AI-integrated Islamic app
An mobile app for the novice internet users, individual with limited digital literacy who experience difficulties using technologies.
My Role
Solo UX Design Engineer
Tools
Figma & React Native
Project Duration
June 2022 - Present
Overview
As a Muslim and the daughter of a novice internet user, I have recognized the gap in the market for an app that addresses the needs of Muslims like my mother, who have limited digital literacy and experience difficulties using technologies. That's how the idea of my Islamic mobile app was born. The app is integrated with artificial intelligence to assist users to practice their faith with ease.
Problem
Existing Islamic apps are not tailored to novice internet users, who have limited digital literacy, which makes it difficult for these users to access digital information.
Goal
The goal is to develop an artificial intelligence integrated Islamic mobile app that is tailored to the needs of novice internet users, making it easy to access religious information.
Features & Technologies
- Onboarding process: A guided process to help new users set up and use the app.
- Virtual assistant: An AI-powered assistant to help users navigate the app and learn about Islam.
- Multi-language support: Supporting multiple languages for users from different backgrounds.
- Prayer time: Showing accurate prayer times for the user's location.
- Qibla direction: Providing the direction of Qibla for the user's location.
- Salah guide: Offering a guide to help the user perform their prayers correctly.
Understanding The Current User
I was able to conduct a total of 20 insights of existing Islamic app users; 5 user interviews and 15 user surveys. Some of my findings are represented below:
- Many users felt that the apps were useful and convenient for tracking their daily prayers and staying connected to their faith.
- Some users reported that the apps were difficult to navigate or lacked certain features they wanted.
- A few users mentioned that they were frustrated by the presence of ads in the free versions of the apps.
These insights helped me to understand the strengths and weaknesses of existing apps, and identify opportunities for improvement in my own app.
Who are the novice internet users
Novice internet users are the people around the world who experience low digital confidence usually due to low digital literacy. I am sure you have encountered a novice user before if it is an elderly relative asking your assistance on resetting their iPad. It is predicted that by 2025, a billion more people will start using a smartphone for the first time. These novice users will want to use their devices to their full potential, for purposes such as accessing information, entertainment, empowerment, convenience, and connecting with global community.
How are those users different
Comparative Analysis
I conducted a comparative analysis of existing Islamic apps (Muslim Pro, Muslim Mate, and Athan) in order to identify their best and unique features.
I created a Venn diagram to visualize the similarities and differences between the apps and used this information to identify most used features.
50 Feature Idea Wall
Key Features
After conducting thorough research and brainstorming 50 different ideas, I have narrowed down the features to serve my target users. The features that I have chosen for the app are: Prayer time, Qibla direction, Salah guide, Virtual assistant, and Multi-language support. By incorporating the features that users want and need, I aim to create an app that is useful, convenient, and user-friendly.
Focus Area for This case study
Based on my understanding and analysis of both primary and secondary research. I have identified several areas for improvement that will make this app more accessible and user-friendly for the users. These focus areas include: Onboarding, Navigation, Language, Virtual Assistance, and visuals.
Sketch
Information Architecture
Now that I have a clear vision of the features of the app. I have decided to use a linear navigation structure to make it easier for users to follow and understand. This is because tree structure navigation can be challenging for novice users, so I have avoided this complexity in order to create a user-friendly app.
Home Screen Wireframe
Chatbot Screen Wireframe
Feature Screen Wireframes
Next steps
- Usability Testing: Usability testing is in progress, will be reported once completed.
- Hi-Fi Prototype: Once the usability testing is complete, results will be used to refine the design.
- Development: App will be built in react native for cross platforms. The goal is to get the Minimum Viable Product launched after hi-fi prototype completion.
Let’s connect!
I am not an expert, my goal is to make technology accessible and inclusive for everyone worldwide. If you have any feedback and constructive criticism, please send me a message, email or connect via Linkedin; any and all feedback and criticism will be highly appreciated and aid in improving the app.
Thank you for taking the time to read the case study.
