California
Academy of
Sciences
Case Study 01
App redesign for California
Academy of Sciences
Branding & UI/UX design
Photoshop / Illustrator
Figma
California
Academy of
Sciences
Case Study 01
App redesign for California
Academy of Sciences
Branding & UI/UX design
Photoshop / Illustrator
Figma
what
California Academy of sciences is a science research institute and natural history museum in San Francisco.
I redesigned their app with improved user friendly service for the app users who are possible future visitors at the same time.
why
goals
MISSON
It is impoartant to know how to balance out between app users, the academy, and visitors. I believe this app should be used as an information bridge to lead them to visit the academy.
Acoording to ratings and reviews found AppStore, the last update was 4 years ago while users complain issues about the app.
The ultimate goal is solving users’ pain points and eventually use as a communicating door between the Academy, students, families, and future visitors.
Let’s begin with research and interviews with expert and audiences
User Research
The Expert
and Audience
Expert
Tommy Park / 31
Senior product designer l Facebook
Based in Milpitas, CA
Rating
Feedback
“inconsistent Back button
style confuses users”
“unclear navigation”
“Lack of information about
the academy”
Audience 01
Carrie Lee / 33
Visual designer l SAP
Based in San Jose, CA
Rating
Feedback
“Can I get up-to-date news?”
“I don’t know what to click”
“I Wish i can purchase tickets”
Audience 02
Jieun Jeong / 31
Lead designer l Gong
Based in San Francisco, CA
Rating
Feedback
“Can’t even check open hour”
“Not user friendly at all”
“wish i can access to the map”
Current App
Usability
1. Not user friendly
2. Too many buttons that make me hesitate to click (13 buttons on Home screen)
3. Poor content hierarchy
Functionality
1. Multiple buttons leading to the same page with asking additional unlock fess to download SF city guide for $3
Accessibility
1. Big bottom buttons with large image/icons which would be helpful for elders. However, the images are notrelevant to name of each button so I’m not sure with having random pictures of the academy
2. Supports English Only
3. No access to most of the buttons unless user pay the unlock fee
Visual Design
1. Inconsistent use of back buttons (position & arrow graphic)
2. White icons and texts are not eligible over the picture
3. Inconsistent button image (graphic vs image)
Group meeting
+ User Testing
Usability
Test #1
navigation icon
Icon with highlighted color let the users know their current page
Testing day: April 28 2021
Moderator: Red Liu
Tester: Isabelle robbinson
Usability
Test #2
App form page
By adding a red star next to required questionnaires, it's more clear
for the users and know what is optional to fill out
Testing day: May 05 2021
Moderator: Myself
Tester: Julie Lee
Usability
Test #3
App form page
Preview option allows users to double-check
before uploading to the app
Testing day: May 05 2021
Moderator: Myself
Tester: fuyi yang
New
Feature
Visual
Update
1
internship
Students can fill out questionaires and directly upload resume to submit application to the department of Careers in Science.
2
ticket
Future visitors now are able to purchase via app by choosing desired date and time.
3
membership
Before pay, eligible users will be asked to upgrade and join membership to the Academy.
01
internship
02
ticket
03
membership
4
Interactive Map
This map, accessible from bottom navigation, allows users to check their location in real time and see what's around them. By adding other users on friend list, they can chat and track locations each other.
visual
components
