Stern Insider Connected
Case Study
Introduction
Stern Pinball, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of pinball machines worldwide, and has been in business for over 30 years. Their passion for pinball led them to create the Stern Insider Connected web app, which offers pinball enthusiasts exclusive access to news, interviews, and a global community of fellow fans. With the app, users can also locate nearby pinball machines, manage their collection, and track their high scores. Stern Insider Connected provides a one-of-a-kind experience for pinball enthusiasts to connect, play, and stay up-to-date with the latest Stern related news.
Objective
The objective of this project is to improve the "Locations" feature of Stern Insider Connected to better meet the needs of pinball enthusiasts. Currently, the feature only provides a list of pinball locations without any additional options, which can make it difficult for users to find nearby pinball locations. By enhancing the feature, we aim to make it more user-friendly and accessible, ultimately improving the overall user experience.
Goals
The main goal of this project is to improve the "Locations" feature , with the following specific goals in mind:
- Improve user-friendliness of the feature
- Enhance accessibility of the feature by making it easier to find nearby locations
- Increase user engagement with the feature by making it more visually appealing
Success Metrics
The success of this project will be measured by the following metrics:
- Increased number of user interactions with the "Locations" feature
- Increased number of location searches on the app
- Decreased bounce rate on the "Locations" feature
- Increased user satisfaction with the feature
Design Process
The design process for this project follows a standard UX design process, which includes the following stages:
Empathize
In the empathize stage, we conducted user research using the tool UsabilityHub to understand the pain points of users and their needs when using the "Locations" feature. We created a survey that asked users about their experience using the current "Locations" feature and their preferences for a new and improved version. The findings from the survey showed that users found it difficult to find nearby locations and were frustrated by the lack of a map and filters.
Note: Problem types and estimated impact are subjective and can vary based on individual interpretation.
Define
In the define stage, we used the insights gained from user research to define the problem statement, solution statement and created a user story.
The problem statement for this project is:
"Stern Insider Connected users are frustrated by the lack of a map and filters on the 'Locations' feature, which makes it difficult for them to find nearby pinball locations."
Solution Statement:
We will enhance the "Locations" feature of Stern Insider Connected web app by adding a map and filters to improve the user experience. This will help users find nearby pinball locations easily and engage with the app more effectively.
User Story:
As a Stern Insider Connected user, I want to be able to find nearby pinball locations on a map and filter them based on my preferences, so that I can easily find the right location to play and enjoy the game without frustration.
- I want to be able to filter pinball locations by distance, name, and location type, so that I can quickly find a nearby pinball location that matches my preferences.
- I want the 'Locations' feature to include a map view, so that I can visualize the location of pinball machines and plan my visit efficiently.
- I want to be able to see the number of pinball machines available at each location, so that I can plan my visit and avoid disappointment.
- I want to be able to save my favorite pinball locations, so that I can easily access them later and stay updated on new pinball machines or events.
Other ways to categorize user pain points from user research can be done through Affinity Mapping.
Ideate
In the ideate stage, we brainstormed potential solutions to the problem statement. We created user flows, sketches, and wireframes of different versions of the "Locations" feature, which included a map and filtering options. We also considered various design elements such as color, typography, and layout.
User Flow
Need a closer view? Check out the Figjam for this flow.
Sketches
Wireframes
Prototype
In the prototype stage, we created a high-fidelity prototype of the new "Locations" feature using Figma. The prototype included a map that showed all the pinball locations around the world, as well as filters that allowed users to search for specific locations based on distance, type of venue, and machine availability. We also added additional information to the location details, such as address, location type, and number of machines available.
Want to interact with it? We created a Figma prototype just for that exact purpose. Take a look!
High-Feldelity Screens
Validate
In the validate stage, we conducted user testing with a group of pinball enthusiasts to gather feedback on the new "Locations" feature. The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive, with users praising the addition of the map and filters. However, some users pointed out issues with the filtering options, such as the need for additional filters and the inability to filter by specific pinball machine code version. As well as the need to see the businesses hours of operation.
Test Results
Iterate
In the iterate stage, we incorporated the feedback from user testing into the design, making adjustments to the filters and adding new filtering options based on user feedback. We also made minor changes to the layout and design elements to further enhance the user experience.
Revised High-Fildelity Screens
Conclusion
The redesign of the "Locations" feature of the Stern Insider Connected web app was successful in achieving our goals of improving user-friendliness, accessibility, and visual appeal. The addition of a map and filters led to increased user engagement and satisfaction with the feature, as seen in the success metrics. However, there is still room for improvement, particularly in regards to filtering options. Overall, the design process followed the standard UX design process, with an emphasis on user research and testing to inform design decisions and ensure a successful outcome.
