App Analysis

App Analysis

Finding inspiration through other Apps

1. VoucherCodes.co.uk

(There are many other discount/voucher websites and apps just like livingsocial and Groupon)

(a)    Handy - By entering your postcode you get a list for the nearby offers, how far the offer is from you, address of the place and the actual prices

(b)   Simple - Large icons with only the very useful information displayed, simple menus and easy navigation

(c)    Categorizing - Sorting the deals in several categories like: Restaurants, Days Out, Shopping, Health & Beauty. This helps the user find the information he needs more efficiently & effectively.

Comments: This app works even better than their website. I like the clarity and the simple colours and texts used throughout.

2. Costa Coffee Club

(a)    Restriction - Can only access information after you input some. You need to login to the club with your email or search for the nearby cafes by inputting the name of your city or postcode.

Comments: It supports well their website. What I like about this app is the colours that they use. They keep a consistency of their image and this has as a result good branding.

3. iPerfumer

(a)    Useless - Not very sensible app. It is easier and more effective to visit a shop where you can actually try the different fragrances.

(b)   Informative - Could work for advice because it describes the perfumes and has ratings. However, fragrances have to do with tastes.

(c)    Low Efficient - Perfume is not something you buy every day, so why having an app that specializes on something you will buy only once or twice per year?

(d)   Blurry Icon (Logo) - Boring, not interesting app icon.

Comments: This app inspires me negatively. I would not use a dark and boring icon. Also, I should try to deliver an app that will be considered helpful and will meet the requirements that I will list after my user-centered analysis. This app does not complement the website as an extra.

4. Rock Radio

(a)    Welcome Screen - Loading all the radio stations and connecting to the internet

(b)   Simple - Clearly listing the radio stations by providing the name, description and an image

(c)    Good Mappings - Clear volume bar that you can scroll left or right to decrease and increase the volume

Comments: This app is a representation of the website. It is as simple as the website and displays all the content, but designed for mobile devices. It is more effective than the website as the user can listen to music on the go, at different contexts provided that he has internet connection. What I like about this app is its clarity and simplicity. With only 2 clicks the user can start enjoying music.

5. Pinterest

(a)    Suitability - The design of the app of Pinterest is suitable for its use. It has minimum amount of text and big HD images showing the different Arts & Crafts

(b)   Vertical Content - There are two columns of content. The sixes of each post vary depending on the sizes and amount of pictures displayed. However, this adds to the character of the app and it still looks clear.

(c)    Bottom Menu - The menu of Pinterest is at the bottom of the screen and it disappears when you scroll down. It appears again when you scroll back up. This feature naturally comes to the user when he has an experience with the product. It is not hidden.

(d)   Super-easy post - Posting is very easy. You just click the + button on the menu and by following a couple of steps you can have your own post in a minute

(e)   Flexibility - It allows you to create private or public folders in which you can keep your favorite pins. Also, you can share your pins with friends.

Comments: I think this idea works better as an app than a website so it perfectly supports the website. With a mobile device you can take pictures at any point and any place and make a post. Also, whilst being in a bus you can browse around and make good use of your time.

After the analysis of the above apps, even if they are not related to a charity organization I noted down some good mannerism and some bad mannerism around design, so when it comes to me designing SCaRF Community I will not make such mistakes.