Mobile Trading App Audit and Re-design

OVERVIEW

Zivolve is a mobile app that empowers retail stock traders to make informed investments. With advanced AI stock history analysis, users gain valuable predictions for making smarter trades. The app also offers customizable alerts and screeners, ensuring users stay organized and well informed. Zivolve is available for download on the App Store and Google Play stores.

For new traders, who often face resource and time constraints, Zivolve provides a valuable solution. However, the app could further enhance its user experience by improving the onboarding process, providing clearer in-app information, and refining the UX writing and feature explanations. These enhancements would help users fully leverage the app's capabilities and make confident investment decisions.


Roles & Responsibilities
CEO/CTO — Business Operations
UX/UI Designer — All UX Design, Research, & Interaction Design/ Prototyping, UI Design support. Presentation Design
UI Designer — UI Design
6 Engineers — All Development
2 Marketing Professionals— Marketing/ Social Media

Tools
Figma & Plugins
Adobe Creative Suite
Google Forms & Analytics

Duration Year
6months 2021

RESEARCH

Audit of Zivolve

To kick off this project, I conducted a comprehensive evaluation to assess its usability, app performance, potential user pain points, consistency and branding, and accessibility. The audit revealed several areas requiring improvement, including inconsistent button functionality, navigation challenges, lack of affordance in interface elements, slow loading times, responsiveness delays, complex user processes, inconsistent visual design and branding, and accessibility barriers.

To address these issues, I proposed a set of recommendations aimed at enhancing the user experience. The recommendations covered various aspects, such as improving button functionality, simplifying navigation flows, enhancing interface element affordance, optimizing loading times, streamlining processes, implementing effective feedback mechanisms, establishing a consistent visual design system, improving accessibility features, and addressing color contrast and keyboard navigation.

These recommendations were provided based on the findings from the audit and guided the resulting UX strategy,  development of usability test plan, and the improvement efforts for the Zivolve app

Competitive Analysis

As the sole UX designer, I conducted a competitive analysis for Zivolve to gain a better understanding of our position in the market and gather insights into our competitors. This analysis allowed me to identify areas where we could differentiate ourselves, improve our offerings, and take advantage of market opportunities. By evaluating factors such as user experience, features, pricing, and customer support, I obtained a comprehensive understanding of our competitive advantages and areas for growth. This knowledge served as a valuable guide for making strategic decisions and positioning Zivolve effectively in the competitive landscape of mobile apps for retail stock traders.

Summary of Features Users Want Based On Competitor Offerings

User Survey / Usability Testing Screening

Survey Development 

As part of the UX research process, I conducted user surveys and user testing to gain valuable insights into the motives, habits, tools, and pain points of retail traders. These activities played a crucial role in shaping the design of Zivolve, identifying market opportunities, and overcoming challenges. By developing a comprehensive survey using Google Forms,  we asked essential questions about income, age, buying power, trading experience, style, risk acceptance, and preferred information sources. The survey was strategically distributed to over one hundred followers across diverse platforms relied upon by retail traders for news and information. In two weeks, twenty users responded, and the results revealed several important insights that can help better define who is using Zivolve, why, and what they need considering how they trade. 

Summary of Features Users Want Based On Survey Results

Support Needed To Become Better Traders:


User Problems When Trading:

Desired Features:

User Personas

Initial Insights & User Personas:
Creating personas was crucial for Zivolve. Developing representative characters based on user research and sharing them with the team, helped us humanize and better understand our target audiences.

The personas embodied users' goals, motivations, and pain points, allowing us to create the app to meet their specific needs and align our team around common goals. The personas guided my design decisions, prioritized features, and ensured a user-centric approach. The persona became a valuable reference, enabling us to anticipate user preferences and create an engaging experience. Ultimately, it helped me design a compelling and user-centered app for Zivolve while bringing the team together in understanding our users.

Interviews and Usability Testing 

The process of preparing and completing user testing included the following:

Usability Testing Insights

Onboarding

Note: One user downloaded the new version, but the old version loaded initially and refreshed midway through the test. This issue should be addressed to ensure seamless update installation and onboarding for users.

