Overview
Pnyx is a WordPress plugin that allows users to create polls in less than 5 minutes. The plugin was developed based on open-source projects and will be shared with the public as a free solution as well. The overall goal of this project was to create a compelling design: charts displaying voting results, world maps with smart geolocation result presentation, animated countdown clocks, and a redesign to the backend user interface to improve the experience of creating polls.
Role
UX Lead
Client
Responsibilities
- Research
- Business Requirements
- Feature Design
- User Interface Design
- User Interface Back Office Design
- Usability Testing
- Team Management
Process
We conducted several stakeholder interviews to understand v2Gov's primary purpose and its role for Motor Vehicle Software Corporation’s (MVSC) business.
We needed to present a solution that would fit the following criteria:
- Offer exciting engagement for users that would not require additional employment for site operation.
- Increase the frequency of the content to share on social media channels to build solid cadence.
- Ensure that the solution could be successfully used by creative writers.
- No extra budget would be available for the site's operational cost.
Research
Google Analytics data was provided by the marketing department and I submitted a Research Proposal to obtain additional insights and further validate what was felt to be the most promising aspects of the project. The results of our research indicated that a polling solution would indeed increase the user engagement period with the site, as well as improve site conversion rates from direct users and those who came from social media channels.
Project Scope
Based on improvements we identified during discovery, we formulated problems that we planned to address in the minimum viable product.
| Deliverables | |
|---|---|
| WP Admin redesign | WordPress plugin with improved backend user interface |
| WP Poll’s feature design | Poll’s types as classic poll (with embedded media, text only, video content), battle (with integrated media, text only, video content) |
| WP version compatibility | Value proposition (offer or redirect link with a customized message displayed based on the user’s answer) |
| Theme customization for v2Gov | Poll's features for polling results display animated charts, clock down, three maps showing vote’s region based on API user’s geolocation |
| Testing & iteration phase | Conduct usability testing and to improve usability based on testing results |
Information Architecture
After collecting business requirements for the desired process, we created an application architecture and basic wireframes.
User Flows
I created user flow cases to review with the WordPress developer. This is an example of the initial flow for adding a new poll:
Wireframes
We ran usability testing on several versions of low-fidelity wireframes. Prototyping and usability testing were done in Adobe XD.
Prototyping
After wireframe analysis, we created a high-fidelity prototype in Adobe Illustrator and ran the demo for the direct stakeholders of the project.
Simplifying Backend User Interface
We ran usability testing on several versions of low-fidelity wireframes for the Pnyx Administration page to reorganize the form’s sections and fields. We also simplified the overall visual load. The idea behind this task was to make the Pnyx polling solution accessible for professionals with medium computer literacy level and skills.
Iterations
In this phase of the application, we developed a WordPress plugin using PHP. A creative writer can independently create and publish a poll, edit or customize it, schedule the publishing, and generate reports on polling results. We are testing the solution and adding additional features for the version that will soon be available for the public.
Solution
We have incorporated the plugin to the v2Gov website, customized an admin web interface, and provided a user guide to the site’s creative team. The polling solution has increased conversion and successfully lengthened the time users spend on the site. Pnyx will be available to the public in 2020 after acquiring publishing approval from the WordPress platform.