The Challenge
Dropcam introduced a new product, Tabs, to allow users to know when an object out of view of a camera was moved. For example, a user who has their Dropcam camera pointed out the front window won't be able to see the home's back door and won't be notified if the door has been opened.
This required a reconsideration of what the app experience should be for Dropcam users. The experience was no longer only about video, but also about the status of objects in the home.
This required a reconsideration of what the app experience should be for Dropcam users. The experience was no longer only about video, but also about the status of objects in the home.
Design Research
User Research
Explore how and why customers currently use Dropcam and how they think about the home. What do they worry about when they are not home? What do they want to know when they open Dropcam's app? What do they still wonder about after closing Dropcam's app? Where do current customers feel Dropcam falls short when they use our product?
Method
- write survey and send out to 250 current Dropcam users
- end survey by asking responder if they would be willing to have a 30 minute phone conversation with us
- review resulting 40 survey responses and synthesize data
- reach out to a handful of responders willing to speak with us and schedule phone interviews
System Model Mapping
- map out the various elements of the home experience
- understand the methods and technical constraints of associating an element to a home
- explore opportunities with knowing element states within the home
Design Exploration
Sketching
Given findings in the research phase, put pen to paper and sketch out a multitude of ideas on how to approach displaying relevant content for users when navigating through Dropcam's app to answer the question "what's happening at home?".
Design Mockups & Prototypes
- review key ideas in sketches with Dropcam team, including Product Managers and Engineers
- mock up three most promising design directions
- build simple interactive prototypes in InVision
- review design directions with Dropcam customers for feedback using InVision’s LiveShare feature
- choose design to modify and move forward with given user feedback
Wireframes & Interaction
- show screen content for various use cases
- define the target experience we are designing for
- outline out the screen's anatomy and functionality
- describe key interactions
- present to CEO and VP of Product for feedback and next steps
Design Refinement
Design Critique
- schedule a design critique with participants representing Product, Eng, QA and Customer Support
- provide all participants with 3 green and 3 red dots to use for voting on designs
- allow 10-15 minutes for everybody to review designs and place their dots
- use the remaining time to discuss the designs and why people voted the way they did
