PlanEase

The idea for PlanEase was born out of a personal struggle with traditional calendar apps.

I found that conventional calendars often failed to capture my attention, which led to a habit of overlooking them. Additionally, I noticed that when I did interact with these apps, I often skipped entering key details, like the correct time for events, simply because the process felt cumbersome and uninspiring.

Recognizing the need for a solution that would be both functional and engaging, I envisioned a calendar app that stands out with its vibrant, eye-catching design. With PlanEase, organizing your day becomes less of a chore and more of an experience you look forward to.

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The project started with digital wireframes:

The journey of creating PlanEase began with a series of wireframes that captured my initial vision for the app. These early sketches laid out the basic structure and functionality, allowing me to visualize how users would interact with the app and how its design would bring the calendar to life.

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As the project evolved, I made a key design decision to focus on a dark mode version. This choice was driven by its pleasurable aesthetic appeal and user comfort, especially during prolonged use. Also, it maked the colours pop more!

However, I also recognized the importance of accessibility, so I kept a light mode version specifically for users with visual impairments who may find dark screens challenging to navigate.

By developing both dark and light mode versions, PlanEase caters to a diverse range of user preferences and needs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a seamless and visually engaging experience.

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Bringing PlanEase to Life: From Wireframes to Mockups

After finalizing the wireframes, the next step in the project was to create mockups, where the product truly began to take shape.

This phase was where the vibrant color palette came into play, and the app's personality started to shine through. The once simple sketches evolved into dynamic, visually appealing designs that captured the essence of what PlanEase is all about—making planning both fun and functional.

As the shapes and elements of the design were refined, this project transformed from a conceptual idea into a fully realized product. The mockups not only brought the interface to life but also solidified the app’s identity, setting the stage for a user experience that is as intuitive as it is engaging.

‍Pain points highlighted during the usability study included:

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• Overwhelming Color Scheme: while the colorful design is intended to be engaging, some users might have found it visually overwhelming or distracting, particularly if the color contrasts were too strong or inconsistent across the app.

• Accessibility Concerns: despite offering a light mode for users with visual impairments, there could have been challenges ensuring that both modes meet accessibility standards. Some users might have had difficulty reading text due to font size, color contrast, or the placement of elements. Also, some users might have preferred the light mode for reasons beyond visual impairments, such as better visibility in bright environments, leading to mixed feedback on the dark mode focus.

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Solutions implemented:‍

- Providing a "theme customization" option where users can select their preferred color intensity or even switch to a more minimalist theme could enhance user comfort and personalization.

- Ensuring that both the light and dark modes meet accessibility standards by adhering to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). This includes maintaining a high contrast ratio between text and background, using readable font sizes, and ensuring that interactive elements are easily distinguishable.

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In the end, I decided to go for a different logo, which expresses what the point of the project is way more: think it, add it, forget it.

Project Takeaways:

The PlanEase project highlighted several key takeaways.

First, the importance of user-centric design was evident, as understanding user needs and incorporating feedback led to a more intuitive and enjoyable app. Balancing aesthetics with functionality proved essential, ensuring the vibrant interface remained user-friendly.

Accessibility emerged as a core principle, emphasizing that inclusivity should be integral to the design process.

The experience reinforced that simplicity is key, as a streamlined, easy-to-use interface was crucial in creating a product that users would love.

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