Further to refining the first round of test results, we continued testing some main features of the app, focusing on GPS tracking and community pages. Our goal was to identify usability challenges and gather feedback to improve user experience.
This round of testing included both internal evaluations and an external test with three participants aged 30–40—our target demographic of parents. Here’s a recap of what we learned, along with how we plan to address the feedback.
Feature 1: GPS Tracking
Task: Testers explored the live GPS tracking feature designed to show real-time locations for safety and convenience.
Feedback
- GPS tracking worked effectively with simulated data, providing accurate live location updates.
- Testers appreciated the security code feature for added safety.
- However, the user interface (UI) caused confusion, especially for passengers. Testers suggested that the driver and passenger interfaces should have distinct layouts to avoid misunderstandings.
Feature 2: Creating Private Groups
Task: Users were tasked with creating private groups within the app to manage carpooling more effectively.
Feedback
- Linking with the phone’s photo library for group icon customization was well-received.
- Member selection was intuitive and straightforward.
- The two-button interface for group creation was confusing. Testers recommended replacing it with a single, streamlined button for sending email invitations to friends who haven’t signed up for the app.
- Prioritizing the friends list was also suggested to ensure a more user-centric flow before enabling invitations to non-app users via email.
Feature 3: Messaging – Group and Individual Chats
Task: Testers interacted with the group and individual messaging systems to evaluate functionality.
Feedback
- The messaging system was functional. However displaying group names or individual account details could enhance clarity.
- Adding a “back” button to navigate out of conversations was a top priority for testers.
- Scrolling through many messages was cumbersome; testers suggested that the latest messages should load automatically instead of requiring manual scrolling.
Next Steps
Based on these insights, our team will prioritize the following updates:
- Refining the UI for GPS tracking, creating distinct layouts for drivers and passengers.
- Streamlining the group creation process by consolidating the buttons for inviting friends into one and prioritizing friends already on the app and enabling email invitations only when needed.
- Enhancing the messaging experience by adding navigation options and automatic scrolling for recent messages.Conducting notification and accessibility testing to improve inclusivity and usability.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this testing round—your feedback is invaluable!