It is a challenge to combine high levels of creative solutions into a simple and clear product. Although these methodologies may seem trivial at times, the clarity of thought that they provide eases the challenge for designers of bridging the gap between creativity and simplicity.
“Rather than waiting for “inspiration to strike,” UX designers need a systematic way to approach everyday design activities so that they produce high-quality designs and solve usability problems.”
The three applications we are examining are categorized as music streaming, gaming, and travel. Although there is a large range of what these apps are intended for, it serves as a positive example that ideation techniques have a strong impact on understanding regardless of the subject of the product.
Ideation Techniques Applied:
Challenge Assumptions
Bodystorm
Analogies
Worst Idea Possible
This process is all about gaining a new perspective through utilizing the POV statements and adding another level of depth to that perspective through ideation techniques. Thus, increasing our ability to find new solutions or approaches for the design of the product.
Insights & Perspectives Gained:
Soundcloud:
Can consider adding an element of personalized search based on listening history. Rather than results being directly based on the language of search, perhaps something like genre-listening history can be an influence on search results.
Users with large music libraries are seeking alternate organization methods for their music outside of their playlists and ‘liked’ music. A counter-argument to this could be that due to disorganization users listen to a wider range of artists and it also leads to longer time spent within the application.
Clash of Clans:
The length of commitment to this game is a pain point for some players. Rather than feeling like an ‘achievement’ by collecting enough resources for an upgrade, players get frustrated by having to wait for upgrades to be complete.
This game has a unique relationship with time. It is designed for years and years of play while some users may be used to games that involve quick successes. Those who enjoy this game and value it most have to ability to play it in a more passive manner which would make their passion appear to not be aligned with their play-time.
It is essential for player happiness and enjoyment that the playing field is even for paying and non-paying players. Paying players certainly should have access to more exciting features in the game. However, this should never involve giving them an advantage in player-to-player interactions.
Airbnb:
Through reading the customer reviews, it became clear that the largest pain point for airbnb customers is the customer service they receive. Based on their experiences, there appears to be a lack of speed and seriousness taken by the customer service team. I think some of this stems from users not fully understanding the product and the role of importance for hosts. In a lot of cases, airbnb is not in a position to provide assistance because the hosts assume a lot of responsibility.
The hosts themselves desire more freedom to market their properties the way they see most fit. They have deeper insights into the value of their properties. In a similar vein, guests who have already experienced the property have insights into the value of the property. Perhaps giving some more influence to both hosts and guests on how the properties are displayed will lead to more rentals.
Getting to Know Stolen Focus 