FindSpot is an application designed to facilitate item tracking and communication between users.
Problem
Most tracking apps face several significant issues that can limit their effectiveness and user satisfaction. These apps often have limited coverage, as they rely on Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, which only works within a certain range, making tracking difficult once an item is out of range. Additionally, constant use of GPS and Bluetooth can significantly drain the device's battery, leading to inconvenience. Privacy concerns are also prevalent, as many apps lack robust protections for personal data, causing users to worry about misuse of their information. Furthermore, these apps are only effective if a large number of people use them; without a substantial user base, the chances of finding a lost item are minimal. Accuracy issues arise due to compromised GPS signals in certain environments, such as indoors or densely populated urban areas, leading to incorrect location data. High costs associated with some tracking solutions, such as expensive hardware or subscription fees, can be prohibitive for many users. Lastly, many tracking apps have complex interfaces that can be overwhelming for non-tech-savvy users, and intermittent connectivity in areas with poor cellular service or Wi-Fi further hampers their reliability.
Research
Objectives
Identify Interface Issues: Evaluate the current tracking app interfaces to pinpoint usability challenges and user frustrations, including difficulty tracking items.
Enhance Communication: Assess improvements made to communication features and identify further enhancements needed.
Guide Design Improvements: Inform iterative improvements to enhance usability, communication, and user experience.
Methodologies
User Testing: Conducted usability testing sessions with participants navigating FindSpot to uncover navigation difficulties, communication gaps, and functionality issues related to tracking.
Task Analysis: Observed users performing key tasks such as tracking items, communicating with others and receiving instant alerts to understand inefficiencies and pain points.
Feedback Collection: Gathered user feedback through surveys and interviews to understand preferences and frustrations regarding tracking, communication, and alert features.
Competitive Analysis: Benchmarked FindSpot against similar platforms to identify best practices in tracking systems, communication tools, and real-time alerts.
Participants
Survey: Recruited participants through a comprehensive survey form distributed via email and within social media networks. The survey included Likert scale questions and general questions about tracking applications.
Findings
Tracking Difficulties: Identified challenges users face in tracking items, including unclear status updates and insufficient tracking details.
Communication Improvements: Evaluated recent enhancements in communication features but found opportunities for further integration and ease of use.
Alerting System: Discovered preferences for instant product alerts and identified usability issues in how users are directed to communicate with sellers/buyers after receiving alerts.