Quiz 

Top Picks

Stock Detail: Charts

Stock Detail: Predictions

All 6 users expressed a desire for information on what the confidence index is and how it is established. They want proof of the algorithm's success and track record to understand its reliability. Include details about the hit rate and the algorithm's performance on each stock.

Users were confused by not being able to see the results of the previous trading day due to it loading out of frame. Recommend moving the FR-THU menu up to ensure that the prediction does not appear out of frame, thus preventing user confusion.

Users pointed out that the prediction displayed is for a date almost a month in the future from when it was accessed. They would prefer more up-to-date predictions to be available.

The share card does not display the stock symbol being shared, which users found to be essential information. Each shared card should auto-populate with information from the appropriate stock detail page for proper functionality. Users also questioned the need for a share button on the share card if it is already being shared. Additionally, users want an explanation of the confidence index on the share card to establish trust.

Users expressed a desire to see data further back than just one week and requested live performance information. Provide the ability to view historical data beyond one week and include live performance information for enhanced user experience.


Screeners

A user expressed confusion about the calculation of RRR (Risk Reward Ratio), stating that it should not go up to 100% and that the expected return should always be double or triple the risk. They found inconsistencies in the RRR values displayed in the screener information and analytics, and requested clarification on why the RRR values are as they are. Multiple users agreed on this issue, as shown in a video.

Users mentioned that RRR is not a commonly recognized acronym. It is recommended to spell it out or provide a clear explanation of its meaning.

A user did not understand whether the expected return referred to a return in one day, one month, or one year. This information should be made clear to avoid confusion.

Users had difficulty recognizing the edit button or pencil edit icon button on the saved screener. They suggested the need for a more recognizable and intuitive edit button.

A user pointed out the lack of clarity regarding the purpose of the price slider, whether it represents the price of stocks or the amount of money to trade with. They also mentioned the need for more space for lower numbers on the sliders to allow for precise selections, as most traders would prefer lower values.

All 6 users had trouble understanding the acceptable parameters for the screener. They found it frustrating that there was no guidance or error message indicating what they did wrong. They recommended providing immediate feedback on the form page to identify errors and guide users in making corrections. The current experience of going through the entire form only to receive an error message behind a pop-up was confusing and frustrating for users.

Under the Preview section, there is a comma after "buy" that is incorrect or cut off. This should be addressed to ensure proper grammar.

Search/ Watchlist

4 out of 6 users did not know where to find their watchlist and did not expect it to be under the search feature. Clear and accessible ways to access the watchlist should be incorporated into the navigation. Additionally, users expressed the need to quickly view their watchlist after adding stocks to it.

Users were confused about the currency being displayed for values such as 130.31 or 154.73. It is recommended to always use dollar signs or appropriate currency symbols to avoid confusion. Consistency in representing currency should be applied throughout the platform.

All 6 users had trouble understanding the purpose and functionality of the "Sell," "Optionable," "Shortable," and "Hold" section. They initially perceived them as buttons but were unable to interact with them, leading to confusion. Some users questioned the relevance of this information if they had already chosen to watch the stock. Difficulties in reading the light green color and understanding the meaning of "Optionable" were also mentioned. Consider redesigning this section to provide clearer information or prioritize other relevant details such as the full name of the stock company or larger price movements.

Users found the mismatched language confusing, as "Sell" and "Hold" are verbs while "Optionable" and "Shortable" are adverbs. Some users were unfamiliar with the term "Optionable." The way this information is communicated should be reconsidered to avoid confusion. One user suggested indicating whether shorting the stock would incur costs.

Users had difficulties using the sort drop-down feature, as it required them to click and then scroll within the menu. This interaction was not intuitive, and all 5 users struggled with it initially. Consider improving this interaction by using a toggle for two-item menus or utilizing a button with an arrow and clear labeling to indicate filtering options. Avoid abbreviating "Asc" and "Desc" and ensure the font size is legible.

Users found the feedback provided after adding an item to the watchlist to be too fast and too small. It is recommended to design this feedback as a modal window that is larger and offers options to either go to the watchlist or stay on the current page.

