This course has offered great insight into an aspect of technical writing I had never considered. Before taking this course, I never really thought about the writers behind case studies, interview and survey questions, or other written materials used in matters across a litany of fields. When I started this program, I came with the mindset that I would leverage my technical skills gained with my background in software engineering, and pivot to a career in a space that allowed me to use my written and oral communication skills in my everyday work. This course has offered me a look into a possible career trajectory following that route. Completing this case study was a challenge, but a beneficial exercise in learning what UX writing is all about. Below is my final project, a case study on a proposed task management application, AllDone. 

Case Study: AllDone A Task Management Application

Background

As a full-time graduate student with multiple roles and responsibilities, keeping track of my various commitments and assignments can be a daunting task. Juggling the demands of my studies, Writing Center tutoring, and my part-time job as a server, alongside my upcoming role as a Graduate Teaching Assistant requires exceptional organizational skills and efficient time management – skills I am still working on developing. Currently, I manage by monitoring four separate calendars which can be overwhelming and increases the risk of overlooking important events or deadlines. The constant switching between multiple calendars not only adds an unnecessary layer of complexity but also hinders my ability to have a comprehensive view of my commitments. AllDone is a task management application that seamlessly integrates all events, assignments, and responsibilities into a single, centralized platform. AllDone is an ideal solution that would offer the flexibility to view schedules in both a calendar format and a to-do list, allowing users to choose the view that best suits their needs at any given moment. The calendar view would provide a visual representation of commitments, allowing the user to quickly identify potential scheduling conflicts or overlapping events. This view could be customized to display events and tasks color-coded by category (e.g., academic, work, personal), making it easier to distinguish between different types of obligations at a glance. Additionally, the ability to toggle to a to-do list view would be beneficial when users need to focus on specific tasks or assignments without the distraction of other calendar events. This view could display tasks in a prioritized order, with options to sort by due date, importance, or category. Users would also have the ability to add notes, subtasks, or attachments to each item, ensuring that they have all the necessary information readily available. AllDone would offer scheduling and reminder features, allowing users to set recurring events and tasks or mark progress on ongoing assignments. AllDone will offer customizable reminders and notifications that can be set to alert users in advance of upcoming deadlines or events, ensuring that important commitments are never missed. By consolidating various calendars and commitments into a single, user-friendly task management application, AllDone can streamline workflow and minimize the risk of overlooking or overbooking events.

Methodologies

User needs play a pivotal role in shaping the design and functionality of a task management application, as different individuals have unique requirements and responsibilities that must be carefully considered. Central to an effective product design process is understanding the diverse types of users and the variety of tasks and commitments they need to manage.

Here are some things I considered in the design process of AllDone:

Persona-driven design: One approach to capturing user needs is through the creation of personas based on research and data. By developing detailed personas I gained insight into the motivations, goals, and needs of different user groups.

Task analysis: It is crucial to understand the range of tasks and commitments that users need to organize. These may include academic assignments, work projects, personal errands, appointments, events, and recurring obligations. Analyzing the variety of tasks users might need to record helped me to identify the various categories of tasks, their complexity, and any unique requirements or features needed to manage them effectively.

Flexibility and customization: To cater to the diverse needs of different user groups, AllDone should offer flexibility and customization options. This could include the ability to personalize views (calendar, list, or board), create custom categories or tags, and adjust notification preferences based on individual priorities and work styles.

Accessibility and inclusivity: Ensuring AllDone is accessible to users with diverse abilities and needs is essential. This may involve incorporating features such as screen reader compatibility, customizable color schemes, and intuitive navigation for users with cognitive or motor impairments.

Integration and interoperability: Many users may already have existing productivity tools or calendar applications they rely on. Designing an application that can seamlessly integrate with these existing systems can enhance user adoption and minimize disruption to established workflows.

By thoroughly understanding user needs through personas, task analysis, accessibility, and seamless integration, I have ventured to create a task management application that truly resonates with its target audience – no matter who they are. A user-centered design approach ensures that the application not only meets functional requirements but also provides an intuitive and enjoyable experience tailored to the unique needs of each user group.

