I was recently given the prompt in an interview to "evaluate, provide feedback on creative work, and communicate improvements on design". It's a robust prompt — and it came in the form a a blind app review focused on the creative conception of a product. I love it. A big part of being a designer is being able to give critical feedback and recognize areas for improvement.
I wanted to approach the critique from the perspective of improving the app and enhancing the end user experience. My goal was to provide valuable insights and suggestions that can help create a better product.
Here is the approach I took:
My Approach
- Say Hi
- Intro The Process
- Familiarize
- Evaluate UI/UX
- Analyze Brand Expression
- Assess Aesthetics And Taste
- Identify The Good And Bad
- Propose Changes
1. Say Hi
It’s easy to get swept up in the pressure, and challenge, of an interview - let alone a blind app review. Start off slow, say hi, and show your warmth first. Don’t forget that you're working with another person. Demonstrating your expertise is great, and showing how you include others and leverage the skills around you is a multiplier.
2. Intro The Process
Introduce the interviewer(s) to your process. Show them you have one, and let them follow along.
3. Familiarize
Spend some time exploring and interacting with the app. This will help you understand its functionalities, user interface (UI), and user experience (UX).
- What is your first impression?
- What are the positive aspects?
- What immediately jumps out that can be improved?
- What you think the main jobs-to-be-done or problems solved are?
4. Evaluate UI/UX
Assess the visual elements, layout, and overall user interface design of the app.
- Is the interface intuitive and easy to navigate?
- Are the buttons, icons, and other interactive elements clear and understandable?
- Does the app provide feedback and guidance to the user effectively?
- Does the app follow established UI/UX design principles?
5. Analyze Brand Expression
Evaluate how well the app communicates and represents its brand.
- Is the branding consistent throughout the app?
- Does the app reflect the brand's values and tone?
- Does the app reflect the brand's identity?
6. Assess Aesthetics And Taste
Evaluate the overall visual appeal and style of the app. Consider the following questions:
- Is the app visually pleasing and engaging?
- Does the color scheme, typography, and graphics enhance the user experience?
- Does the app align with current design trends or demonstrate a unique and innovative approach?
7. Identify The Good And Bad
Based on your evaluation, pinpoint the strengths and weaknesses of the app. Focus on the end user experience.
- What aspects of the app are working well and enhancing the user experience?
- What aspects could be improved to make the app more user-friendly, efficient, or enjoyable?
- Are there any usability issues or pain points that should be addressed?
8. Propose Changes
Offer specific recommendations for improvements based on your evaluation. Try proposing in the form of problem solving approaches as well.
- How would you address the identified issues or challenges?
- What changes would you suggest to enhance the app's UI, UX, brand expression, or aesthetics?
- How can the app better solve problems or meet the needs of the end user?
Try to approach the critique from the perspective of improving the app and enhancing the end user experience. Your goal is to provide valuable insights and suggestions that can create a better product.