WSJ Android App
THE PROJECT
Apply new visual treatments for section-front story cards and packages, and an Android-specific navigation rework that gives more prominence to the "Today's Paper" edition on phones.
THE CHALLENGE
WSJ Android app has a rather complex site structure, mainly due to it’s inclusiveness of both digital and print versions of the journal. I intended to find a solution that not only give reader easy access to a format of preference, means for print readership to use more of digital content.
MY ROLE
- Focus on navigation and site structure
- Research
- UX Design
THE SOLUTION
Incorporate bottom nav, replacing traditional hamburger drawer menu. This gave better exposure to print edition, as well as important features such as saved articles and notifications.
Competitor Research
THE FINDING
Many were using bottom navigation. In fact, popular companies such as Spotify had made transition from drawer navigation to bottom nav not too long before.
MY ROLE
Presented the research to stakeholders who weren’t sure of the need for adopting new navigation. Some worried exposing print edition would influence digital airtime. I led the discussion to, if anything, the intention was exactly opposite: Gear print readers to digital format, which aligns with overall journal direction.
Site Map
THE FINDING
Although it was decided to use bottom navigation for content, drawer can still be effective for settings and account information. Both of which don’t require prominent exposure., as they are not used as often.
Wireframe
MY ROLE
Brainstorm with teammates and stakeholders various concepts. Create low fidelity wireframe, interaction flow, and low fidelity prototype.
User Testing
THE METHOD
Invision prototype was used to test 3 concepts. Respondents were all current Android users.
THE FINDING
Despite 43% of testers not familiar with bottom navigation, 70% preferred bottom navigation over hamburger drawer menu. Also tested various means to expose sections. It was shown familiar horizontal scrollable tab menu was preferred method.
THE FOCUS
- Validate design of bottom navigation
- Validate design of top navigation
- Identify awareness and understanding of different sections
Before & After
THE FINDING
Consistent increase in saved article and notification views. Unfortunately, data is showing there isn’t much cross-pollination between Today’s Edition and Latest News.