SmartThings Application Remote Re-Design
DMD Capstone Project Proposal
Jordan Love
January 16, 2023
DMD 400: Digital Multimedia Design Capstone
Bio
I have decided to redesign a part of the SmartThings application. SmartThings is an application designed for Samsung products such as TVs, refrigerators, microwaves, and more. You can pair the Samsung product to the application and use the app for a remote, on/off, finding channels and shows, etc.
I know how to code (programming), wireframe, and prototype. I know many design methods and communication methods.
I would like to expand my design capabilities and be able to create a more relaxed and slick design that is easy to navigate.
Concept
The SmartThings application remote is not user-friendly. I plan to use user testing and other skills to re-design the remote so that is understandable to the user. The remote for the application has several different pages and no real indication of which button is which. The navigation arrows are set up as a 4-Pad, which is very confusing on an iPhone and does not work the way it does in a real-life product. It is also very easy to hit a button wrong and not take you to where you want to go. I plan to make the SmartThings remote design sleek and efficient for users to easily access their shows, channels, and other needed buttons
I will be using specific design methods such as sketches, consumer journey maps, and personas. The production tools I will be using are Figma, wireframing application, Adobe AI/XD/PS, and google/word applications.
Some topics that are needed to be researched include other remote applications such as Roku, remote UI design, button symbols, and researching how the older generation can benefit from this better design.
The intended audience is people 10 and older. Individuals in this generation usually start using a TV early in life. However, since this is an application, many children may not know how to properly use a phone or their apps.
Advisor
N/A
Production scope
The deliverables needed to produce and complete this project is storyboards, consumer journey maps, A/B testing, personas, interviews, wireframes, prototyping, testing, and graphic design/user interface.
The culmination of this application is an interactive app prototype.
Production pipeline
Tools I will use will include applications to help put this project together including wireframing/prototyping applications as well as Pinterest and Adobe products for User personas, mood boards, etc.
Design processes will be user/market research as well as wireframing, prototyping, sketching, and UI design.
To keep on track with this project, I will use a calendar as a reminder to help me stay up to date.
Capabilities
Necessary capabilities and skills
Capabilities and skills include graphic design, verbal communication, product management, writing, testing, prototyping/wireframing, and user experience.
· Existing capabilities and skills
This was a group project however I helped design, prototype, wireframe, etc. for this project.
· Needed capabilities and skills
I think I possess almost all the capabilities needed however like I stated before I would like to get more of the UI design down since it is such a big part of an app.
I will get caught up to speed by researching and looking at other apps and styles that can help.
Timeline
Project Proposal: 1/16/2023
Zoom meeting w professor: 1/19/2023
Proof of Concept: 1/29/2023
Production Report 1: 2/5/2023
User personas: 2/5/2023
User journey maps: 2/16/2023
Production Report 2: 2/19/2023
Storyboards: 3/1/2023
Production Report 3: 3/5/2023
Research (interviews, questionnaires, etc.): 3/20/2023
Mood Boards: 3/26/2023
Production Report 4: 3/26/2023
Wireframing: 3/26/2023
Exhibition Statement Draft 1: 4/2/2023
Production Report 5: 4/2/2023
Prototyping: 4/9/2023
Production Report 6: 4/9/2023
Test (Scenarios): 4/16/2023
Exhibition Statement Draft: 4/16/2023
Production Report 7: 4/16/2023
Production Report 8: 4/23/2023
Finalizations: 4/28/2023
Final Project: 4/28/2023
Research
I tend to pursue primary and secondary research for my project. Primary research will consist of interviews and questionnaires. Secondary research will consist of easier button design, other remote applications, and UI design tactics. User scenarios and A/B testing are a type of research that will also help me find flaws in my application that I do not see since I am the one making it.
A design method I can relate to this project is user personas because creating different personas can help me see the app through different eyes and help me understand if this is easy for them, difficult for them, or too much for them.
Penn State Library, DCLS, bookstores, libraries, and online resources are available to me for this research.
Questions for your proposal reviewers
What buttons do you expect to see on a remote?
Would adding channel apps on the remote be easier for you to get to your desired app?
Would you rather have a one-page remote or a remote with multiple pages?
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