UX Design · Master's Capstone · Personal AI · 2024
Organization and prioritization of personal messaging data to reduce cognitive load
The Problem
The volume of messages that must be monitored on a daily basis lead to cognitive strain and overwhelm.
My Phone is consistently in dnd [do not disturb] so I don't have to see that sh*t. The 24k unread emails can't hurt me if I can't see the number."
-Interview Participant
Our Objective
Create a single application that reduces the "noise" so many experience.
Assist users in organizing, Prioritizing, and searching their messages as they need.
Understanding the Need
Preliminary Desk Research
Context Switching
Kaur 2020
Context switching incurs an incredible cost on productivity and time. Switch windows every 40s, spheres every 3 min, and require 15 min to refocus.
Tech Crowding
Karr & Lu 2007
Tech Crowding has allowed info channels and tool stacks to swell. Workers are experiencing tech bloat, information overload, and communication overload.
Tech Overload
Karr-Wisniewski 2010
There is such a thing as too much tech. Tools can help advance productivity, up to a point. With too many, users suffer reduced focus and fragmented attention.
Stress & Thinking
Misra 2020
Higher levels of perceived info overload lead to higher levels of stress and higher levels of stress leads to lower levels of analytical thinking.
Understanding the Need
Interviews
Breakdown and Protocol
Key Findings
01
People often forget to respond to messages and would appreciate response reminders
02
People leverage search functions and appreciate easy navigability and relevant results
03
People find it simpler to ask a question and receive the answer they're looking for
04
People face challenges when navigating through lenthy message threads
05
People are frustrated with the lack of separation between work and personal notifications
Understanding the Need
User Survey
Understanding the Need
Competitive Analysis
First Round Lo-Fi
Initial Design Concept
The initial design concept was a dashboard to consolidate messages across all channels and provide clear sorting and paths to action.
Second Round Lo-Fi
Home Page
Home screen evolved to include message counts by classification as well as a separation between work and personal messages.
A consolidated message view was added as well as a side bar nav menu.
Second Round Lo-Fi
Messaging
The core principle behind the messaging function is that based on user selections certain options will populate providing context and quick avenues to response.
Once a recipient is selected messaging platforms populate and allow rapid navigation to their native functionality.
High Fidelity
Design Guide
High Fidelity
Home
Home screen evolved to include message counts by classification as well as a separation between work and personal messages.
A consolidated message view was added as well as a side bar nav menu.
High Fidelity
Messaging
The messaging functionality allows users to quickly transfer context between threads.
High Fidelity
AI Assistant
The AI messaging assistant allows users to perform functions both locally in a single thread or globally across all threads. Search, summarize, or ask about information, and set a messaging timeframe for the model to consult.
Takeaways
