Goaly
Join me on the creation of Goaly, an app designed to educate users on the Impact and value of SMART goals.
Role
Timeline
Individual Designer, Researcher
4 Weeks
About Me
As a tribute of my commitment to self growth, I undertook a project that introduces users of productivity apps with a resource that educates and strengthens their commitment to achieving personal and professional SMART goals. (SMART Goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals.)
Goaly
The goal with Goaly.
Goaly was designed to transform goal setting into a vibrant and fulfilling experience. Sense the empowerment as you shape your life objectives and encounter motivational cues to keep you inspired. Beyond being just a app, Goaly serves as a tool for connecting with like minded individuals and committing to self-improvement.
Timeline
Consistently practicing time management proved to be a tremendous help.
Recognizing the need to balance a demanding 9-5 gig with my project, I understood the significance of setting a realistic timeline. With the inclusion of some late nights, I committed four weeks to research, conceptualization, and preparation of final designs and prototypes. This straightforward schedule allowed me to stay focused & ensured a steady workflow without feeling overwhelmed.
Problem
SMART goals are undervalued
Design Process
03
Important Metrics
I wanted to focus on improving two key metrics.
Reduce the time required to accomplish a goal: I aimed to reduce the time it takes for a user to fully comprehend the necessary steps to achieve a goal and subsequently complete the goal.
Increasing the number of completed goals: Another focal point was to increase the completion rate of goals.
SWOT Analysis
Many competitors overlook the fact that not everyone can pay to play and limit usability.
Throughout this process, it became clear that while there is no shortage of goal-tracking apps, there is substantial room for improvement. My analysis of four leading apps in the goal-setting space highlighted limitations in their free plans and too many confusing, unnecessary features . This can discourage users from continuing to use the app they initially turned to for assistance, hindering them from experiencing the rewarding outcomes of achieving a goal.
User Interviews
My interviewees all agreed that ways to collaborate with individuals will encourage their follow through when pursuing goals.
After identifying the ideal target group, individuals aged 18-55 of both genders. I went ahead and conducted six user interviews, discussing their daily routines and aspirations. Following that, i organized the information i gathered through affinity mapping.
Main Insight
Most of my interviewees who used these apps, started to perceive themselves as incapable of achieving their goals.
Users of these apps often experience confusion due to limitations in essential features, while the absence of guidance contributes to a decline in motivation. This situation leads users to perceive themselves as incapable of achieving their goals.
Final Low-Fidelity Wireframes
Guidance & Collaboration
This feature aims to facilitate collaboration and provide a more personalized approach to achieving goals.
Problem
Achieving goals can be tough without a support system or proper guidance. Apps lacking collaboration features may not effectively support users.
Solution
Meet "Rooms”, this feature resembles group messaging but with a different approach. Goaly extracts keywords from your goal titles and descriptions to recommend only those rooms aligned with your current goals. These rooms serve as valuable spaces for obtaining advice, tips, and creating meaningful connections with individuals who share similar aspirations.
II. Drive & Motivation
Enhancing user motivation and connection within the platform was the focus here.
Problem
Lack of motivation or a connection between the apps and goals or personal values can make it difficult for users to stay committed and engaged.
Solution
Users have the ability to earn achievements and track statistics, such as goal streaks and the countries where goals were achieved. Additionally, personalized motivational cues linked to the user's to-do list, goals, and journal entries are displayed in different ways all in order to boost motivation and engagement.
Reflections
Given my passion for self-improvement and motivation, the process of designing the ideal productivity app was not only satisfying but also allowed me to address lingering questions from the research phase.
While Goaly has made significant progress, there is a considerable amount of work to do. I wish I had more time to gather qualitative insights and refine my designs through the eyes of the user.
What's Next?
With the progression of Goaly, I plan to handle important aspects of the app that would have been accomplished given more time.
Smart Goal Planning with AI: Users will be able to enter their primary goal during onboarding and Goaly will recommend micro-goals, designed to set users on a structured path towards achieving their main objective.
Optimized Accessibility: Our focus is on optimizing the user interface to ensure accessibility for users with disabilities and special needs.
More Usability testing.