ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO — The Read, Record web app provides a straightforward tool for people in remote communities to read prompts and record audio, meeting the needs of users with limited familiarity with technology. Balancing simplicity with the demands of multilingual translation, the interface remains clean and resourceful, supporting complex projects in an accessible format.
Read, Record enables comfortable, accurate reading and recording of text prompts. The design began with a focus on the specific needs of people who might lack extensive technological experience, shaping an experience that remains intuitive and clear.
The UI was kept clean to ensure a smooth experience even for those new to technology.
From the MVP stage, ongoing iterations continue to improve the app, driven by user engagement, stakeholder feedback, performance analysis, and regular usability testing. Prioritizing performance, clarity, and simplicity, each decision reinforces a lightweight, efficient interface that supports faster workflows for the organization.
People often devise their own effective solutions to challenges, and observing these methods brings valuable insights. In Read, Record, larger UI elements were introduced after noticing that some users relied on magnifying tools. This design choice removed the need for external aids or requiring users to know how to adjust zoom settings.
Traditional button sizes weren't effective for many people in these overlooked and underserved communities, so we designed larger elements to accommodate visual needs.
Expanding UI elements improved both accessibility and visual hierarchy, guiding users through the app with a clear emphasis on key actions. The larger buttons and text allow users to feel more confident in their interactions, and reduce the need for technical support.
Introducing larger elements also helped establish a more distinct visual hierarchy, making it easier to distinguish tasks.
Efficiency is essential for the organization, where saving time translates to saved resources. User flows were streamlined, and task completion time was reduced, allowing users to navigate the app with minimal effort and maximizing impact without additional costs to the organization.
The dashboard says things are running smoothly.
Key performance metrics such as time on task, completion rate, and user error rate provide insights into areas for refinement. These metrics, combined with user feedback, optimize workflows for actions like navigating prompts or managing recordings, further supporting project management and translation efforts.
Detail: The dashboard.
The decision to use larger UI elements enhances navigation ease, while refined flows contribute to increased efficiency. Collaboration with the PM, stakeholders, and developers ensures these designs translate to meaningful savings, redirecting resources toward the organization's mission.
Working as the sole designer within a distributed team, collaboration spans developers in Europe, product managers on the East Coast and in Colorado, and local stakeholders in Albuquerque, NM. I help to bridge these teams, maintaining alignment on project direction and managing expectations, enabling strong teamwork despite daily challenges.
The app's impact is evident as users complete tasks more efficiently, boosting the number of languages recorded, a core priority within the organization. Stakeholder feedback and user insights affirm the app's effectiveness, underscoring that each improvement enhances comfort, efficiency, and speed in achieving the organization's mission.
