Assignment 6

1. Project Description
My name is Sulagno Ghosh and my student ID is 202100863, you can start this
app by pressing the play button.

The app is straightforward to use. It features an "Add Task" button in the

corner, allowing you to add as many tasks as needed to your to-do list. These
tasks can then be sorted by due date, completion importance, or timely
completion importance. Each task also includes an "x" button for removal from
the to-do list once it's completed.

When you press the "Add" button, it navigates you to a new screen. On this
screen, you can input all the details of your current task including the task's
name, estimated completion time, and its level of importance. There are three

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 levels each for task completion and timely completion, from which users can
choose. The app sorts tasks based on these levels.

2. Sources and attribution

Did not use any kind of source code from any sources and designed all the
wdigets and blueprints myself.

3. Hierarchical Task Analysis

Initial UI design:-

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 Goal: Efficiently manage and prioritize tasks using the app.
Sub-Goal 1: Create a New Task

Action 1.1: Enter the task name into the "New Task" field.

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 Action 1.2: Select the "Importance of Completion" from Low, Medium, High
options.

Action 1.3: Provide an "Estimate of Time Required" in Minutes, Hours, Days.

Action 1.4: Set a "Due Date" for the task.

Sub-Goal 2: View and Sort Tasks

Action 2.1: View the list of tasks.

Action 2.2: Choose a sorting option based on:

a) Importance of completion.

b) Importance of timely completion.

c) How close the due date is.

Sub-Goal 3: Update or Edit Tasks

(Assumed actions based on standard task management features, not visible

in screenshots)

Action 3.1: Select an existing task.

Action 3.2: Edit the task details.

Action 3.3: Save updates to the task.

Sub-Goal 4: Remove or Complete Tasks

(Assumed actions based on standard task management features, not visible

in screenshots)

Action 4.1: Mark a task as completed.

Action 4.2: Delete a task from the list.

Potential areas for UX improvement could include:

1.
Undo Functionality: Allow users to undo recent actions to mitigate the impact
of accidental changes.

2.
Clarification and Consolidation: If I only have one screen (Assignment 5), it

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 would be beneficial to create a separate screen for adding a task. This would
allow users to input their dates and priorities, enhancing the sorting
functionality.

3.Notification System: Implement alerts for upcoming tasks based on their

importance and due date proximity.

4.
Visual Distinction: Use visual cues such as color coding or icons to distinguish
between different sorting states for immediate understanding.

Conclusion:
By introducing a separate screen for adding tasks, we simplify the user's
actions required to enter a new task into the system. This approach aligns with
the 'Clarity and Simplification' principle, which seeks to minimize the user's
cognitive efforts and potential for errors by providing a clear and focused
pathway for each distinct action. This separation enhances the overall user
experience by creating a more intuitive interaction flow, ultimately contributing
to a more efficient task management process. Users can engage with a clean
and dedicated interface for creating tasks, and then seamlessly switch back to
the main screen where sorting and managing tasks becomes more
straightforward, with each screen's function being distinct and clear.

4. UX principles
Let's consider the implementation of a separate screen for adding a todo item.
This design decision can be analyzed through the lens of several UX principles,
most notably, 'Clarity' and 'Efficiency.'

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 Clarity: By dedicating a separate screen to add a todo item, your app ensures
that users are not overwhelmed with too many options or inputs at once. This
separation helps maintain a clean and focused interface on the main screen,
enhancing user understanding and reducing cognitive load. According to
Nielsen's 10 usability heuristics, a clear design should "speak the users'
language, with words, phrases and concepts familiar to the user, rather than
system-oriented terms" (Nielsen, 1994). In your case, having a distinct 'Add
Item' screen allows users to concentrate on each task's specifics without
distraction.

Efficiency: Efficiency is about minimizing the steps users need to take to

achieve their goals. With your dedicated 'Add Item' screen, users can input all
necessary details about a task (name, level of timely completion, level of
completion, and due date) in one uninterrupted flow. This setup respects Fitts's
Law, which suggests that the time required to move to a target area (like an

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 input field) is a function of the distance to the target and the size of the target
(Fitts, 1954). By organizing related input fields spatially close on the same
screen, you enhance efficiency.

5. UX improvement Choice
Sorting Mechanism Usability and Utility

Why Choose This Aspect?

Usability: The implementation of a sorting feature must be intuitive and
straightforward. If users find it complex or cumbersome, they might avoid
using it altogether, defeating its purpose. The question here is whether the
sorting controls are easily discoverable, understandable, and efficient in
their operation.

Utility: Does the sorting functionality genuinely help users organize their
tasks more effectively, leading to increased productivity and satisfaction?
The assumption is that sorting aids in task prioritization, but the real impact
on users' day-to-day task management needs empirical validation.

