Curiko
2023-24
As a UX design intern, I executed user research, consolidated interviews into design documentation, and translated research findings into wireframes and prototypes.
The Brief
Post-pandemic, Curiko planned to introduce in-person experiences to the platform. During my time with the team, I was responsible for testing mid-fidelity desktop prototypes with users and translating those findings into mobile design implementations.
Figure 1. Curiko explore page (before)
· · ────── ꒰ঌ·✦·໒꒱ ────── · ·The Problem Space
How might we condense information-dense desktop prototypes for mobile screens without sacrificing readability and clarity for neurodivergent users?· · ────── ꒰ঌ·✦·໒꒱ ────── · ·
Research: Usability Testing
I conducted Zoom interviews with current users and hosts of Curiko. This was the preferred method because I was able to record sessions and transcribe them later for future research.
For the transcription process, I completed the full transcription in Google Docs and then organized the findings in Miro. Figure 2 provides a general overview of the document structure. Each new feature was further summarized into key takeaways and results (Fig. 3), which were used to ideate designs for implementation. Throughout this process, I kept my PM and design lead updated via weekly syncs to ensure the scope of my ideations aligned with the project's budget and timeline.
Figure 2. Curiko Miro snapshot
Figure 3. Key takeaways and results for the map
Ideation
With research complete, we began ideating for the new design. Main areas for ideation were layout, accessibility, and copywriting (Figure 4). I was working within a problem space that involved 1) many components to design for on mobile and 2) being respectful of the audience I'm designing for. Curiko focuses its efforts on building community for neurodivergent individuals in Vancouver, so I had to be mindful of that.
Figure 4. Ideations
Final Designs
To address the challenge of condensing information without sacrificing clarity, we used more imagery and visuals to share information. We implemented larger-than-normal font sizes and high contrast ratios for colors to ensure easy readability (Figure 5).
Figure 5. Mobile design explorations
Reflections
This internship taught me that accessible design is about intentional constraint. Working with Curiko's neurodivergent community challenged me to rethink assumptions about 'standard' mobile patterns and prioritize clarity over convention.
I would have liked to test these mobile designs with the Curiko community, but due to budget constraints, we were unable to do so. However, I do believe that these designs are in the right direction because we continuously referred back to our research during the design process.