When a user clicked on the search menu button at the bottom of the app, it took them to the stock detail page instead of the intended functionality. This glitch caused confusion and should be addressed to prevent it from happening again.


Q&A

Users did not understand the meaning of the button text "My Corner" and found it confusing and uncomfortable. It is recommended to use more direct and clear wording, such as "My Answers" or "Messages." This button should only appear after the user asks a question to avoid confusion.

The heading "Q&A's Corner" is grammatically incorrect as it implies that Q&A is the owner of the page or corner. The heading should be changed to "Q&A Corner" for clarity. Additionally, the text "Handle any questions that arise" below the heading was deemed unnecessary, unclear, and too close to the buttons. It is recommended to remove this text.

There is an issue with a magnifying glass illustration in the My Corner section, which is not shown here. Users found it distracting and suggested either making it smaller and lighter or removing it entirely. The language that states "No answers could be found" when no question was asked is confusing and should be removed.

Users expressed concerns about the language used throughout the app, including inaccuracies, grammar problems, and text that should be linked but isn't. It is recommended to have a professional business writer or copy editor review and edit the text. Users also emphasized the importance of providing short answers. One user suggested using Grammarly to check the grammar of all answers, while another recommended hiring a professional. Review user F's test for further insights.

There were issues with the keyboard not closing and the return button not responding on various devices. It is essential to thoroughly test keyboard entry sections across all devices to ensure they function properly.

Users reported that the keyword search feature did not work as expected. For example, when searching for "dividends," the results did not include the answers that were clearly displayed below. This issue needs to be addressed, as a non-functional search feature can undermine user confidence in the app. Consider either fixing the search functionality or removing it and relying solely on topic drawers.

Users expected to find definitions for CI% (Confidence Index) and prediction methods on the pages where they appear, as well as on the Q&A page. It is recommended to provide clear explanations of these terms to address user expectations.

3 out of 5 users expressed a desire for more encouragement to learn about investing. One user suggested providing links to trading platforms when users search for topics like setting up an investment account. Consider incorporating educational prompts and relevant external links to enhance user engagement.

One user requested receiving an alert when their question is answered and suggested displaying a red dot on the Q&A section to indicate new answers. Providing notifications and visual cues for answered questions can improve user experience and engagement.

My Account

Two users who had just set up a new account were never asked to complete the Risk Disclosure/Investment Style Quiz. This is a critical step that should not be skipped. It is essential to ensure that all new users are prompted to complete the quiz to gather necessary information about their investment preferences and risk tolerance.

All users were confused about the ability to edit their Date of Birth (DOB), which typically remains unchanged. It is recommended to reconsider the need for users to edit their DOB in this manner where it says "enter new DOB." This wording and functionality are confusing to users. If there is no valid reason for users to edit their DOB, it should not be editable.

One user reported an issue where, even after signing up for the Premium subscription and confirming the payment in the App Store, they did not have access to Top Picks and predictions. The app still displayed "Go Premium" with a button, causing inconvenience to the user. This issue should be thoroughly checked to ensure a seamless transition to the Premium subscription and immediate access to the associated features. Review user test D for further details on the problem encountered.

Refer & Rewards

The coin illustration in the design is too close to the header bar, causing alignment issues. On an iPhone 8, it is touching the header bar, and on another tester's phone, it was located underneath it. This inconsistency in placement should be addressed to ensure proper alignment across different devices.

The language used to describe the number of points users receive for each referral and how many days of premium it translates to should be improved. Several users found this information confusing. It is important to provide clear and concise information about the number of points earned per referral and the corresponding duration of premium access to avoid any ambiguity or misunderstanding. Revising the language to be more explicit and straightforward is recommended.

Help & Support

Multiple users experienced difficulty in closing the keyboard, and it was observed that the keyboard obscures the submit button. Additionally, the return button does not consistently close the keyboard on all phones. It is crucial to address this issue to ensure that users can easily close the keyboard when necessary, especially in sections like Help & Support and Q&A where keyboard entry is required.

Users expressed that having a mechanism for reporting technical problems and providing feedback made them trust the app or business more. This feedback highlights the importance of having channels for users to communicate their concerns and suggestions, which can contribute to improving user satisfaction and trust in the app.

