Defining the Problem

As we advance in our use of technology, we must simplify the traditional manner of executing tasks for the sole purpose of accessibility, ease, and comfort. The microwave isn’t an exemption from this. Therefore, reducing the ambiguity that surrounds its usage is important.

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Competitive Analysis

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Laying the Bricks by Identifying Constraints

I discovered that there are five major constraints that must be considered when developing a product like this. It's crucial that the platform is compatible with a wide range of microwave devices and uses secure communication protocols to transmit data between devices. Additionally, it's essential to protect users' personal information and comply with relevant privacy laws and regulations. The application must also be accessible to users with different abilities, including those with visual, auditory, or mobility impairments. However, only smart microwaves that are WiFi-enabled can connect to the internet and possess these capabilities. Overall, the platform must be user-friendly, providing clear and concise instructions and feedback. Below are the five(5) constraint:

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Asking the How Might We Questions

By asking 'how-might-we' questions, I further gained valuable insight into the problems users may be experiencing. This approach allowed me to shift my perspective and view the problem through a different lens, ultimately leading to a clearer understanding of how to better solve it.

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Finding the Missing Piece to the Solution

I realised that it was time to give the app a clear direction and purpose by establishing its product goals. To achieve this, I delved into research and analysed other applications, their features, and the goals they aimed to accomplish. This helped me gather valuable insights, enabling me to shape and define Get Wavy's unique identity.

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Transforming Abstract Ideas into Concrete Solutions

This was the stage where I let my imagination run free and explored various possibilities to develop solutions. I pushed the boundaries and thought beyond the conventional, striving to create an innovative and user-friendly product for my audience.

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Crafting a Representation of the Ideal User

To gain deeper insights into the preferences and requirements of my target audience, I conducted user interviews. Although none of the participants had prior experience using an app with their microwave, one person faced challenges during their initial interaction with a microwave, and among the five participants, none of them used their microwave on a daily basis. Nonetheless, I asked them about other questions relating to what and how they will love to see when interacting with their microwave. This helped me uncovered valuable insights into their pain points and needs. Ultimately, they agreed that an app like this would be beneficial, and these insights allowed me to develop a solution that meets their needs.

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Breaking it Down: Analysing the Problem Piece by Piece

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Based on the user’s needs and goals that were identified during the interviews. The app should be able to:

1. Warm users’ food but they have to put it in the microwave.
2. The app won’t be able to inform you whether there’s light because it works with the wifi/ internet and electricity. Hence, the microwave has to be connected to the internet and power source before you can perform any action with your phone.
3. If the food gets hot before the stipulated time, the app cannot inform you because it can’t see through your food, and what users define as hot or cold differs.

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Illustrating the Flow of Tasks and Actions a User Takes

Having prior knowledge of the constraints provided valuable insights for building a comprehensive product. Here's a rundown of the mobile Get Wavy's User flow.

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Achieving the Intended Outcome

Enabling users to control their microwaves remotely by connecting their phones can be a game-changer for many. To meet the user goals and insights gathered from interviews, several product ideas were explored. One of the most promising ideas is the Device Connectivity feature, which enables users to connect their microwaves to their phones, perform actions from afar, and more. This feature involves creating an account, connecting devices from the homepage, entering setup codes, and more. Many other creative ideas were explored which will be analysed in details below:

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Seamless Device Integration

Creating an account is a simple process that requires minimal effort. According to CLX's article, 86% of users express dissatisfaction with having to create new accounts on websites. Therefore, the account creation process is kept brief, and social sign-on is also provided as an alternative option. Based on this insight, I designed the flow so that after users create their accounts, they are given the choice to add their microwave device(s) immediately or at a later time that suits them.

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Ensuring Security and Privacy in Connected Microwave Devices

The feature of searching for nearby devices allows users to locate microwave devices within their homes. The search is limited to the user's house, and upon completion, a list of available devices are generated. The user can then choose their preferred option and enter the setup code. If the code is correct, the device connects, and if not, the user is prompted to enter the correct code. This ensures that only authorised users connect to their own microwave devices and reduces the risk of unauthorised access.

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Streamlining Device Addition on the App Homepage

The homepage of the app prominently features adding a device as a core function. To make this process as seamless as possible, essential features are prioritised and easily accessible. Adding a device is one of these critical features, and it can be accessed through a link on the homepage that leads to a page with several options for adding a device, includes scanning, entering a setup code, searching for available devices, or selecting from a list of devices already present.

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Device Connectivity with QR Code

The device can be connected by scanning a QR code that is located somewhere on the microwave using a scanner on the app.

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Device Connectivity with Setup Code

To connect the microwave device to the app, the user can enter the setup code provided by the brand on the app. This method serves as an alternative means to connect the device. Once the setup code is entered, the device automatically sets up and connects to the app. The connection is successful if the code is correct, but if not, the user is prompted to try again with the correct code.

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Managing Connected Devices in the App

This section displays a list of microwave devices that have already been linked to the app. Users have the option to add a new device which takes them to the page that presents various options for connecting the device including scanning the device, searching for available devices, and entering the setup code.

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Recipe Database

The app features a recipe database that users can access. They can browse through the list of available recipes and choose the one they wish to prepare.

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Favouriting Device Feature on the Homepage

The microwave added by the user is displayed as a "favourite" on the app's homepage. Users are informed that they can only add one device, as it is highly improbable to use two microwaves simultaneously.

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Voice Control

Incorporating voice recognition technology into the app enables users to control their microwaves through voice commands, thereby promoting inclusivity and accessibility, especially for users with mobility issues. Users can simply say a command like "Cook popcorn for two minutes," and the microwave will initiate cooking.

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Customised Cooking Settings

Users can enhance their cooking experience with the cooking settings, which include the ability to pause and resume microwave usage as needed.

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Community

Users can easily make a post in the app's community section. They can read and respond to other users' posts. To maintain an orderly community, we monitor and flag posts that violate the rules, and users can also report them. Currently, the ability to sell goods is not displayed in the design, but users should be able to upload items for sale that are then filtered and approved before being posted. Additionally, a payment gateway will be integrated to process payments, and a wallet system will be implemented to receive and disburse payments.

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Wireframe

I came up with a low-fidelity wireframe design of what I will like the app to look like before proceeding to my high-fidelity designs

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UI Kit

These are some of the elements I used in my design.

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High-Fidelity Designs

Here are some of the flows for high-fidelity designs.

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Key Learnings/Conclusion

I learned that users gradually desire products that will help them ease their day-to-day activities. They don’t want to worry about many things and will embrace any product that can save them time to focus on more valuable and important tasks.

This product also emphasizes that the first approach to every design is research. I learned the importance of immersing myself in the world of the product I am building. Understanding the body parts, naming, and their usage. And the importance of listening to my users because they share their frustrations when I show that I am willing to listen.

The wavy_app isn’t perfect but I believe that some valuable decisions were made in the product-building process that will ensure a seamless experience for my users.

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