Personas

Melanie’s life as a 28-year-old PhD candidate in Biomedical Engineering is no doubt demanding. Balancing the responsibilities of being a Graduate Teaching Assistant for a first-year coding class with three sections under her watch, coupled with her part-time job as a server at a restaurant in the city, presents a significant challenge in time management and organization. As a GTA, Melanie is responsible for instructing and guiding students through the fundamentals of coding, which involves preparing lesson plans, grading assignments, holding office hours, and addressing students’ questions and concerns. Additionally, her PhD coursework requires attending lectures, writing essays, conducting research, and participating in laboratory or fieldwork. These academic commitments alone can be overwhelming, but Melanie also juggles much more. Working in the service industry can be physically and mentally taxing, with irregular shifts, customer interactions, and the fast-paced environment of a restaurant. With such a diverse range of responsibilities, Melanie undoubtedly relies on numerous calendars and scheduling tools to keep track of her classes, office hours, research meetings, restaurant shifts, and personal commitments. Juggling multiple calendars can be cumbersome and increase the risk of overlooking important deadlines or double-booking herself. A task management application that can seamlessly integrate tasks from various aspects of Melanie’s life into a single interface would be an invaluable asset. This application should offer robust filtering and categorization capabilities, allowing Melanie to easily view and prioritize tasks related to her GTA responsibilities, PhD coursework, or restaurant shifts, without the need to switch between multiple calendars or applications. Furthermore, the ability to set reminders, prioritize tasks based on urgency or importance, and seamlessly sync across multiple devices would ensure that Melanie remains organized and focused, regardless of her location or the task at hand. By consolidating her various commitments into a centralized platform, Melanie can streamline her workflow, minimize the risk of overlooking crucial deadlines, and allocate her time more efficiently across her academic, professional, and personal obligations.

As a 19-year-old sophomore student studying History at a local university while managing ADHD, Devon’s situation presents unique challenges that require a tailored approach to task management and organization. Navigating the demands of university life as a first-generation student is already a significant undertaking, but coupled with the added complexities of ADHD, it can become even more daunting. During his freshman year, Devon struggled with planning, time management, and staying on top of assignments resulting in a less-than-desirable academic performance. However, since then, Devon has demonstrated remarkable self-awareness and determination by recognizing the areas where he needs improvement and committing to becoming a more organized student. His decision to actively seek strategies and tools to help him stay current on his assignments and enhance his academic performance is commendable. While Devon’s current use of a traditional paper planner is a step in the right direction, he desires a more modern and accessible solution. The limitations of a physical planner, such as the need to have it on hand at all times and the potential for misplacing or forgetting it, can be exacerbated for individuals with ADHD. An ideal task management application for Devon would not only address his organizational needs but also cater to the specific challenges associated with ADHD. This application should offer features that help him stay focused, minimize distractions, and provide visual cues and reminders to keep him on track. One essential feature would be the ability to set recurring reminders and notifications for tasks and deadlines. These reminders could be customized to include auditory or vibration alerts, ensuring Devon remains aware of his commitments even when he is engaged in other activities. Additionally, the application should offer a visually appealing and intuitive interface, utilizing color coding, icons, or other visual cues to help Devon quickly identify and prioritize tasks based on their importance or subject area. This visual representation could help him better understand his workload and allocate his time and attention accordingly. Collaboration features could also be beneficial for Devon, as they would allow him to coordinate with classmates or study groups, share task lists, and receive updates on group projects or assignments. This could help reduce the potential for missed deadlines or miscommunications. The application should be accessible across multiple devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, ensuring that Devon’s tasks and commitments are always within reach, regardless of his location or the device he is using. By implementing a comprehensive and user-friendly task management application tailored to his specific needs, Devon can develop the organizational skills and strategies necessary to succeed as a History student while effectively managing his ADHD. With his tasks and commitments readily accessible, visually represented, and accompanied by customizable reminders, he can maintain focus, prioritize his workload, and ultimately achieve his academic goals.

