AR app:

The main issue for users is a tool that works in nature.  They need something handheld that can access ecology info even in remote locations.  The ability to access remote rural networks like 3G/4G and where available 5G is important.

An important feature of this app is that it can be used across devices.  Users want to use the app on their iPad and on their mobile.  They also need to be able to use it internationally.  The design should include this flexibility.

The app prototype needs to allow the user to test the Lidar Camera to get the full AR experience.  This means that perhaps the AR/Lidar camera section of the app needs to be built first ( the Minimum Viable Product of the feature) so it can be tested in a habitat.  The journal and other aspects of the app can be prototyped in a regular prototyping tool.

Integration with  Special Area's of Conservation (SAC) and other protected habitat areas is  important for users.  This would have to be investigated in terms of existing GIS digital resources that could be synched with so that the most up to date and scientifically accurate data is curated for the app.

This issue ties in the synching of devices many users said it was very important they could use the app on their iPad when they were at home after their exploration or field work.  They would want to write up their experiences and information from the day and would need the iPad with the drawing feature to document/draw/write about their findings.  Designing a mobile responsive app is imperative.

It does not have to be part of the Minimum Viable Product but Social Media sharing abilities seem to be important for the users and it could increase the popularity of the app with younger users.

Saving files to the Cloud would be a future development that would ensure large files don't hamper the app performance but building the AR camera and journal are the important first steps to get right.  File size may be an issue but this can only be tested when the first prototype is built.  Also to increase the audience a design for an Android device with a Lidar camera would also be a future development.

1) I created a usability test with 10 separate questions and several steps or parts within each question, 

2) The questions and prototype were developed and deployed online for a remote usability test, 

3) Specific testers were recruited based on the key persona attributes: 

• Female,
• Interested in nature/outdoors,
• Wants to learn about science & ecology,

4) The usability tests were recorded and analysed, a clip is shown.  

The analysis was conducted in 3 stages:

1) The Issues were recorded and prioritized,

2) For each problem recorded during the usability test, one or more solutions/ideas were generated,

3) Next, these solutions were ranked based on the solutions effectiveness, complexity and cost-benefit (where applicable),

4) Some of the design updates are detailed below.