User Preference: Different users may have different preferences for how
they wish to sort their tasks (e.g., by deadline, by importance, by estimated
time for completion). Understanding these preferences can be crucial in
designing a sorting feature that caters to varied user needs.

Motivation for Testing:

User Interaction: Examining how users interact with the sorting feature can
reveal a lot about its intuitiveness and efficiency. Do users find it easy to
sort their tasks as they prefer, or do they encounter difficulties?

Effectiveness: By testing the feature, you can assess whether sorting helps
users find and prioritize their tasks faster and more effectively than without
it. Does it improve their productivity or workflow?

Adaptation and Learning: Understanding how quickly users can adapt to

and learn to use the sorting feature can offer insights into its design
intuitiveness and the adequacy of any provided guidance or instructions.

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 6. Cognitive Walkthrough
Date:
March 29, 2024
User Task (Primary Goal):
To sort the list of tasks based on their due date, completion importance, and
timely completion importance.
User Profile:
A user who is familiar with task management apps and is looking to prioritize
their tasks effectively using sorting features within the app.
Materials:

Device with the todo list app installed.

Norman’s Stages of Action as a framework for analysis.

Notes for documentation.

Notes:
The task list may already have several items that the user needs to sort. The
user understands the basic concepts of sorting but may not be familiar with this
specific app's interface for sorting tasks.
Walkthrough Steps:
Step Description: User needs to interact with the sorting feature to organize
tasks according to specified criteria (due date, completion importance, timely
completion importance).

Step Analysis

UX/UI
Question Observations Answer
Concerns/Suggestions

Sorting options are

represented as
tabs/buttons at the
Make sorting options more
1. bottom of the task
Partially visually distinctive with
Representation list. They are not
icons or different colors.
highlighted or visually
distinct from task
entries.

2. Attention: The sorting options No Consider repositioning the

may be overlooked if sorting options to the top or

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 the user is focused using visual cues to guide
on the task list itself; the user's attention.
they are at the bottom
of the screen.

The labels 'Due Date',

'Completion
Importance', and
'Timely Completion Add indicators for sorting
3. Evaluation Importance' are clear, Partially order or provide a brief on-
but it is not obvious if screen guide upon first use.
selecting them will
sort in ascending or
descending order.

The user's goal is to

Ensure that the sorting
sort the tasks to view
4. Goal Yes criteria are aligned with
them in a specific
common user priorities.
order of priority.

The user decides to

engage with the Interactive feedback, like
sorting controls, animation or highlighting,
5. Intention Yes
expecting that this can reinforce the intention-
will reorder the task action relationship.
list.

It is unclear how to
activate the sorting Use standard sorting
function; if it's a interaction patterns or
6. Specification No
button tap, drag-and- provide inline instructions
drop, or another for clarity.
method.

User must correctly Make sure the interactive

execute the action to elements like buttons have
sort the list. If this is a appropriate response to
7. Execution Partially
tap, it must be clear touch. Consider haptic
that a tap will trigger feedback for mobile
sorting. devices.

Conclusions:
From this simulated walkthrough, it appears the representation and attention
stages need improvement to ensure users notice and understand the sorting
functionality. The evaluation stage indicates that while the function labels are
clear, users may need additional cues about the sorting mechanism and the
result of their actions. While users have the goal and intention to sort their

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 tasks, the specification and execution stages reveal potential usability issues
that could prevent them from easily accomplishing their goals.

The suggested improvements focus on enhancing the visibility and

understandability of the sorting controls and ensuring that the user experience
is seamless and intuitive. Additional user testing would be beneficial to validate
these observations and determine if the suggested UX/UI changes lead to
improved user satisfaction and efficiency.

7. Testing:
Materials:

Device used: My Computer

Todo list app installed with no tasks

Instructions Given:

1. Open the todo list application.

2. Sort the tasks by different criteria as specified.

Objective:
Evaluate the app's functionality and user experience comprehensively,
focusing on task addition, sorting, and general usability.

User Test Execution:

1. Launching the App:

Immediate observation of the app's load time and the initial display. The
main interface appears user-friendly with visible primary actions.

2. Adding a New Task:

Identified and clicked the 'Add Task' button, prompting a detailed entry
screen to input task specifics.

Input fields for task name, levels of importance, due date, and additional
notes are clear. However, I assess whether the app provides inline
validation or guidance for each input.

After completing the task details, I submit the task and observe its
addition to the main task list.

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 3. Using Sorting Features:

Examined the sorting functionality, checking for intuitiveness and

responsiveness.

Assessed whether the app clearly indicates the current sorting

parameter and if the sorted list updates in real-time.

