Project Overview
Restore is a new software as a SaaS web application to increase creativity in the workplace by helping people build habits that enable them to do the right work at the right time. The company’s technology solution is designed to change behavior positively and increase creative output, using sleep, nutrition, and neuroscience. The development of this product is in direct response to the needs we have seen from our extensive time and experience with innovation consulting in the social sector.
Quick Overview The Product
Process Outline
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Research
Secondary Research
Conducting competitor analysis to Identify market gaps, understand the differentiation and unique selling proposition of competing products, and benchmark our product against existing offerings.
Calendly
Strengths:
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User-Friendly Interface.
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Offers automated scheduling, reducing the need for back-and-forth communication to find suitable meeting times.
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Integrates seamlessly with various calendar platforms and other productivity tools.
Weaknesses:
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Limited Customization in Free Version.
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Dependency on Internet Connectivity.
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Limited Group Scheduling.
Clockwise
Strengths:
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Uses AI to optimize scheduling by identifying the best times for focused work and meetings.
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Provides analytics and insights into how time is spent, aiding productivity improvements.
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Includes features to help users protect and prioritize focused work time.
Weaknesses:
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Integration Limitations.
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Users may find the AI-driven features initially complex or overwhelming.
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Advanced features may be available only in premium plans.
Keep&Share
Strengths:
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allowing users to share calendars with others and collaborate on events.
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Provides extensive customization options for calendar appearance and event details.
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Allows users to attach files to events, enhancing collaboration.
Weaknesses:
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Learning Curve.
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Limitations in terms of third-party integrations.
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Mobile App Limitations.
Main Takeaways from Competitors
Gap in market
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No calendar tool optimized for creativity, or science-based.
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No app that gamified the calendar, however, many gamified time and tasks.
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Most calendar tools are built for meetings, team collaboration, task organization, and finding optimal focus or productivity times.
General/B2C
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Freemium and subscription-based profit model.
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Calendar apps have multiple functions (e.g. to-do lists, focus, scheduling) and integration and syncing to other platforms/devices is expected.
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4/9 calendar apps have automated scheduling and two use Natural Language Processing.
Enterprise/B2B
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Subscription-based profit model.
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Key features: AI scheduling, schedule links, tracking/reporting, syncing calendars, time zones, video conferencing, project management.
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Many are standalone apps that sync with existing platforms, like Google Calendar. They also have a browser version.
Primary Research
In the primary research phase, our research team employed surveys to collect broad information about the calendar product. Additionally, we conducted interviews to delve deeper into users' preferences, goals, and challenges, aiming to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their needs.
Main Takeaways from the Survey
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Calendars have a very practical day-to-day application and combine personal and professional life.
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Very few people use them to plan long-term goals and schedule time to rest. Perhaps this is because they are necessities, more fluid and intangible.
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41% use calendars to schedule deep work and 16% for rest. This could be an opportunity.
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The majority of people are interested in a calendar app that can help them be more creative, yet, only a smaller fraction (~<30%) use their calendars for creativity or think their calendars could make them more creative. People may not associate calendars with creativity.
User Interview
We conducted user interviews to gain a deeper understanding of how individuals utilize calendars in their daily lives. Specifically, we sought insights into the purposes for which users employ calendars, the features that aid them in maintaining a balance between personal and professional commitments, and the role of calendars in fostering creativity. Additionally, we explored users' aspirations by inquiring about the functionalities they wish their calendars could offer.
Research Analysis
Research Findings
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The research highlights a notable lack of equilibrium between scheduled meetings and dedicated, focused work time.
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The existing social structures and expectations do not foster an environment conducive to scheduling personal time or breaks, leading to potential burnout.
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There is a clear recommendation for utilizing calendars as a proactive tool to protect personal time, fostering a more balanced and efficient workday.
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The research identifies a growing demand for user-centric calendars. Notably, there is no direct competitor offering precisely what RS envisions.
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Respondents express a need for a tool that promotes creativity in the workplace, indicating a potential gap in the current market.
Ideate
Ideate from User Flow
I began designing by pinpointing the most crucial aspects of how users get started with our product. This way, we focused on what matters most to users. I took the lead in creating a 'user flow,' a step-by-step guide that helps us see the big picture of how the starting experience unfolds for users.
Mapping Out Solutions
After brainstorming ideas, I chose the most important functionalities for the app to best address the user’s problems. I then began designing by drawing the main features of the calendar dashboard, making sure it fits the company's MVP.
Feedback from Marketing Team
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Would actually move the add event button to the left side of the screen somewhere -- just because that’s where Google has it.
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The side bar feature and a grayed-out overlay could make the pop-ups stand out more.
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The MVP will only have the week view, we’ve discussed having the toggle button for year/month/day in future versions.
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Like this message at the top. Really gets at the personalization and could be another way to educate users about the science behind the product.
Design & Test
Low-fi Wireframe
In creating the low-fidelity wireframe, I focused on the red route outlined in the user flow. This strategic choice ensured a targeted and efficient representation of the core user journey. Additionally, I incorporated valuable feedback received from the marketing team, aligning the wireframe with both user-centric considerations and marketing objectives.
Visual Design
Building upon the existing company logo and basic style guide, I took the lead to initiate a simplification of the typography by adopting a single font. Utilizing different weights, I established a clear hierarchy for enhanced readability. To refine the color palette, I introduced five shades of grey, providing a nuanced and cohesive visual identity. Additionally, I reorganized the CTAs (Call-to-Action) buttons, streamlining their presentation for improved user interaction and a more polished aesthetic.
Colours & Typography
Aa Bb Cc
Characters
ABCDEFGHIGKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
1234567890%&!@+_?$:=
# CEE7E3
# B3E1E4
# FFEE93
# F8FAFC
# D9D9D9
# A6A6A6
# 737373
# 595959
Font family
Open Sans
Bold / SemiBold / Regular
Buttons & Checkboxes & Toggles
Usability Testing
During usability testing, we received positive feedback from users. Following an internal critique meeting involving input from the marketing team and project manager, we received valuable suggestions. To enhance the product, we prioritized tasks based on this feedback and carried out iterative improvements.
Positive Reframing
Adjusting the term from "low" to "light" in the low-performing zone, acknowledging the negative connotations associated with "low."
Substituting white with dark grey to meet contrast check requirements.
Deemphasis Issue
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Light gray is often used to convey a disabled or inactive state.
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Using the same color to keep consistency with the onboarding form.
Before
After
Providing Visual Flexibility
Creating one other option for the “high” and “light” performance zone visualization in the calendar screen, so the “high” and “low” zones don’t look so certain and constrained to hour blocks.
Final Product
What I Learned
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Collaborating closely with both developers and end-users facilitated a smoother development process. Constant communication and feedback loops ensured that the software aligned with both technical capabilities and user expectations.
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Balancing feature richness with simplicity presented a challenge. The iterative design process helped identify and eliminate unnecessary complexities while maintaining a comprehensive feature set.
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Incorporating Agile methodologies allowed for flexibility in responding to changing requirements. Regular sprint reviews and retrospectives were vital in adjusting the development roadmap based on evolving user needs.
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Personally, this project enhanced my skills in balancing design aesthetics with functionality, especially in the context of complex software. Professionally, I gained insights into managing user expectations and communicating effectively with cross-functional teams.
