Dollar Board is a community social media that aims to foster a thriving community of fellow anime enjoyers where you can discuss your favorite series, discover new shows, engage in lively debates, share fan art, and connect with like-minded individuals from around the world.

Project duration:

February 2023 - June 2023

Dollar Board

Project overview

The problem:

The objective is to create a seamless and intuitive digital experience that meets the needs and expectations of users. The primary goal is to provide a user-centric platform that offers easy navigation, engaging interactions, and efficient workflows, ultimately driving user satisfaction, engagement, and loyalty. Dollar Board will incorporate a user-centered approach that will innovatively features and functionality.

The goal:

The goal is to create a user-centric and immersive experience for anime enthusiasts, fostering a vibrant online community and serving as the go-to platform for anime-related discussions, recommendations, and content sharing. The design should aim to enhance user engagement, promote meaningful interactions, and provide seamless access to a wide range of anime-related resources, ultimately becoming the preferred destination for anime enjoyers to connect, explore, and indulge in their passion.

My role:

Lead UX designer, Lead UX researcher, Visuals, Interactions

My responsibilities:

Conducting interviews and user research, paper and digital wireframes, low and high-fidelity prototyping, conducting usability studies, accounting for accessibility, iterating on designs and responsive designs, information architecture.

User Research

During the user research phase, we conducted in-depth interviews, surveys, and usability testing to gain insights into the preferences, behaviors, and needs of anime enjoyers. Key findings revealed that users value a sense of community, crave a visually appealing and intuitive interface, and prioritize access to comprehensive anime information, including recommendations, reviews, and streaming options. They expressed a desire for personalized content suggestions, robust search capabilities, and the ability to connect with like-minded individuals for discussions and sharing. Understanding their motivations, content consumption patterns, and pain points will inform the design decisions to create a tailored and engaging experience that fulfills their expectations and enhances their anime journey.

To better understand the needs of the users I'm designing for, I developed empathy maps. Through this process, I identified a primary user group of people who use social media often and are actively engaged in the community by posting and interactive with others on their chosen site.

Competitive Audit

The competitive audit conducted for this project involved analyzing and evaluating similar platforms catering to anime enthusiasts. Here are the key findings from the audit:

Platform Features: The audit revealed a variety of features offered by competitors, including discussion forums, user-generated content, personalized recommendations, streaming services, and social networking elements. Understanding the landscape of existing features helped identify opportunities for differentiation and innovation in the project.

User Experience: Evaluating the user experience of competitor platforms provided valuable insights into what works well and areas that can be improved. The audit highlighted the importance of intuitive navigation, clear information architecture, visually appealing designs, and responsive interfaces. These findings influenced the design decisions made for the project.

Content Variety: Examining the content available on competitor platforms shed light on popular anime series, genres, and formats. It also highlighted the significance of providing a diverse range of content to cater to different user preferences. This insight informed content curation strategies for the project, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive and up-to-date library.

Community Engagement: The competitive audit focused on understanding how competitors fostered community engagement and interaction among users. Analyzing features like comment sections, user ratings, and social sharing options helped identify effective methods to encourage active participation and create a sense of community within the platform.

Monetization Models: The audit explored the monetization strategies employed by competitors, such as subscription plans, ad-supported models, merchandise sales, and partnerships. These findings helped inform decisions regarding potential revenue streams and business models for the project.

Accessibility and Localization: Assessing competitor platforms for accessibility features and localization options provided insights into the importance of catering to diverse user needs and preferences. It emphasized the significance of inclusive design and localization efforts to create a globally accessible platform.

The competitive audit served as a foundation for understanding the market landscape, identifying gaps and opportunities, and informing the design and development of the project. By analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of competitors, the project can aim to deliver a unique and compelling user experience that sets it apart in the market, captures user attention, and fulfills the needs of anime enthusiasts in a distinct and engaging manner.

Design

Wireframing

During the wireframing phase, we focused on translating user research insights into visual representations of the website and app's structure and functionality. We developed low-fidelity wireframes that showcased the key components and interactions, ensuring a clear and intuitive user experience. The wireframes encompassed essential features such as user profiles, community forums, anime recommendations, search functionality, streaming options, and content sharing. Through iterative iterations and feedback, we refined the wireframes to align with user expectations and industry best practices, prioritizing seamless navigation, content discoverability, and engaging interactions. The wireframes serve as a blueprint for the subsequent stages of design and development, enabling us to create a cohesive and user-centric anime platform that resonates with our target audience.

Digital wireframes

With a focus on providing a safe and supportive environment, I designed the wireframes to promote self-care and encourage the user to express their thoughts and feelings. I also wanted to ensure that the user flow was intuitive and seamless, so that the user could easily navigate through the app and access the resources they needed.

To achieve this, I carefully considered the placement of each element on the screen, and how they interacted with one another. I added features that I thought would benefit the user, such as motivational quotes to inspire and encourage them, and a clear indication of where to input their thoughts. Additionally, the layout was designed to provide the user with a sense of openness and space, while still being able to access key features like the 'done' button. Overall, my goal was to create a wireframe that would help users feel supported, motivated, and empowered to take care of their mental health.

