Vimeo is a screen-recording, video hosting, sharing, and editing platform. Though it has a variety of functions as a software, my familiarity is limited to the webcam video aspects. Vimeo offers a free version of it’s platform where users can screen-record in a voiceover style video or record themselves directly. It is available as an online platform, a Google Chrome extension, or an installation to a users Mac or PC. As a platform offering a variety of video services, Vimeo may not be a users first option for a user seeking a simple screen recording application, but this is one of their many offerings. Being so technically advanced, another drawback for some users may be that the application is far too complex for what they are looking for. That being said, Vimeo’s technologies offer users a range of tools to meet a range in demands. My experience with Vimeo is limited to using its screen recording function for various school projects though other users utilize the platform as a streaming service similar to Twitch or Youtube. From the home screen, users see a variety of options such as “Upload a Video”, “Import from Drive” “Record Screen or Webcam” “Create Form or Template” and “Host an Event or Webinar”. One previously mentioned drawback of the application is the complex nature of the platform as it has many different uses. Though upon opening the application for the first time a help menu pops up and gives a brief overview of the tools, this style of application tour often is ineffective as users are often in a rush to get to the tool they need and mindlessly skip through the prompts without absorbing the information.
When a user clicks on the button labeled Record Screen or Webcam, they are directed to a new page where they can record their video. This part of Vimeo’s technology is very simple and straight forward as the window to record takes up majority of the screen and there are minimal options. A cool feature of this screen recorder is that you are able to upload a script and set the recorder to teleprompter mode which allows users to view their script in large font as they record. An add on to this feature (though only available via the premium level) is there is an embedded AI software that will write a script for you based on a certain theme or tone.
Five Second Test
- TODO list application
- Tried to interact with screen
- Site was bland but functionality was immediately clear for me, though I see why some may not immediately see what the application is for as there are no clear title or instruction
Using To-do List
- Interface was pretty intuitive
- The washed out “
complete” button made it seem unclikable - It might be better to click on the task to scratch it out
- Sort button functionality is unclear
- Can’t undo strikethrough
Heuristic Usability Form
- N
- Y
- N
- Y
- N
- Y
- ?
- Y
- N
- ?
MY TO-DO LIST
I created a mockup for a to-do list application using Canva. One of the first things I noticed using the to-do list shared in class was that the design was very simple and not aesthetically engaging. The first thing I focused on when creating my mockup was choosing appealing (perhaps to a certain audience) fonts and styles. I mimicked the same simplicity of the first application aiming to make the app straight forward and simple to use. Since the application takes the place of something that can just as easily (if not much more easily) be accomplished using pen and paper, simplicity is key when designing a product like this. I have two “buttons” in my design, the first one “add task” is pretty self-explanatory — it adds a task to the list. The second button, “reorder tasks” will open a drop down menu where a user has a choice to order tasks either alphabetically or randomize the list entries. This randomize button will act as a sort of “I’m feeling lucky” feature and reorganize the list so that the user can tackle their tasks with new perspective and vigor. In a fully implemented version of this mockup, the user will click on a task to strike through and mark as complete. When a user hovers over an item on their list, a trash can icon will appear on the far right of the task line allowing user to delete the tasks completely. The application should also feature “undo” button allowing a user to retract the previous action.
I come into User-Experience writing a complete novice. Although I have heard of a case-study, I don’t have much relevant experience in them and certainly by no means have I ever conducted one myself. By analyzing the examples giving on the course website and in conjunction with some in-depth google searching and article reading, I have come up with a general outline that seems to lead to writing a successful case study. In my research of case studies I found that the most compelling studies contain the following:
Title
The title of the case study should be informative and give insight to the desired outcome of the study.
Abstract
A summary of the study containing the basic details, (who, what when where, why). The abstract is generally one to two paragraphs and gives a brief overview of the projects goals including questions it aims to address and the hypothesis.
Introduction
A brief synopsis of the problem the product or service intends to address. Introduces the motivation behind the project and entices users to inquire more. This section also contains background information on the designers and their research interests.
Hypothesis
Presents the hypothesis and elaborates on why the case study was made what the intended outcomes will be.
Methodology
Describes the steps taken to successfully develop and implement the case study and gives details on what, who, when, where and how. Consumer personas are created to simulate the variety of users that will benefit from the product.
Results
Presents the data found from the case study in a detailed manner.
Analysis
Provide context to your findings.
Conclusion
Summarize the study and provide analysis on the results tying the study up in a digestible manner.
References
Lists source material used for the project.
A case study I found in my research was by Victor Ofoegbu in which he describes an idea to redesign Smile, Africa’s largest ISP. Through his case study he provides visually stimulating data sets, a manageable project scope, and relevant solutions to his proposed problems. The link to his study is below.
https://uxdesign.cc/redesigning-the-smile-online-experience-841b9bb2341