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An iMessage app that allows users to create event invites that can be sent through text messages.
*Concept created prior to the release of the Apple Invites app.
Concept Ideation
Challenge
Idea
These days, texting messaging is the primary form of communication for most people. iNvite is an iMessage App that allows partygoers to create and organize events directly through iMessage. This will create a more streamlined process, wherby, users can access and create events directly through iMessage without having to switch platforms. Invite provides all the features of other party planning platforms, plus additional tools to enhance the experience.
Notable Features
Access to iNvite is in the same location as the rest of the iMessage apps.
This allows users to quickly understand its location, reducing the possibility of frustration trying to find the app.
Colors and layout of iNvite are consistent throughout the app and with iMessage features.
This allows the users to predict how the interface will behave, which improves usability and reduces confusion.
iNvite includes the same design features and interactions of iMessage.
Users can quickly learn the layout and functionality, helping them feel more comfortable using the app.
iNvite colors create visual hierarchy by highlighting key components and guiding user attention.
Elements such as call-to-action buttons draw the eye and encourage interaction.
Customization features allow users to add personal details to their iNvites.
This enhances their sense of control over the interface and creates a more satisfying and fun experience.
iNvite contains elements such as greyed-out buttons and highlighted features which indicate active and inactive capabilities.
These design features create clear communication and signal system status helping users easily maneuver through the interface without confusion.
Process
Research
The first step in the process was researching the capabilities of iMessage. Currently, the only way to create an event is to text the details of the event. The user can individually click the details within a text and interact with them. Interaction examples include: Clicking on the date and creating an event that would be added to your Apple calendar and clicking on the location, which takes you to Apple Maps to get directions. Android devices have a similar function.
Interviews
Following the research, I began the interview process. I interviewed people of all ages that use iPhones. I did not feel that the targeted user needed to be that specific. The main criteria I felt was necessary was the following:
- The user needs to have an iPhone and use iMessage.
- The user needs to create and/or receive digital event invites.
When developing the questions for the interviews, I focused on the following parameters:
- Mix open-ended and closed-ended questions to obtain a wide range of data, but prioritize qualitative insights.
- Ensure questions are neutral to avoid biasing responses.
- Frame the questions to understand user needs, behaviors, and pain points.
- Tailor questions to specific tasks or experiences to help gather actionable insights rather than vague feedback.
The following highlights key questions, responses, and features implemented in response to the feedback received:
- Response: I like how iMessage integrates with other Apple apps like Apple Music and Maps, like I can share songs or my location without leaving the the text. Super easy and convenient.
Seamless Integration
- Response: I like things like sending images, videos, and emojis through text messages. It makes it fun and interactive.
Customization
- Response: Sometimes email invites can be packed with too much info, making it hard to find the basic information, like time and location.
Concise and Responsive Design
The design of the iNvite text bubbles only include the essentials, such as time and location; however, if you click on it, it reveals additional information such as invitees, responses, etc.
Wireframes, Testing, and Redesigns
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- Issues understanding how to add additional details and how to send the iNvites once they are complete
- Accidental cancellations of the iNvites due to the proximity of the additional information button to the cancel button
Issues Understanding Additional Details and Sending
In early designs, I used symbols for certain actions to reduce clutter in the design; however, if the user does not understand the symbols, it increases frustration while using the app. The exhibit below shows how I redesigned the interface by eliminating symbols to better clarify functionality.
- The additional information button was changed from a "+" symbol to a "More" button
- The send button was changed from a blue arrow (chosen to be similar to the send button in iMessage) to a blue "Send" button
Original
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Revised
Issues with Cancellations
The redesigns identified above also affected the redesigns I had planned for the cancellation issue. I redesigned the interface by adding a greyed out “Complete” button to screens that are not complete and moved the cancel button away from the additional details button. The complete button eventually becomes active and turns into a Send button when the iNvite is ready to send. This redesign allows for the following improvements:
- It reduces the chances of the user hitting cancel when adding more details and reduces the chances of the user accidentally cancelling the event in general.
- By adding a greyed out “Complete” button, it allows the user to understand when enough information has been entered for the event to be complete.
- It is an efficient use of space by using the same button for multiple actions.
Original
Revised
Branding
Name and Logo
The name iNvite defines its function and the use of the lower case "i" creates consistency with the Apple brand. The logo is an envelope overlapping a calendar to represent the elements associated with the the app. The minimalist design of the logo and the simplicity of the name will make the branding easy to recognize and reproduce.
Colors and Typeface
The same colors for iMessage are used for iNvite. This consistent color scheme not only enhances user familiarity, but again reinforces brand identity across Apple's ecosystem. By maintaining a cohesive visual language, users can enjoy a seamless experience when transitioning between iMessage and iNvite.
SF Pro typeface is used throughout the application. The sans serif typeface is used for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. Like the colors, the conforming typeface will aid in integrating the application into the iOS family.
Components
Components such as the the iNvite text bubbles also have design features, such as color, shape, and font that conform with iMessage. However, features like the calendar icon and customization area will allow it to stand out, making it easy to locate within conversations.
Final Product
Access to iNvite
iMessage
Inputing Details and Customization
Finalize and Send
Interaction Capabilities
Prototype
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The prototype was created with Figma and has limited functionality. General capabilities are demonstrated in the Final Product screens above. Although Figma will guide you through capabilities with error signals, a guide has been provided below which walks you through a task, should you need it.
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