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Clever Dot
An Interactive directory containing the meaning of acronyms, emojis, emotions, and contemporary colloquial language to bridge the generation break.
My Role
Product Design User Research Product Strategy UI/UX Design
Visual Design Prototyping & Testing
Goal
This project aimed to delve deeper into concept development and design, exploring the intricacies of Interaction Design and Inclusive Design. As this was an individual project, I had the opportunity to work on all aspects, from user research and concept exploration to product strategy and interaction design.
Duration
4 months
Collaborators
Designer: Shruti Jain
Mentor: Chitra Viswanathan
Tools
Figma
After effect
Photoshop
Illustrator
Overview
About
The CleverDot application was designed to bridge the generation break in technology. It helped improve communication between digital natives and digital immigrants. By doing so, it aimed to create a more inclusive society where everyone could thrive in the digital age.
Product Vision
The vision was to create a user-friendly platform that seamlessly integrated both conventional and contemporary communication methods, specifically designed to accommodate the varied preferences of digital immigrants.
Solution
Bridging Generational Communication Gap Through Technology
Definition Screen
Home Screen
Tutorial Screen
Context
Background
What's going on?
As technology continues to advance, there's a noticeable gap between different generations. Younger individuals seem to effortlessly grasp digital communication tools, while older individuals often find them challenging to understand.
Problem
What needs fixing?
The challenge lies in bridging the communication gap between digital natives and digital immigrants, where differing preferences hinder effective interaction and understanding.
Opportunity
Where's the value?
Addressing this gap presents an opportunity to strengthen familial bonds and promote inclusivity by providing a platform that bridges generational communication barriers, fostering mutual understanding and engagement across age groups.
Challenge
How might we bridge the generation break caused by the leap in technology between digital immigrants and digital natives?
Research
What does the existing information say?
During my undergraduate studies, I worked on a project to improve communication between digital immigrants and digital natives. The problem isn't just about older folks not understanding emojis or slang; it's mainly about them having trouble understanding the intended message. I did a lot of research by reading academic papers, blogs, and articles to figure out what causes this communication gap.
Key insights from the Secondary research
Impact of Communication
Effective communication is crucial for clarity and to prevent misunderstandings. The data suggests that a lack of effective communication can have negative consequences.
Generational Communication Gap
Older generations prioritize verbal communication, while younger generations prefer digital communication, resulting in a notable generational gap due to rapid technological progress.
Texting Culture Evolution
Texting has evolved from costly, character-limited messages to include prevalent abbreviations. Understanding them is vital to global communication.
When discussing with children, is there ever confusion about their texting style or how they express emotions?
In family chats, has the use of internet slang by children ever led to confusion?
Gathering Fundamental Information
A survey was conducted involving 46 individuals to gain deeper insights into perspectives regarding generational gaps. This survey assisted me in defining my target audience, consisting of individuals aged 50 and above. Here are the results:
Data Analysis from the Primary research
78%
of the survey takers face Miscommunication while texting.
80%
of the survey takers prefer to guess acronyms or emojis by context.
85%
of the survey takers prefer to save time by not Googling for meanings
Design Requirements from Research Data
01
Comprehensive Online Dictionary for Acronyms and Emojis
02
Easy way to use the dictionary to save the time
03
Interactive Learning Tools for Improved Retention
Design Brief
Design an interactive directory that encompasses the meaning of acronyms, emojis, emotions, and contemporary colloquial language, aimed at bridging the generational gap.
What is out there in the market?
Analyzing competitors is crucial because it reveals the strengths and weaknesses of their products, giving valuable insights into industry trends, new features, and customer preferences. This understanding has guided my product strategies, improved user experiences, and given me a competitive edge in the market.
Challenge to learn words
Ways to use the words
Favorite words
Offline support
Update options
Word of the day
Spell the word
Recent Search
Where it is used
Ideation and Conceptualization
Features
Features
1/1
Morphology matrix
Morphology matrix
1/1
Application
Application
1/1
FEATURES
APPLICATIONS
MATRIX
While working on the design brief, I brainstormed the features and applications of my product. The Morphology matrix aided me in generating ideas and ultimately finalizing the concept.
User Flow
Key feature Interaction
Home
Text on Messaging app
Doesn't understand terms go to 'touch screen home button'
Based on the research and after finalizing the concept for the product, I prepared a user flow outlining the key features. This flow aided in understanding what needs to be built and how users will interact with the feature.
Permission for display over other apps
(Popup window)
Allow display over other apps
Click on the box
Display over other apps
Phone setting window will appears
App info
Touch button converts to the search button icon
Place the icon on the word
Person will get the meaning
Popup
Touch Screen app button
Homescreen
App Setting
Allow display over app window
Messaging app window
Design System
I have curated an elaborate design system that unifies the experience of my product, enabling it to maintain consistent representation across platforms.
Introducing
an Interactive Directory
Experience
In-app
Use Case Scenario
Based on the research and after finalizing the concept for the product, I prepared a user flow outlining the key features. This flow aided in understanding what needs to be built and how users will interact with the feature.
Scenario: 1
When someone texts you a word whose meaning you don't know:
-
Go to app settings on your mobile phone.
-
Enable the 'Display over app window option.
-
Now, over the text message, you can easily drag the touchscreen home button to see the meaning of it.
Scenario: 2
When someone says an acronym, and you don't know its meaning:
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Go to the CleverDot Application.
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Search for the acronym you're looking for.
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A page will appear with the acronym's meaning, its usage with an example, and a GIF to help you understand how people react when they use that particular acronym.
Homescreen
Search
Result
Reflections and Takeaways
While working on this project, I came to realize the importance of inclusive design. The research conducted during the project provided me with insights into the challenges faced by different generations in adapting to ongoing technical changes. To make a meaningful impact, I began by focusing on one aspect: communication.
Key Learnings
User Testing
I discovered that user testing with the target audience was essential. This iterative process enabled me to identify and address issues early on, resulting in a more tailored user experience.
Revitalizing the Approach
I learned that it's okay to start over if necessary. There were occasions when I had to begin ideation from scratch. This allowed me to think more broadly and come up with creative solutions.
What my mentor has to say
Shruti has been my student for her final thesis project. She devised a unique solution to a social problem called 'Generation Break' for her final year project, which had the potential to have a positive social impact. Clever Dot, an application prototype that Shruti developed to bridge the generational gap, was an innovative idea that piqued my interest in pursuing this project with PESU Venture Labs, a university-affiliated venture studio, and building this app for the real world.
Chitra Viswanathan
Director, B. Design, PES University
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