Low fidelity prototype

To ensure the usability of the design, a low-fidelity prototype was created to test the primary user flow of logging in and navigating the site.

The prototype allowed for the identification of any usability issues or concerns that needed to be addressed before the high-fidelity prototype was developed. The low-fidelity prototype was also used to gather feedback from potential users to ensure that their needs and expectations were being met. Based on the feedback received, changes were made to improve the overall user experience and to ensure that the app was meeting the needs of the target audience.

View the low-fidelity prototype here

Usability study

During the unmoderated usability studies, we conducted user testing sessions to gather feedback on the website and app prototypes. Participants were given tasks to complete while we observed their interactions and collected quantitative and qualitative data. The study aimed to assess the platform's usability, identify pain points, and gather insights for further improvements.

Overall, the unmoderated usability studies provided valuable feedback regarding the user experience. Participants found the navigation intuitive and were able to complete tasks with ease. Positive feedback was received for the clear categorization of anime genres and the ability to customize user profiles. However, some participants expressed a desire for more prominent search functionality and improved content discovery features.

Common pain points included difficulties in locating certain settings and challenges in understanding the purpose of certain icons. Based on user feedback, we identified areas for refinement, such as enhancing the visual cues and providing clearer instructions for complex features. These insights will help us optimize the platform's usability, streamline user flows, and enhance the overall user satisfaction.

Overall, the unmoderated usability studies played a crucial role in validating design decisions, uncovering areas for improvement, and ensuring that the platform delivers a seamless and engaging experience to anime enthusiasts.

Mockups & changes

Changes

Incorporating the insights gathered from the usability study, I made design changes to the high-fidelity prototype of the Dollar Board app and website. Using the results from the usability study, I incorporated features that would minimize user pain points and enhance content engagement. Other design changes included improving the overall layout and typography to create a more cohesive and engaging experience for the user.

High-fidelity prototype

The thought process behind creating a high-fidelity design for Dollar Board, a community social media platform for anime enthusiasts, involves several key considerations, including designing for both small and big screens. The goal is to foster a thriving community where users can engage in meaningful discussions, discover new shows, share fan art, and connect with like-minded individuals from around the world. Here is a summary of the thought process for the high-fidelity design:

Understanding the target audience: The first step is gaining a deep understanding of the target audience, which in this case are anime enthusiasts. This involves researching their preferences, behaviors, and needs in order to create a design that resonates with them.
Creating a user-friendly interface: The design should prioritize user-friendliness to ensure that users can easily navigate the platform and access its various features. Intuitive navigation, clear labeling, and organized content categories contribute to a positive user experience.
Visual appeal and branding: Given the creative nature of the anime community, the design should reflect a visually appealing aesthetic that aligns with the theme of anime. This involves carefully selecting color schemes, typography, and visual elements that evoke the spirit of anime while maintaining a modern and professional look.
Focus on community engagement: The design should encourage active participation and engagement within the community. Features such as discussion forums, comment sections, and messaging capabilities should be prominently displayed and easily accessible to foster interactions and connections between users.
Emphasizing content discovery: The design should provide users with effective tools for discovering new anime shows, fan art, and relevant discussions. This can include personalized recommendations, trending content sections, search functionality, and curated collections to enhance the overall user experience and encourage exploration.
Mobile responsiveness: Considering the widespread use of mobile devices, the design should be responsive and optimized for various screen sizes. This ensures that users can seamlessly access Dollar Board from their smartphones or tablets, enabling them to stay connected and engaged on the go.
Iterative user testing and feedback: Throughout the design process, it's crucial to gather feedback from users and conduct usability testing. This helps identify any pain points, usability issues, or areas for improvement, allowing for iterative refinements to create a design that truly meets the needs and expectations of the anime community.

By incorporating these considerations into the high-fidelity design for Dollar Board, the aim is to create a visually appealing, user-friendly, and engaging platform that fosters a vibrant and connected community of anime enthusiasts.

View the high-fidelity prototype here (website)

View the high-fidelity prototype here (app)

Accessibility considerations

In order to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all users, we placed a strong emphasis on addressing accessibility considerations throughout the design and development process of the website and app.

Firstly, we focused on ensuring that the platform meets web accessibility standards, such as adhering to WCAG 2.1 guidelines. This involved implementing features like alternative text for images, proper heading structure, and descriptive link text to support screen readers and assistive technologies.
Additionally, we paid close attention to color contrast ratios to accommodate users with visual impairments. By selecting colors with sufficient contrast and avoiding color combinations that may cause difficulties for color-blind users, we aimed to provide an accessible visual experience for all users.
Keyboard navigation was another key aspect we considered. We ensured that all interactive elements and functionalities can be accessed and operated through keyboard navigation alone, without relying solely on mouse or touch interactions. This allows individuals who use assistive technologies like screen readers or have mobility impairments to navigate the platform effectively.
Moreover, we made efforts to provide clear and concise content throughout the platform, using plain language and avoiding complex jargon. This helps users with cognitive disabilities or reading difficulties to understand and engage with the content easily.

