Designed Futurogram app, to send messages accross time and create timeless connections
2022 • UX design • UI design • UX research • status: to be developed
Overview
Futurogram is a heartfelt app that lets users send messages to future events or locations, creating lasting connections. I crafted this app to be aesthetic and accessible, making it easy for elderly users and those with chronic illnesses to share meaningful messages to their loved ones.
To enhance the experience, I designed interactive animations that make the app feel more personal and engaging, turning each message into a special moment. The result is a warm, intuitive platform that brings memories and love across time.
Outcomes
✔ Brand identity & guidelines
✔ Mobile prototype
✔ Design documentation
Users' pain points
Users, especially those with chronic illnesses or older, might find the user interface is too complex or challenging to navigate.
Users may struggle to fully understand and utilize the app's features. It can lead them to frustration and later they might leave the platform.
Users might find it hard to share their feelings or thoughts if the app doesn't let them customize messages much. This could also affect the personal touch and feel of their personal message.
Users with disabilities may face challenges if the app lacks accessibility features. It could be difficult for them to fully engage with Futurogram.
Some people, especially those who worry about their messages being private and safe, might hesitate to use Futurogram if they think the blockchain technology or data protection isn't strong enough.
Some users might find it a bit expensive to sign up. This could be a problem, especially for those dealing with money issues because of medical bills or retirement. It might be that not everyone can use the app.
Target users
1
Chronic illness patients in Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg
2
Elderly in Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg.
3
Young generation in Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg who will lose their loved ones
Goals
1
Provide hopeful connection
Provide users to establish lasting connections with their loved ones by sending messages that can be received on future occasions, offering hope and support, especially in challenging times.
2
Secure delivery & data protection
Make sure messages are delivered safely and privately by using advanced technology called blockchain. It makes the communication platform more trustworthy and protect users' personal and sensitive information.
3
App meets diverse user needs:
Acknowledge and accommodate the diverse needs of users, including those with chronic illnesses, older individuals, and people dealing with end-of-life situations, ensuring the app is inclusive and supportive.
User personas
To understand deeply of Futurogram's target users, I created 4 user personas that represent 4 group of Futurogram's users.
Nicolas Blanchets
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Age: 78 years old
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Location: Knokke, Belgium
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Job: retired School Principal
Problem
He has lung cancer. Doctor predicted that he won't live longer than 6 months.
Needs
A secure platform where he can say congratulation on his daughter's wedding day.
Goals
To surprise his daughter with a present or something on her wedding day.
User flow
I created user flows based on 4 Futurogram's user personas. I tried to understand what are the goals of these users within the Futurogram apps, and to get ideas on what features and pages to design for these users to achieve their goal within the app. 3 are senders, 1 is recipient.
User story: Nicolas Blanchets
"As a chronic lung cancer patient with 5 months left, I want to be present at my daughter's wedding 7 months later by giving her a wonderful surprise of a video message on that day, so that she feels my present on her special day.”
User flow
Competitive research
Key insights
💡Privacy and security concerns are a major issue
This indicate that users worry about how their personal letters and data are handled.
💡 Technical issues negatively impact user satisfaction
Frequent bugs reduce user satisfaction and lead them considering other alternative platform.
💡 Users appreciate scheduling and message control, but not always well developed
The delayed in message delivery could affect users' trust in using the apps.
💡Multimedia support and customization need improvement
Some users like to attach multimedia on the letters, but others complain about limited media support. This suggests a potential for further development.
💡 Users appreciate personal reflection aspect
This indicates that these apps serve as meaningful journaling or memory-keeping tools.
Value proposition design
Solutions
1
User-friendly design
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Easy-to-use app
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Easy to navigate
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Easy to personalize messages with attachments such as photos, videos, and other media.
2
Hopeful touch
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Calm colors
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Simple, easy-to-understand icons and words.
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Use elements elements that evoke a sense of optimism and comfort.
3
Secure app
Communicate to users that Futurogram team commits to secure all information. Use words and pictures that make users feel confident that their information is safe with Futurogram.
4
Provide tutorial and support
Users may struggle to fully understand and utilize the app's features. It can lead them to frustration and later they might leave the platform.
5
Affordable and more options to pay
Create:
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Basic Plan: the cheapest one with limited features.
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Subscription Plan: users can tailor features and subscriptions based on their budget.
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Discounts or subsidies: we collaborate with healthcare organizations and the government to provide this app for patients.
Next improvement
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To discuss more about designing the app more interactive and less administrative. Just like person-to-person conversation. We will research it first.
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Conduct a usability test to see what frustrates the users and then we improve it.
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Integrate with AI to give users suggestions in creating messages.
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Add other target users: family members, especially younger generations. They can use Futurogram to receive and send messages. Later I will write it down on this case study.