As a 41-year-old mother of four returning to the corporate world after an eight-year hiatus, Sasha’s life is undoubtedly challenging. Juggling the demands of her professional life with the responsibilities of managing a bustling household can be overwhelming, even for someone as accomplished as Sasha. With four children, each having unique schedules and commitments, such as school projects, recitals, sports engagements, and extracurricular activities, keeping track of everything can quickly become impossible without assistance. As a mother Sasha is expected to be present and involved in her children’s lives, while also ensuring that their various activities and obligations are met. On top of all of that, Sasha’s return to the corporate world and reintegrating into a professional environment brings its own set of demands and responsibilities, such as meetings, deadlines, projects, and the need to prove herself after a break from the traditional workforce. Balancing these professional commitments with her family obligations can be a delicate and demanding endeavor. In this situation, Sasha is in desperate need of a comprehensive task management application that can help her stay afloat and maintain control over her various high-priority items. An ideal solution for Sasha would be a user-friendly application that seamlessly integrates her professional and personal commitments into a single, centralized platform. This application should offer robust calendar and scheduling features, allowing Sasha to input and organize her work appointments, meetings, and deadlines, as well as her children’s activities and obligations. Color-coding or categorization options could help her quickly distinguish between different types of tasks, ensuring that nothing slips through the cracks. Additionally, the application should provide reminders and notifications to keep Sasha informed about upcoming events or due dates, ensuring that she remains proactive and prepared, rather than constantly playing catch-up. These reminders could be customized based on the priority or urgency of the task, ensuring that Sasha can prioritize her time effectively. Collaboration features could also be beneficial, allowing Sasha to share and coordinate schedules with her partner or other family members, ensuring that everyone is aware of each other’s commitments and responsibilities. This could include the ability to assign tasks, delegate responsibilities, and receive updates when tasks are completed or rescheduled. Additionally, the application should be accessible across multiple devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers, enabling Sasha to stay connected and updated regardless of her location or the device she is using. This would allow her to quickly reference her schedule or update tasks while on the go, ensuring that she remains in control of her commitments at all times. By implementing a comprehensive task management application, Sasha can regain control over her hectic schedule and find a balance between her professional and personal responsibilities. With the ability to prioritize tasks, set reminders, coordinate with family members, and access her schedule from anywhere, Sasha can navigate the challenges of her new chapter with confidence, ensuring that she excels both as a mother and in her corporate role.

Alek, a 24-year-old Data Analyst, finds himself in a unique position as he navigates the demands of his professional life and his active social involvement in the local punk scene. As a newcomer in his field, Alek is driven to excel in his high-paying start-up job and establish himself as an invaluable asset to the company. However, Alek’s robust social life and passion for the punk scene present both opportunities and challenges. Attending various concerts, events, and parties within the punk community is not only a source of enjoyment but also a means of fostering connections and immersing himself in a vibrant subculture. This dual commitment to his career and social life can lead to potential conflicts or scheduling issues. Alek’s desire to be an all-star employee may require him to work late nights or be available during unconventional hours, which could clash with his social engagements. In this scenario, Alek would benefit greatly from a seamless task management application that allows him to effectively balance his professional and personal commitments. An ideal solution would be a user-friendly application that integrates his work schedule, deadlines, and meetings with his social calendar, providing a comprehensive view of his obligations and plans. This application should offer comprehensive calendar and scheduling features, allowing Alek to input and organize his work commitments, as well as his social events and activities. Color-coding or categorization options could help him quickly distinguish between professional and personal engagements, ensuring that he can prioritize tasks and events accordingly. Additionally, the application should provide reminders and notifications to keep Alek informed about upcoming events or due dates, ensuring that he remains proactive and prepared. These reminders could be customized based on the priority or urgency of the task or event, ensuring that Alek can allocate his time effectively. A key feature for Alek would be the ability to share or expose certain aspects of his calendar with his manager or colleagues. This would allow him to transparently communicate his availability and any potential conflicts or time-off requests related to his social engagements. By maintaining open communication and setting expectations with his employer, Alek can foster trust and demonstrate his commitment to his job while also making room for his personal pursuits. The application should be accessible across multiple devices, enabling Alek to stay connected and updated regardless of his location or the device he is using. This would allow him to quickly reference his schedule or update tasks and events ensuring that he remains in control of his commitments at all times. By implementing a comprehensive task management application tailored to his unique needs, Alek can effectively balance his professional ambitions as a Data Analyst with his active involvement in the punk scene. With the ability to prioritize tasks, set reminders, communicate his availability, and access his schedule from anywhere, Alek can navigate the demands of his career and social life with confidence, ensuring that he excels in both realms.