Takeaways

Impact:

Throughout the course of the project, several key takeaways emerged, which have the potential to greatly impact the overall user experience and success of the website and app. These takeaways are as follows:

User Engagement: The platform's interactive features, such as discussion forums, user-generated content, and personalized recommendations, were well-received by users. They played a significant role in fostering user engagement and creating a sense of community among anime enthusiasts. Incorporating these features has the potential to enhance user satisfaction and encourage active participation.

Content Curation: Users expressed a strong desire for curated and high-quality content. They appreciated well-organized categories, personalized recommendations based on their interests, and easily accessible information about new releases, trending topics, and popular series. Emphasizing content curation and implementing intuitive navigation will help users discover relevant content and enhance their overall experience.

Social Interaction: The ability to connect with like-minded individuals, share opinions, and engage in discussions emerged as a significant aspect of the user experience. Enhancing social features such as messaging, user profiles, and the ability to follow and interact with others can contribute to a more immersive and satisfying social experience within the platform.

Seamless Cross-Platform Experience: Users expressed the need for a seamless experience across different devices, including desktop, mobile, and tablets. Ensuring consistent design and functionality across platforms will enable users to seamlessly transition between devices and access their favorite content without any disruptions.

Accessibility and Inclusivity: Paying attention to accessibility considerations throughout the design and development process proved to be crucial. Incorporating features such as keyboard navigation, proper color contrast, and support for assistive technologies demonstrated a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for users with disabilities. Prioritizing accessibility has a positive impact on the overall usability and user satisfaction.

What I learned:

Throughout the project, I gained valuable insights and learned important lessons that can contribute to the success of the website and app. The key takeaways and lessons learned include:

User Needs and Preferences: Conducting user research helped me understand the needs, preferences, and behaviors of anime enthusiasts. I learned that users highly value curated content, interactive features, and social interaction within the platform. This understanding will guide future design decisions and ensure a user-centric approach.

Designing for Engagement: Users' strong desire for engagement and community-building highlighted the importance of incorporating interactive elements and social features. Encouraging user-generated content, facilitating discussions, and fostering connections among users can enhance engagement and create a vibrant community.

Accessibility and Inclusivity: Considerations for accessibility proved to be essential in designing a platform that is inclusive and accessible to users of diverse abilities. Incorporating features such as keyboard navigation, proper color contrast, and compatibility with assistive technologies demonstrated a commitment to inclusivity and improved the overall user experience.

Seamless Cross-Platform Experience: Users' expectation of a seamless experience across devices emphasized the importance of designing for consistency and compatibility across different platforms. Ensuring a smooth transition between desktop, mobile, and tablet devices will enhance user convenience and satisfaction.

Iterative Design and Testing: The unmoderated usability studies provided valuable insights into the usability and effectiveness of the interface. This iterative testing approach allowed for identifying and addressing usability issues early on, ensuring continuous improvement and refinement of the design.

Collaborative Approach: Collaborating with stakeholders, developers, and other team members throughout the project facilitated better decision-making and ensured alignment with project goals. Effective communication and collaboration are crucial for successful design outcomes.

Next steps:

Refine User Experience: The unmoderated usability studies highlighted areas for improvement in terms of navigation, information hierarchy, and overall user flow. The next step is to iterate on the design, addressing these usability issues and ensuring a seamless and intuitive user experience.
Enhance Social Interaction: Users' desire for social interaction and community engagement calls for the implementation of features that facilitate connections and discussions among anime enthusiasts. Building robust social features, such as chat forums, user profiles, and sharing functionalities, will foster a sense of belonging and encourage user engagement.
Content Curation and Personalization: Leveraging the insights gained from user research, the next step is to develop an algorithm or recommendation system that offers personalized content recommendations based on users' preferences, viewing history, and community interactions. This will enhance the user experience by providing relevant and tailored content suggestions.
Accessibility Optimization: While accessibility considerations were taken into account during the design phase, further optimization is necessary. Conducting accessibility audits, addressing any identified issues, and ensuring compliance with accessibility standards will make the platform more inclusive and accessible to a wider range of users.
Performance Optimization: To provide a seamless and fast experience, optimizing the website and app performance is crucial. Conducting performance tests, optimizing code and assets, and implementing caching mechanisms will help reduce load times and ensure smooth interactions across different devices.
Continuous User Testing and Feedback: The project should incorporate a continuous user testing and feedback loop to validate design decisions and gather insights for further improvements. Conducting usability tests, gathering user feedback through surveys or feedback forms, and monitoring user analytics will provide ongoing guidance for enhancing the platform.

Thank you for your time reviewing my work on Dollar Board! If you would like to see more or get in touch please contact me at:

Email: connieliu000@gmail.com

Website: https://connieliu000.wixsite.com/connie-liu

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liu-connie/