Welcome to UX Principles I. This is the first course in the Diploma in Software Development (Level 6).
In this coursee you will be introduced to the concept of the User Experience (UX), and the process of UX design. The aim of this course is for you develop a foundational understanding of the principles, tools, and best practices used in the design of content and user experience for software products.
Throughout the programme you will be encouraged to reflect on your learning and development practices and strategies as UX designers for software products.
Through your attendance at Live sessions, your self-directed learning and research, and completion of the assessment tasks, you will gain a holistic understanding of UX design and the concepts and methods that relate to UX design.
The Diploma in Software Development (Level 6) takes a project-based approach to learning. This means that learning and teaching in this module are integrated with the learning and teaching in CS103 Integrated Studio I, which runs concurrently with this course, and the projects you will complete as the assessment tasks will cross both courses.
In these integrated projects you will apply UX concepts and methods in practice to reinforce and deepen your understanding of these subjects, as well as gain an understanding of the role of UX design within the integrated whole project of designing and developing a product.
Read the scenario and then share your answers to the scenario task in a forum thread with your name in the subject.
Your tutor will discuss the task and how you apply UX principles in your Live Sessions.
Scenario:
"Eats and Treats" is a cosy restaurant located in the bustling downtown area of Auckland city. Known for its delectable fusion cuisine, warm ambiance, and attentive service, Eats and Treats has built a loyal customer base comprising food enthusiasts, families, and professionals looking for a memorable dining experience.
Recognising the importance of a strong online presence in today's digital landscape, Eats and Treats has decided to revamp its website to better showcase its unique offerings, streamline the reservation process, and enhance customer engagement.
In collaboration with key stakeholders, including the restaurant owners, managers, and marketing team, Eats and Treats has developed a comprehensive strategy to address the business and user needs through the website redesign.
The primary objective of the website revamp is to create a user-friendly interface that allows customers to easily access essential information, make reservations, and explore the restaurant's menu and special offerings. The new website aims to reflect the restaurant's brand identity, ambiance, and commitment to culinary excellence.
Through market research and competitor analysis, Eats and Treats has identified several areas for improvement in the current website. These include outdated design elements, a cumbersome reservation process, and limited integration with social media platforms.
Eats and Treats has identified its target audience as urban professionals, families, and food enthusiasts of all ages who appreciate quality dining experiences and seek convenience when making reservations or exploring menu options. It also wants to target international students studying at universities.
Competitors in the local restaurant scene include popular eateries such as "Beast and Butterflies" and "Monsoon Poon" While these competitors offer visually appealing websites, Eats and Treats aims to differentiate itself by providing a seamless user experience, personalised recommendations, and exclusive promotions to website visitors.
Drawing inspiration from industry leaders like "Khu Khu" and " White and Wong’s," Eats and Treats plans to incorporate vibrant imagery, interactive menus, and intuitive navigation features into its website redesign. Additionally, the restaurant aims to leverage customer testimonials and reviews to build trust and credibility among potential diners.
Overall, Eats and Treats is committed to delivering a website that not only reflects its culinary expertise but also enhances the overall dining experience for its customers, both online and offline. By prioritising user satisfaction and engagement, Eats and Treats aims to solidify its position as a premier dining destination in the city's culinary landscape.
Task 1:
Identify and provide a brief description of the client in the scenario:
- Who?
- What?
- Purpose of their website?
Task 2:
Identify and provide a brief description of the client's:
- Business needs
- User needs
- Current state of the client’s website
- Competitors
- Target audience
Task 3:
Design a website for the restaurant through the following steps:
The sitemap website with the following five elements:
- A landing or home page
- Sign-up/login page or form
- Product content page
- A booking system
- An "About Us" section and contact section.
- Create a style guide that defines the typography, colour palette, imagery, buttons, and icons.
- Next, create initial lo-fi sketches to illustrate the positioning of UI elements on the screen. Once your sketches are complete, transition them into a lo-fi digital prototype using wireframing tools such as Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, etc.
- Proceed to develop hi-fi wireframes and a prototype for your website. Utilise prototyping tools such as Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, etc., to create a navigable final front-end design/prototype for your website.
Task 4:
Develop the website of the restaurant using the design you have made in Task 3.
You can use WordPress (with plugins like Elementor or Divi), Wix, Squarespace, or another similar application, or coding from scratch to develop the website.
The working website should consist of at least four pages and include the following elements:
- A landing or home page
- Sign-up/login page or form
- Product content page
- A booking system
- An "About Us" section
- A "Contact" section