Survey and Interview Response

Conducting surveys and interviews as part of my case study was valuable in gaining insights into user needs and preferences for a task management application. While a wider pool of participants would have provided even more comprehensive data, the feedback I received from the volunteers who participated in my study uncovered important information to guide the design process. Surveys and interviews allow me to gather qualitative and quantitative data directly from potential users, enabling a deeper understanding of their pain points, workflows, and desired features. By engaging with a diverse group of users, I learned varying perspectives, use cases, and specific requirements that were not initially apparent. Based on the feedback from study participants, I decided to design an application that is not only functionally superior but also offers a highly customizable user experience tailored to individual aesthetic preferences. This approach recognizes that users have varying needs and priorities when it comes to task management, and a one-size-fits-all solution may not resonate with everyone. By prioritizing customization, AllDone can cater to a broader range of users, allowing them to personalize the interface, color schemes, layouts, and visual elements to align with their individual preferences and work styles. This level of customization can enhance user engagement, productivity, and overall satisfaction with the application. Offering a visually appealing experience differentiates AllDone from competitors and creates a more enjoyable user experience. In today’s crowded market, where users have numerous task management options, a well-designed and personalized interface can be a significant competitive advantage. However, it’s important to strike a balance between customization and usability. While offering extensive customization options is valuable, the application should maintain a level of consistency and intuitive navigation to ensure a seamless user experience. Excessive customization options can lead to confusion or overwhelm users, especially those who prefer a more streamlined and minimalistic approach. Incorporating user feedback and emphasizing customization and aesthetics in my design process ensured a user-centric approach to product development. By addressing both functional and aesthetic needs, AllDone has the potential to stand out in the market and provide a tailored experience that resonates with a wide range of users, ultimately enhancing productivity and task management workflows.

Mockups

Conclusion

Completing a comprehensive case study on designing a task management application was a challenging but invaluable learning experience, particularly in understanding the nuances of UX writing. The process of conducting research, gathering user feedback, and translating those insights into a cohesive design solution allowed me to delve into the fundamental principles of user-centered design. One aspect that presented a significant hurdle was the graphic design component of the study. As a novice in the field of design, I found myself immersed in the intricacies of various developer tools and design software, which was a bit overwhelming, especially since that was not the primary focus of the assignment. Admittedly I may have dedicated more time and effort to this aspect than initially intended, as the desire to create a visually appealing and functional design can be compelling even if not quite successful. In hindsight, studying and improving upon an already existing task management application might have been a more straightforward approach. By analyzing an established product, I could have gained valuable insights into its strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement, without the added complexity of starting from scratch. This approach would have allowed me to concentrate more on the UX writing aspects and user research, rather than getting caught up in the technical details of design tools. However, the challenges I faced during this project contributed significantly to my learning experience. Despite the obstacles, this assignment has equipped me with a deeper understanding of user-centered design principles and the role of UX writing in creating intuitive and engaging interfaces. I learned the value of conducting user research, gathering feedback, and translating those insights into design decisions that prioritize the user’s needs and preferences. Moving forward, this experience will undoubtedly shape my approach to future UX writing projects. I now have a better grasp of the importance of balancing functional requirements with aesthetic considerations, and the need to collaborate effectively with designers and developers to create cohesive and user-friendly products. Overall, though challenging, this case study provided me with a comprehensive introduction to the world of UX writing and user-centered design. The lessons learned from this exercise will certainly serve as a foundation for future endeavors, allowing me to approach UX writing projects with a more informed perspective.