Reminder App User Research Study
We conducted a user research project for a reminder app focusing on what jobs personal time and task management systems need to do in order to be successful for users. We investigated what people are currently use to manage their time and tasks, what are the pain-points in their current process and how users would like their ideal time and task management tools to function.
Problem
This research project is designed to generate data for a reminder app by examining how and why people set reminders and to-do lists. We conducted user interviews to examine what methods our participants use to set reminders, such as apps, email calendars, post-it notes, etc. We identified the events or tasks that require a reminder as well as any recurring tasks participants might not set a reminder for and why. We also examined pain points they have setting reminders such as synching reminders in one central location.
Approach
A project plan and moderator’s guide were created based on the goals identified for the study. Generative research was conducted using six participants who were interviewed both in person and remote by a moderator using a series of questions to determine how and why they set reminders and to do lists. Results of these interviews were gathered and confirmative research was conducted with follow up interviews using three more participants and expanded on the findings of the initial interviews. Interviews were recorded via Google meet or native video app on my Samsung Galaxy.
Goals
1. What methods do people use to set reminders and to-do lists for themselves?
2. How do people determine what events or activities require a reminder to be set?
3. Are there recurring tasks that people don’t or forget to set reminders for?
4. What are the pain points/issues with setting reminders?
Who We Observed - generative research
Who We Observed - confirmative research
Results - Findings
Privacy
● Participants prefer to have separate home and work calendars
○ 6/6 participants from the first study said they prefer to have work and home calendars separate
○ 2/3 participants from the second study confirmed this finding
○ “My work and home calendars are not synced because they are separate entities. There is nothing I need to be reminded of at night for work.”
● 3/6 Participants of the first study mentioned data privacy, although the reactions are mixed the perception is there
○ One participant said he isn’t bothered by the “invasion of privacy” from his smart watch
○ Another mentions how the “Ring” is easily hacked, talks about eavesdropping and being “creeped out”
○ Another concern was how their work calendar can read things off of her phone and she doesn’t want to share personal info with work
○ 3/3 Participants from the second study said they only use minimal information in their calendar reminders so that no real personal information is accessible
Convenience
● 5/6 participants have an Apple watch and listed it as their preferred reminder device
○ “It pings you on your wrist to take a look… It’s on my body and it pokes at me”
○ “Always have my watch and phone on… even in the water”
○ 2/3 participants in confirmatory research have an Apple or othertype of smart watch
○ Participant without a smart watch doesn’t like the way they look nor does she like to wear anything on her wrist but is very interested in a smart ring.
○ 2 participants listed style as an issue.
● Participants prefer to set their reminders right away.
○ “I try to set them (reminders) right away or it’s lost”
○ “If I don’t (set a reminder) then I forget”
○ “If I don’t set a reminder then It doesn't exist”
○ “Typically set it (right away) so i don't forget”
Simple
● Participants prefer reminder functionality to be simple
○ “(I don’t want) an overly complicated app”
○ “Apple calendar is terrible, it’s trying to be too smart”
○ “Does not use Apple calendar because “google is easier to use”
○ “The to do list needs different features, it has too many… I just want something simple”
○ “There are too many categories and I have to shut off features when they pop up”
Pen and Paper
● 2/6 Participants in the first study prefer writing some reminders and to do lists down on paper
○ 1/3 in the confirmatory research also prefers writing pen on paper
○ Participants who use pen and paper have preferred pens and paper or notebooks
○ Participants whole use pen and paper have writing backgrounds or like to doodle along with their notes.
○ “I put it in a notebook and cross it off as I go along”
○ “If I keep writing it down every day I will add it to the calendar”
○ Notebook has a list of tools she wants to make
○ “I like the sharpie clicky pens…I like writing, the whole process”
○ “I write down notes… Pen and paper in a notebook… Start off the day with a list and check things off as they happen”
○ “I love writing my schedule down… Wish I could do that with my phone”
Results - Persona and Journey Map
Based off of the two rounds of user research we developed the following persona and journey map.
Recommendations
Privacy
● Participants prefer to have separate home and work calendars - Allow the user an option to share a version of their calendar with a limited amount of information so that they can keep personal details from being shared. Even something as simple as time blocked as personal so work meetings won’t be scheduled during those periods of the day. Work calendar notifications can be turned off for after work hours.
● Participants concerned with data privacy - This also can be addressed with a limited information reminder/calendar option as well as communication regarding data protection/privacy updates from the app.
Convenience
● 5/6 participants have an Apple watch and listed it as their preferred reminder device - Ensure the calendar/reminder app is compatible with current smartwatch models.
○ Additional research to look into developing more fashionable smartwatches or other smart jewelry would be advised for another study.
● Participants prefer to set their reminders right away - Provide functionality to streamline reminder and calendar input.
Simple
● Participants prefer reminder functionality to be simple - Allow users to customize which functions of the app are accessible so no extraneous notifications pop up while using the app
Pen and Paper
● Some participants prefer writing reminders and to do lists down on paper - Add functionality to the app that allows the user to take a picture/scan of their handwritten list/reminder and add it to their calendar.
Lessons Learned
Generative Research allows the participants to show what really matters in their everyday usage of a given technology. Leveraging the video recordings of these interviews we were able to rewatch their interactions with their devices and hone in on their needs and pain points. This was extremely helpful when developing a persona and journey map.
Reminder App User Research PDF