New Feature Integration
Role: UX/UI Designer
Duration: 2 weeks
Background
Instagram is a popular free app that allows users to share photos and videos with their desired audience. Additionally, users can engage by commenting on posts and utilize features such as direct messaging and video chatting with their connections. Despite its popularity and user-friendly interface, this social media platform offers various functionalities for seamless communication and content sharing.
Problem
The issue arises when a user opts to utilize the video chat feature to communicate with a friend or contact. Although the video chat platform offers numerous features, it would greatly enhance the user experience if they could customize the video format during its usage.
Research
Goal
I want to introduce a new feature to the video camera function on Instagram during video chatting sessions. Currently, users can see half of the screen displaying their own face and the other half showing their connection. The proposed feature will enable users to choose between the existing half-and-half screen layout or opt to minimize their own view and expand the display of their contact's video feed while chatting.
Methodologies
User Interviews
I conducted interviews to assess whether the proposed feature, offering users the option to choose between the current half-and-half screen layout or minimize their own view to expand their contact's video feed while chatting on Instagram, would enhance their experience.
Below are the notes from the six participants. After reviewing these, I identified the following common themes:
All participants use video chat for the main communication purpose with a preference on what’s Up.
All participants like social media.
All participants enjoy video chatting.
Competitive Analysis
Conducting a competitive analysis enabled me to gather information from various competitors and compare their video chat features.
Define
User Persona
After conducting all the interviews and collecting the participants' thoughts and feelings, I developed a unique user persona for this project.
POV Statements
1. User Convenience: Exploring methods to empower users with the choice to minimize or maintain the video chat screen size during calls.
2. User Customization: Investigating ways for IG users to personalize their video chat experience by selecting their preferred screen layout.
3. User Experience Enhancement: Finding avenues to allow users to derive benefits from both full screen and two-part screen layouts during video chats.
How Might We Questions
1. Enable User Choice: How might we facilitate IG users in defining their preferred screen layout while engaging in video chats?
2. Enhance Realism: How might we enable users to have a more immersive conversation using a full screen video display within the IG app?
3. Introduce New Features: How might we assist IG app in introducing a compelling new feature to their video chat functionality, thereby enhancing user engagement and satisfaction?
Ideation
These are the primary goals for our final project to focus on.
To provide diverse screen options during video chats.
To offer users a two-part video chat screen, particularly beneficial for business purposes.
To enable users to switch to a full-screen mode for a more personal experience.
User Flow
To pursue the final goals of this project, I created a user flow to gain a clear understanding of the users' needs.
Low-Fidelity Wireframes
I developed a simple task flow for integrating the new feature and testing the prototype with mid-fidelity wireframes.
Prototype & Test
The results were overwhelmingly positive. Overall, all participants found the task very easy to follow, even those less familiar with the IG app. They unanimously agreed that the prototype was clear and did not offer any suggestions for improvement. I explained to them that this feature could be used during the video call for as long as the call is active. I am pleased with the results and everyone's interactions.
Click on the button below to experience the final prototype.
Usability Test Results
I conducted a usability test to identify success metrics and am pleased to report that all three metrics achieved a 100% success rate.
· Successfully completing the task flow without distractions.
· Locating the Minimize screen icon without confusion.
· Choosing the desired video screen layout during the call effortlessly.
I made several iterations to the UI design to closely resemble the current Instagram screens as follows:
Layout and Structure: Ensuring the placement of navigation bars, content feed, and profile sections match Instagram’s design.
Color Scheme and Fonts: Matching Instagram’s color palette and typography to maintain visual consistency.
Iconography: Using similar icons for features like likes, comments, and sharing to align with Instagram’s look.
Interaction Design: Implementing swipe gestures, button animations, and other interactive elements that users expect from Instagram.
Conclusion
The project aimed to enhance Instagram's video chat functionality by integrating a new feature, in this case, the possibility to change screens while on a video call. This feature was designed to improve user engagement, offer more interactive and personalized experiences, and align with Instagram's mission to innovate and connect people globally.
Achievements:
Feature Development:
Successfully design and implement the feature to minimize the screen on a video call.
Ensure the feature integrates seamlessly with existing video chat functions, maintaining a smooth user experience.
Future Recommendations:
User Adoption: Conduct targeted educational campaigns and tutorials to help users familiarize themselves with the new feature..
Technical Performance: Implement robust data privacy measures to protect user information in line with Instagram's policies.
Continuous Improvement: Monitor user feedback and analytics to identify areas for further enhancement and ensure the feature continues to meet evolving user needs.
Overall Impact:
The introduction of the new feature will significantly enrich the video chat experience on Instagram, aligning with the platform’s goal of fostering deeper and more engaging interactions. This project will not only add a valuable tool for users but also set a precedent for future feature innovations, contributing to Instagram’s ongoing success and user satisfaction.