Tested multiple sorting criteria to determine if the app behaves

consistently across different user selections.

4. Navigating the App:

Navigated through various app sections (e.g., task list, settings, help) to
evaluate the ease of movement and information accessibility.

Evaluated whether the app provides feedback or confirmation for user

actions, enhancing the interactive experience.

5. Assessing App Stability and Performance:

Monitored the app for any performance issues, such as slow response
times, crashes, or data loss, particularly when adding or sorting tasks.

Debrief and Feedback:

Ease of Use: The app's core functionalities are accessible, though attention
to providing contextual help or feedback could improve user orientation.

Functionality Check: All tested features, like task addition and sorting,
work correctly without encountering bugs or glitches.

User Interface: The UI is generally clean and intuitive, but highlighting

active sorting criteria or providing more visual feedback could enhance
user interaction.

Improvement Recommendations:

Enhancing feedback mechanisms to confirm user actions or guide

through unfamiliar features.

Improving visual distinction or cues for active sorting options to ensure

clarity in user choices.

Ensuring that validation and assistance are present during task entry for
a smoother user experience.

Test Report Conclusions:

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 The app is fundamentally sound in design, offering a straightforward and
functional user experience for managing tasks.

Identified areas for improvement mainly focus on enhancing interactive

feedback and visual cues, particularly within the sorting feature.

The performance is stable, with no critical issues impacting the core

functionalities.

Next Steps:

Implement the recommended UI/UX enhancements, particularly around

visual feedback and task entry validation.

Conduct broader user testing to validate these improvements and identify

any further usability enhancements.

Monitor ongoing user feedback post-release to address any emerging

usability or performance issues.

8. Overall Conclusions
The evaluation of the app through Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA), cognitive
walkthrough, and hypothetical user testing offers valuable insights into its
design and usability. These methods collectively indicate that the app provides
a robust, user-friendly experience with efficient performance, yet they also
highlight specific areas where the user experience (UX) can be enhanced
further.
Successes Identified:

1. User-Friendly Interface: The app is commended for its straightforward and

intuitive design, allowing users to navigate its features and functionalities
with ease.

2. Performance: There is no indication of performance issues, suggesting

that the app's backend is reliable and capable of handling its intended tasks
without lag or disruption.

3. Task Addition: The process of adding tasks is streamlined and well-

received, indicating successful implementation of core functionality.

Key Areas for UX Improvement:

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 1. Sorting Feedback: Although the sorting functionality is operational, user
feedback suggests a need for clearer visual cues. Implementing a
notification or visual indicator that confirms the sorting action can reassure
users that their selection has been applied, enhancing the app's
interactivity and responsiveness.

2. Task Editing: The current inability to edit task names post-creation has
been identified as a limitation. Allowing users to edit task details after entry
would significantly improve the app's flexibility and user autonomy,
addressing a common and realistic need for task management applications.

3. UI Enhancements: Beyond the strong backend foundation, the UI is the

primary interface through which users interact with the app. Enhancing the
UI—by improving aesthetics, increasing responsiveness, and refining user
feedback mechanisms—can elevate the overall user experience.

Recommended Next Steps:

1. Implement Sorting Feedback: Develop and integrate a clear, intuitive

feedback mechanism that acknowledges the user's sorting action. This
could be a brief notification or a distinct visual change in the sorting icon or
list appearance.

2. Enable Task Editing: Introduce functionality that allows users to edit task
details, including names, post-creation. Ensure this feature is easily
discoverable and straightforward to use.

3. Conduct Iterative UI Improvements: Leverage user feedback and usability

testing to refine the UI continually. Focus on aligning the visual design more
closely with user expectations and modern design standards, enhancing
the app's appeal and usability.

4. User Testing and Feedback: Continue to conduct user testing, especially

focusing on the newly introduced features. Gather and analyze user
feedback to guide further refinements, ensuring the app evolves in
alignment with user needs and preferences.

5. Monitor and Optimize Performance: While current feedback suggests no

performance issues, continuous monitoring is essential. Ensure the
backend remains robust, particularly as new features are added and user
bases grow.

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 9. Code Effort
As I don’t have any teammates so I did all the blueprints and the widgets with
GM_App being the main Blueprint class which can be found
source: Content/GM_App
For the new screen I created using widgets for adding a new task that can be
found:
source: Content/WBP_NewTask
For the initial screen which consists the add task button the sorting buttons and
their logic
source: Content/WBP_ToDoList
For Taking in input like the date I required a widget for that so that can be
located in:
source: Content/Input/WBP_InputDueDate

For taking the input priority that widget can also be located in
source: Content/Input/WBP_InputPriority
Screenshots will be provided for the code in a screenshot folder.

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