SCRIVENER
UXUI REDESIGN
OVERVIEW
Scrivener is a “niche” writing software for long-form writers (e.g., fiction writers, journalists, or academics writing theses). The interface is rich with features but presents an initial learning curve. The steep learning curve might potentially limit the tool’s market reach to only technically savvy people or those with time to study and familiarize themselves with all the features. I want to solve the ineffective help and documentation system by intuitively redesigning the platform.
ROLE
UXUI Design & Research
CONTEXT
Group project for UXUI redesign exercise
DURATION
October 2021 - Present
METHODS & TOOLS
Card Sorting, User Interviews, Usability Testing, Sketch, Miro, Zoom
PROJECT GOALS & CHALLENGE
PROJECT GOALS: REDESIGN SCRIVENER
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Redesign Scrivener interface more intuitive to reduce the steep learning curve for new users.
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Create uniformed style intuitive icons for users to understand what they are without any doubts in mind.
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Display Label for icons as a default for new users. (It can be turned off and appear when a user hovers over it )
CHALLENGE
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Scrivener interface is outdated, poor user experience.
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Scrivener has a steep learning curve.
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Scrivener uses unrecognizable icons, terminology.
DESIGN PROCESS
RESEARCH
USER RESEARCH
After conducting secondary research, I interviewed 6 existing and new Scrivener users for about 20-30 minutes in order to:
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Understand people's needs and pain points when they are using Scrivener.
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Observe how people use Scrivener.
Expert User
"You'll love it (Scrivener) once you get the hang of it"
".....after publishing 2 original research I still use only the main functions"
Casual User
"Good for research and outlining but don't bother with all the functions"
"In addition to other programs"
"Pen and paper"
Novice User
"Too much going on....not for me", "Learning curve..."
USABILITY TEST
Based on our interviews, I created the usability test script with 7 tasks, 18-functions. The test was taken remotely and moderated think-aloud protocol. Five new users participated with all different backgrounds. A brief follow-up interview was taken right after the usability test and I also mentioned how much I appreciate their time and efforts.
USABILITY TEST KEY FINDINGS
After gathering all the findings from the usability testing, I visualize the usability testing result by creating a chart below to show which functions users had struggled with the most.
Success
Success by using the non-system tool (keyboard shortcut) or assistance (search option)
Significant struggle compares to two above
Fail
HOW MIGHT WE...
I then synthesize all the findings came up with the HMW statement:
BRAINSTORM
With the HMW statement, the team had a brainstorming session to come up with possible solutions. The team decided to narrow down what could be implemented within the given time for the project.
CARD SORT
CARD SORT: REORGANIZE MENU OPTION (N=15)
Next, I collaborate with team to create open card sorting templates and I recruited myself 6 participants. The team recruited total of 15 participants to discover how they understand and categorize Scrivener’s functions.
CARD SORT KEY FINDING 1
I analyzed the open card sort findings with the team to visualize it in a dendrogram. As a result, we concluded that some options could be rearranged.
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For example: Degroup comment, hyperlink, and insert photo from footnotes, and table functions.
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Group comment, hyperlink, and insert photo into "INSERT"
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Group footnotes and table functions into "EDIT/FILE"
(current "INSERT" drop-down menu of Scrivener)
CARD SORT KEY FINDING 2
Participants was also asked to label each category themselves, and the results shows that none of the participants used the Navigate and Project for the category title. And many of them used “Tools” for title which indicates that adding a separate name option for tools might be great.
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Below is the current menu bar of Scrivener
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Replace "Navigate" and "Project" with something more intuitive
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Consider adding a separate menu option for "Tools"
CARD SORT KEY FINDING 3
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Most of the card sort participants indicated that these last four functions are not necessary to have.
IDEA SKETCHES
IDEA SKECH MID FIDELITY
IDEA SKECH HIGH FIDELITY BEFORE & AFTER
BEFORE:
AFTER:
BEFORE:
AFTER:
REFLECTION
CHALLENGES & WHAT I HAVE LEARNED
Through user interviews, I learned that users do not want to invest much time in learning a new interface, and they would go to use other services/products. Therefore, I had to ensure that the new interface design is user-centered and does not make the user learn, and is so intuitive that a user doesn't have to think while using it.
MAKE AN IMPACT
Our team is trying to deliver impact with evidence-based design and transform products for enhanced user experience. With that, Scrivener can decrease forum support needs, which lowers the admin cost and pays attention to users' needs to increase revenue.
