Keywords Figma Computer Aided Design (CAD) Wireframing Heuristics Evaluation User Interview Task Analysis Persona Development
Challenge Overview How can we design a product that reduces the chance of losing your keys, and makes it easy to locate once lost?
This class-project enabled me to design a specialized keytool as well as wireframing an accompanying mobile application.
Initial Interviews
I interviewed 5 college students who frequently misplace their keys, to gather information on key carrying habits, as well as concerns with their current methods.
As a result, I identified the following patterns: 1. Keys can easily slip out of their carrying vessels 2. Misplaced keys are hard to find 3. Keys are uncomfortable to carry on the body due to its rigidness
Task Analysis
I conducted in-dept research into three individuals, each with an archetypal key carry method. Using Behavioral Task Analysis, I identified the step of user’s routine could lead to the misplacement.
Persona
Ideate
Requirements of the keytool MVP - Able to consolidate keys, and number of loose items a user carries on the body to reduce cognitive load - Reliably easy to locate if lost - Aesthetically pleasing, ergonomic and intuitive to use - Easy to store in multiple locations, for users to consistently store it in the same location
Requirements of the app MVP 1. Quick check location 2. Ping tracker function 3. Report lost function
Prototype
My initial idea consisted of a belt clip tool that includes a built-in tracker and app, so it would be easy to carry around, easy to take off, and easy to locate if lost. After brainstorming about the solution, I decided to combine a carabiner to the belt clip in order to increase its versatility in storing options e.g hanging.
Due to my limited experience with 3D printing, the physical construction of the keytool was beyond the scope of my design for this project.
CAD Models
App Lo-Fi Wireframe
User Testing
I performed user evaluations by asking target users to assess the usability of the app using NN Group's 10 Usability Heuristics. Feedback 1. Lack of live response 2. Unintuitive swipe feature 3. Unclear button states 4. Unclear user support
Information Architecture Feedback 1. Add quick check location 2. Add ping tracker function 3. Add report lost mode
Iterated Wireframes
Iterative Changes 1. Moved action bar to the bottom of screen to be more accessible with thumbs. 2. Added support hotkey to action bar for quicker access 3. Added extensive device customization option 4. Added colors for fun :D
Future Directions
The wireframes presented above are still in the low-fidelity stage of development, future works on the project will focus on moodboarding and visual design, as well as constructing a physical prototype for the keytool.
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