The CogX app features thousands of the best podcast shows from thought leaders and experts in their field. Presented in a scrolling feed, users can stay up to date and learn about trending topics in AI, Technology, Business and more.
The MVP was launched at the CogX Festival in June 2021 and is now in Beta phase.
• Testing prototypes to validate UX choices
• Launching feedback surveys
• Producing a service blueprint for the app
• Creating feature mockups
• Prioritising tracking metrics
• Completing user stories and CoA for sprint tickets
• Delivering investor pitch decks
• Assisting in setting up the design system and organise the process documentation
My responsibilities spanned across UX/UI and Product, and included:
• Assisting in a cross-functional team with different stakeholders
• Working closely with the UX Lead in writing user testing plans, scripts and surveys. Then facilitating in usability testing
• Designing UI mockups
• Supporting the Senior Product Manager
• Providing graphics for the investor pitch decks
• Participating in discovery and retrospective sessions
We always focused on what would deliver the best value and experience for the user.
User Testing
One of the earlier tasks was to run an internal user test with two concepts for the app's main feed screen. Key areas we focused on were the interaction design, usability, visual design, accessibility and navigation. We approached the moderated online test by running user interviews, setting scenarios and a 5 seconds test, inviting feedback along each stage. We made use of Lookback and Zoom to record highlights or facial expressions and interactions on the device. This test validated the design direction and uncovered further opportunities to enhance their experience.
Feature Mockups
After joining discovery sessions with the front end, back end, product and service design teams to capture requirements and define the business case, wireframes and UI mockups were created. Once submitted, feedback was invited and designs were iterated on before being handed over to the development teams.
Analytics Tracking
All actions in the app were identified and labelled so we could prioritise what quantitative data was applicable to track at that point in time. We considered four main areas - acquisition, engagement, conversion, and overall app performance. Tracking this data through Heap and Looker enabled us great insight into what users are doing, but not why.
User Feedback Survey
To obtain more qualitative data, we launched a feedback survey. It helped gain insights to build a better app experience by understanding how the users feel about the app as well as surface any bugs or errors experienced in the app.
I've learnt a lot about how an app is built from inception to launch and it is genuinely exciting to be involved in all aspects of the build. The biggest learning curve so far is viewing the project from a product designer's perspective - how it brings together design, business and engineering. Also understanding how the app runs using machine learning algorithms created by our data science team has been eye-opening and fascinating.
I've become more comfortable with agile working and more confident in spotting opportunities to elevate the user experience in the app. This is still a work in process (when is an app ever 'finished' anyway?) and I hope to be able to work on increasing and improving accessibility in the product.
