Feature Addition
Customizing feed
UX/UI Case study
Role
UI UX Design
Tools
Figma
Timeline
2 weeks
Project Overview
This project encompasses the design and implementation of a user-friendly interface that seamlessly integrates the custom feed feature into the existing Instagram app. Users will have the ability to create, name, and populate custom feeds, such as a "INTERESTS" feed that exclusively displays content from pages related to work.
Problem Statement
The existing Instagram app lacks a user-friendly interface for creating and managing multiple custom feeds, hindering users' ability to curate and access content based on specific interests or themes effectively.
Goals
enhancing the user experience by seamlessly integrating a user-friendly custom feed feature into the existing Instagram app, the goal is to empower users to curate and access content tailored to their specific interests and preferences.
Design Process
The design process for implementing the custom feed feature in the Instagram app involves several iterative stages focused on understanding user needs, ideating potential solutions, prototyping designs, and testing with users to gather feedback and refine the final implementation.
User Research
While Instagram currently offers a curated home screen experience, this project aims to set Instagram apart by providing users with the flexibility to define and manage their own content categories. The goal is to enhance user satisfaction and engagement in comparison to competitor platforms.
Target Audience
Instagram Users
Users with hobbies
Content Creators
Competitive Analysis
Understanding the similarities and differences helped me make informed decisions when implementing customization features, such as an "Interest" feature, on Instagram, offering users a tailored experience aligned with their preferences.
Key Insights
Strong community engagement and authenticity contribute to platforms’ popularity.
Many platforms could benefit from limited functionality for organizing and saving content compared to Pinterest.
Some platforms have opportunities to differentiate themselves by focusing on specific user segments or niche interests, introducing innovative features that address unmet needs or pain points
User Interviews
Data was collected from four in person interviews and analyzed to identify recurring patterns, themes, and insights.
Demographics
Participants range from ages 23-44 years old
2 female and 2 Male participants.
Research Questions
What are the current pain points and challenges users face in managing their Instagram feeds?
How do users currently organize and categorize the content they follow on Instagram?
What level of interest do users have in having a customizable feed feature, and what are their expectations?
What are the preferred methods for naming and organizing custom feeds?
How frequently do users use Instagram, and what are your main reasons for using it?
Observations
of users spend over 5 hours per day on Instagram.
of participants use the “Favorite” tabs
of participants prefer to only use the following tab so they can see user's stories only.
of users limit their usage to 2 hours per day
User Persona
based on the four interviews conducted two personas were created
Pain Points
Users feel a lack of control over the content that appears in their feed, leading to a feeling of disconnection from their desired Instagram experience.
Users spend significant time scrolling through their feed to find new and interesting content, leading to frustration and a sense of inefficiency.
Users feel that their Instagram experience is not tailored to their individual preferences and interests.
Users wish for a more personalized experience that caters to both their professional and hobby-related interests.
Research Synthesis
How Might We?
How might we introduce new interactive features or tools within the Instagram feed to enhance user interaction and creativity?
How might we provide users with more control over their Instagram feed, allowing them to customize their feed preferences?
How might we address potential challenges related to information overload within custom feeds?
Empathy Map
An empathy map is a powerful tool that helps us gain a deeper understanding of our users' thoughts, feelings, and motivations. By using the empathy map as a reference throughout the design process, we can ensure that our solutions are truly user-centric and address the needs and aspirations of our target audience effectively.
User Journey Map
The user journey map begins with the user's initial interaction with the Instagram app, where they navigate to the Explore section in search of personalized content.
Upon entering the Explore tab, the user is presented with various content recommendations based on their feed. As the user scrolls through the Explore feed, they notice a new tab labeled 'Interests' alongside other categories.
Intrigued, the user taps on the 'Interests' tab to explore curated content tailored to their specific hobbies, passions, and preferences. Delighted by the personalized content selection, the user engages with posts, follows relevant accounts, and begins customizing their feed by indicating their preferences.
Throughout this journey, the user experiences a seamless and intuitive process of discovering and curating content that enhances their Instagram experience and fosters a deeper connection with their interests and community."
Sitemap
The Interest tab is added to the other related tabs on Instagram to provide users with a personalized and curated experience tailored to their specific interests. The Interest tab is designed to showcase content that aligns more closely with each user's individual tastes, hobbies, and passions.
Task Flows
These task flows were done following Instagram’s current design guidelines and user experience principles, ensuring seamless navigation and an intuitive interface for optimal user engagement.
User Flow
User flows were meticulously crafted to align with Instagram's feature goal of enhancing user interaction and satisfaction. Adding a profile to the Interests feed and adding a profile from the regular feed.
Low-Fidelity
Three Low-fidelity wireframes were generated, focusing on key screens: the Home page, "Interests" page, and settings for the options window.
High-Fidelity
Through comprehensive user testing and iterative feedback, I ensured that the design met the needs and expectations of Instagram users by following user flows.
Prototype
The insights gathered from user interviews were invaluable in refining and iterating prototypes. I addressed usability issues, optimized user flows, and fine-tuned interface elements based on user feedback to create a smooth usability test.
Usability Test Feedback
Feedback was gathered by analyzing information and grouping insights based on common themes and patterns observed during the usability testing session.
Design Iterations
Based on usability testing conducted with four participants, these design iterations were implemented to enhance user engagement and improve the overall user experience.
By incorporating the Interest tab alongside other key tabs, it aims to enhance content discovery and engagement.
Before
After
Based on User feedback, “Interests” icon was changed to not confuse it with the search icon.
Before
After
Stories were added to Interests page based on usability testing. Users expressed the need of further engagement with the addition of stories.
Before
After
Users also suggested the option of adding a page to their interests option through the following profile.
Summary
This project provided invaluable insights into the intricacies of social media platforms and the importance of user-centric design. By immersing myself in user feedback and observing its impact on engagement metrics, I gained a deeper understanding of how even small design decisions can significantly influence the user experience. It underscored the importance of listening to users and incorporating their feedback throughout the design process to ensure that the app remains relevant and engaging. Moving forward, I'm excited to apply these learnings to future projects, continuing to prioritize user needs and preferences to create impactful digital experiences.
Next Steps
The next steps for this project would involve further refinement and iteration based on the insights gathered from user feedback and engagement metrics. Additionally, it may be beneficial to explore opportunities for testing to compare the effectiveness of different design iterations and identify the most successful approach.