Lostus Lantern: App redesign
I redesigned the most visited and displayed pages of the Lotus Lantern mobile app. I leveraged strategic insights, defined key metrics, determined key user behaviors, presented concepts, and delivered a refined final design.
Smart home technology and consumer electronics
The app requires a thorough reorganization and redesign to enhance user engagement. This includes creating a more intuitive information architecture and establishing a cohesive visual language for a seamless and visually appealing experience.
7 Weeks
User Research, UX & UI Design, Prototyping
PowerPoint, Figma, Photoshop, Illustrator
Overview
Lotus Lantern is a versatile and popular app for controlling LED lights via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. It allows users to customize the colors, brightness, and effects of their LED lighting systems, often used in smart lighting setups for homes, cars, or decorations.
For an assignment, I was tasked with selecting a product with an accompanying app that required improvement and creating a redesigned version. I chose to take on the challenge of redesigning the Lotus Lantern app to enhance its functionality and user experience.
Previous App Icon And Interface
Problem Statement
Despite Lotus Lantern's vision of connecting users with affordable products through its app, the current version suffers from significant design and functional shortcomings that undermine its effectiveness and user satisfaction. The app's interface is often criticized for being confusing and cluttered, leading to a frustrating user experience. Additionally, frequent performance issues, such as slow load times and unreliable functionality, further diminish its usability.
To address these challenges, Lotus Lantern must focus on resolving these critical design and functionality issues. Improving the app's user interface, optimizing performance, and expanding support and customization features are essential steps toward creating a more effective and user-friendly digital experience.
Determining the business and user goals
What do they want to achieve with this product? What need does it fill?
Business Goals
App Integration:
Innovate the app to include new features, improve user interface, allow connection to streaming platforms, and enhance connectivity with other smart home devices.
Enhance technology:
Continuouslyimprove the RGB technology for better color accuracy, energy efficiency, andlonger lifespan.
Expand product line:
Developand introduce new types of LED lights or accessories to meet diverse customerneeds and preferences to drive more sales.
User Goals
Improve UX/UI:
Users want a seamless and enjoyable experience, with a straightforward interface that is intuitive, easy to navigate, and simplifies the app. They also want to control and customize lighting effortlessly through a simple, easy-to-follow process.
Allow third-party app syncs:
Users want to be able to connect to streaming platform apps to sync their own music playlists and Integrate with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant for hands-free control.
Allow third-party device syncs:
They want the option for the LED lights work well with other smart home devices and systems, such as smart thermostats or security systems.
Product Analysis
ii. App Control: The app allows users to control the lights remotely, adjust settings, and create customized lighting scenes.
iii. Scheduling and Automation: Users can set schedules for when the lights should turn on or off and automate lighting changes based on specific triggers or times.
Versatility and Customization: Users appreciate the range of colors and effects, as well as the ability to create personalized lighting setups.
ii. Negative Reviews:
App Performance: Occasional complaints about the app being buggy or slow.
Music Sync Feature: The app only allows base songs to sync with the lights, rather than connecting to streaming platforms.
ii. Flexible Scheduling and Automation: It provides convenience by allowing users to set schedules and automate lighting based on various triggers.
iii. Advanced Color & Effect Customization: The ability to choose from a broad spectrum of colors and various lighting effects is a standout feature.
Market Competitor Analysis: Philips Hue
Target Market Research
Age: 14–35
Gender: 30% male, 50% female
Education: High school or higher
Occupation: Part-time intern
Annual Income: $20,000+
Tech-savvy
Aesthetic- and design-oriented
Trend-conscious
Gaming enthusiast
Developed countries
Tech-savvy regions
Suburban/urban areas
Colleges
Age: 35–50
Gender: 30% male, 50% female
Education: Degree or higher
Occupation: Designer
Annual Income: $90,000+
Tech-savvy
Home improvement enthusiast
Family-oriented
Leisure-focused
Home improvement-focused areas
Tech-savvy regions
Suburban/urban areas
Regions with a strong tech retail presence
User Personas
User Statement: Emily Nguyen
Emily Nguyen, a 22-year-old graphic design student and part-time social media intern in New York City, needs a seamless and visually appealing way to control her Lotus Lantern lights, as well as a way to sync her personal music playlist from streaming platforms with the lights to enhance her mood and the aesthetics of her stylish urban apartment. She also wants to create an engaging atmosphere for her social media content, but the current Lotus app suffers from design and functional issues that make it difficult to use effectively. By improving the app’s interface and performance, Lotus can empower users like Emily to fully realize their creative vision and showcase their tech-enhanced living spaces more effectively.
User Statement: Mark Thompson
Mark Thompson, a 42-year-old Senior Product Designer living near Seattle, Washington, needs an easy and efficient way to control his Lotus Lantern lights to enhance the ambiance of his home for family activities and leisure, while seamlessly integrating technology into his living space. The current app, however, has significant design and functional shortcomings, making it frustrating to use and limiting its effectiveness. By improving the app's user interface and performance, Lotus can enable users like Mark to create stylish and functional environments that reflect their design expertise and enhance their home life
Interface Sketches
Moad Board
Journey Map Diagram
User Flow Diagram
New App Icon And Interface
