibration process.
We found that 100% of the participants were able to successfully achieve calibration and load the experience, which is a significant improvement for the experience.
We also found that the loading times during calibration have left some users unsure of the process and affected their confidence that they are doing the right thing.
Validate
More Projects
Safety first while calibrating outdoord
To mitigate the risk of using the AR experience outdoors, a timed warning now prompts users at the start, advising them to remain alert of their surroundings. They can dismiss it immediately or wait for it to vanish automatically.
Preliminary Research Key Insights
I continued the discovery phase via desk research and compiled existing studies on mobile AR applications. During this phase, I familiarized myself with best practices for such experiences and established criteria to conduct an audit of the current user flow.
During my research, I discovered that the first and most impactful challenge that users are faced with in mobile AR experiences is the Calibration Process, which allows the app to align the virtual object to the user’s real-life environment.
An NNG user research established that the calibration process in AR apps significantly affects users’ success and satisfaction with the experience.
The key insights gathered from existing knowledge regarding mobile AR experiences as it relate to the InCitu AR app:
Design
Onboarding & Calibration
Bringing context into the AR experience
To enhance the AR experience, we integrated project context and status directly into the AR interface while prioritizing screen real estate for the AR. We also included calls-to-action for users interested in learning more about projects and contributing to local urban development efforts.
AR Content & Off Screen Objects
Considering off screen AR objects
Considering the geo-specific nature of the on-site experience, there was a high probability that the 3D object would load outside the user's field of view.
To address that, an animated visual hint was added that points to the direction where the object is found, accompanied by haptic feedback that indicates the object was successfully loaded.
Successful calibration process
During the calibration, the user is prompted with contextual tips and instructions, accompanied by an animated visual example of the correct movement. Feedback is informing of the successful calibration in the form of a success prompt and haptic feedback.
Failed calibration process & alternative
Adressing the inherent danger of using the AR experience while on the street, a timed warning was added at the beginning of the experience to remind users to stay alert and pay attention to their surroundings.
Users can exit out of it or wait until the timer runs out and it disappears.
This case study outlines how I collaborated with InCitu as a freelance UX designer. I had the absolute pleasure of collaborating with my client to improve their app, I felt that the tight timeline and budget constraints were nothing but a fertile ground for creativity that set the tone and helped me and my collaborators stay focused and true to the best solutions for our users.
Since I was a freelance designer on this project, once it went live, I could not be a part of future research and iterations for this product, which is the hardest part for me as I believe this is the most important part of designing solutions with a user-centric approach.
Summary
Upon consolidating the gathered knowledge from the discovery phase, I presented it to the stakeholders and collaborated with them to prioritize the proposed solutions. We reached a consensus on the most impactful solutions that aligned with our timeline before moving on to the design phase.
Define
