Background
SkateYou is an app designed for the benefit of the skateboarding community. Users can participate in this app much like an instagram specifically for skateboarding. SkateYou caters to the users (skateboarders) by creating a method to earn sponsorship by means of achievement rather than network.
Focus
The focus of this redesign was to update the look and usability of SkateYou’s interface to keep up with other top used social media apps. This updated was intended to create a sense of familiarity and comfort with SkateYou’s interface, which will increase participation.
Original SkateYou Home Screen
Design Recommendations
- Switch to dark mode design to keep up with video app trends
- Videos in view should play automatically instead of on click
- Video formatting and size should be in portrait and match that of reels
- Reorganize navigation bar for streamlined user flow
Home Screen Redesign
Challenge Tab
The challenges tab is another key function of SkateYou’s user interaction. The purpose of this redesign was to create more recognizable navigation and clean up the user flow required to explore all of the data provided.
Redesign Methods
First, I changed the navigation icon from a camera (which commonly signifies uploading a video) to that of a trophy. The trophy is used on the home screen to vote for clips, so I thought it would create a strong mental association.
I also consolidated the content and used a gamification strategy to make this tab more exciting for users to engage with.
Challenges Content
This screen allows challenges to be sorted by a number of different filters based on the user’s desire. Users can clearly see how much XP they would gain from participating and how many coins they could earn for the award shop if they win.
Achievements Content
The achievements tab is meant to encourage users to keep interacting with challenges by directing what comes next. Achievements are infinite and can also be filtered to appeal to the user’s preferences and strengths. Users can see much they’ve earned from an achievement and track their progression towards the next one.
Award Shop Content
The award shop needs to open in the app and not on an external browser. Discussions with the backend developer can help to make this possible. Exploring what’s available in the shop can be filtered and it is clear what can be purchased based on the user’s data.
Leaderboard Content
Highlight SkateYou’s top contributors by adding to a leaderboard. This will create a more social environment for users and may also elicit a sense of competition, which will drive engagement.
Conclusion
This simple redesign was a labor of love for a fellow skateboarder to help him earn more funding for his app. I fully believe in this app and know that it will impact the skateboarding community in a positive way.
I hope this post highlights my thought process when taking on a new project. I love working with complex data and finding the most efficient way to organize information. I also find a lot of joy in creating engaging experiences that help users learn or improve in a certain skill, where gamification meets education.