The options "Technical problems and Report a bug" and "Suggestions and feedback" were identified as redundant. It is recommended to choose one option from each pair and remove the other to streamline the language and avoid duplication. This will provide a clearer and more concise selection for users.

Terms & Conditions

The Privacy Policy and Terms of Service text buttons should not link out of the app. Instead, they should be implemented as scroll-to links that navigate to the corresponding sections within the app where the text already exists. If it is necessary to redirect users outside the app, a warning message should be displayed, informing them that they are about to leave the app and allowing them to confirm their choice. Taking users out of the app without prior notice was found to be jarring and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.

The language used throughout the app, including the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service, should be reviewed and edited by a professional business writer or copy editor. User feedback pointed out inaccuracies, grammar problems, and text that should be linked but isn't. User F's test specifically highlighted the need for improvements in this area. Ensuring clear, concise, and accurate language is essential for providing a professional and trustworthy user experience.


Risk Disclosure

The Date of Acceptance in the Risk Disclosure should follow the standard US format, which is Month/Date/Year (MM/DD/YYYY). Using a different format that is not commonly used in the US can be confusing and distracting to users. It is recommended to update the format to the standard US format for better clarity.

It was noted that two users did not explicitly accept the Risk Disclosure, yet it was marked as "auto accepted." This issue should be addressed to ensure that users have the opportunity to review and explicitly accept the Risk Disclosure before proceeding. The account settings and user test D contain more information on this matter.

The format of displaying the Risk Disclosure in drawers by section was appreciated by users. If possible, this format can be applied to other legal documents such as the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy to maintain consistency in the app's design.

Users expressed the desire to be able to keyword search within the legal documents. Implementing a keyword search functionality can enhance usability and help users find specific information within the documents more efficiently.

The language used throughout the app, including the legal documents, should be reviewed and edited by a professional business writer or copy editor. User feedback highlighted issues such as inaccuracies, grammar problems, and text that should be linked but isn't. User F's test specifically mentioned the need for improvements in this area. Ensuring clear, accurate, and well-structured language is crucial for providing a professional and trustworthy user experience.

Users requested more spacing between text lines to improve readability. Increasing the line spacing can make the content more accessible and comfortable to read for users, including those who may have difficulty reading closely packed text.

Users expressed the desire for more encouragement to learn about investing within the app. Consider incorporating additional prompts, suggestions, or links that promote learning about investing to support users in their investment journey.


Findings of Usability Testing and Interviews & Recommendations

Advised the team on improvements in UI, UX writing, and interactions based on insights from the surveys and interviews

INTERACTION DESIGN,  HANDOFF, & IMPLEMENTATION OF DESIGNS

Hand-off Process:


Implementation:
During implementation:

These positive outcomes demonstrate the impact of the design improvements recommended in the UX case study. Users were happier with the app, resulting in higher satisfaction and engagement levels. More people discovered and downloaded the app, attracted by the improved user experience. The app's ratings on app stores and Google Play also improved, reflecting the positive feedback from users. Additionally, the number of subscription purchases increased, indicating that the enhanced usability and overall experience motivated users to invest in premium features.

The implementation of the design improvements brought significant benefits, including increased user satisfaction, higher downloads, improved ratings, and enhanced subscription purchases. These outcomes validate the effectiveness of the UX case study recommendations in driving both user satisfaction and business growth.

FINAL THOUGHTS & FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

This case study underscores the importance of gaining user insights and leveraging them to improve the user experience. By conducting surveys, interviews, testing, and audits, valuable insights were gathered to understand the main pain points users faced when using the Zivolve app. These insights drove significant changes that resulted in improved user adoption and satisfaction.

Throughout the project, challenges such as time constraints, limited resources, and communication barriers with a remote engineering team across different time zones were overcome.

Moving forward, key areas for improvement have been identified:

By addressing these areas for improvement, the goal is to elevate the user experience of the Zivolve app and meet the evolving needs and expectations of the users. The insights gained from user research have been instrumental in driving these enhancements, ensuring the app remains competitive in the market.

LINKS TO APP & GOOGLE PLAY STORE DOWNLOADS