-Why do we test?
Because we aren't the actual user, you can't assume you know everything therefore you need to test it out to other people, the more variables the more data.

-What you need for a test:
Your prototype, test plan, Users, Location, Documentation

-Test plan, what are you asking them to do/find?
Build up specific tasks for them to complete

Test the design, not the user

QUESTIONS:

1- What do you think about the jar system?

2- What can I do to make the purpose of the app clearer through my design choices?

3- What changes could be made in the questionnaire when creating a profile?

4- Do you think the activities are fitting for the idea? What can be added or taken out/ changed?

5- As a user, what would you want to put in your bio and what information would you want to see in other Users profiles?

6- What criteria’s should be considered when matching profiles?

7- How can I create a more efficient reward system?

8- Do you have any extra comments?

TESTER: TARA (MY FRIEND)

- 19 YEARS OLD
- EXPAT
- STUDENT

Tara:

- I like the idea of it. However, since you are trying to make people go outside, maybe a jar is not the best choice!

- For me, a jar represents being closed off and trapped. I don’t want to be closed off when I travel to a new country. I want to be social and I want this app to make me want to be social!

- On the other hand, I liked the capsules you used for the survey. They make it clear that you are supposed to insert an answer.

1- What do you think about the jar system?

Changes:

- I kept the capsules for texts but made them feel more "airy" by only keeping the outlines and leaving the space completely empty.

- I also used Poppins Semi Bold font throughout the entire app because its more fun, playful and bold.


- I asked for her help in finding a new system to replace the jar and she gave me the idea to design a page with Amsterdam apartments. Each time you finish a route, a building appears. This represents you getting more and more familiar with the city. It’s outdoors and not in any way makes you feel trapped. ( Amsterdam is the mainland so the apartments not only stands for Amsterdam they also represents the rest of the cities.)

2- What can I do to make the purpose of the app clearer through my design choices?

Tara:

- The shade of green you used in the background doesn’t necessarily make my wanna go outside. It more so makes me want to stay inside.

- As a user, I would want this app to make me feel excited to go outdoors, so maybe you can make the design feel more “open”.

- I like the vibe you created at the beginning. The intro is young, fun and dynamic. Your purpose shines through it. I think you should continue with that aesthetic throughout the entire app.

- Continue using actual photos from the Netherlands in the background. It makes me want to explore and step outside. I don’t want to miss out!

Changes:

- I continued using actual photos for the background.

3- What changes could be made in the questionnaire when creating a profile?

Tara:

- Take out the pet and kids question. Its not necessary information
ADD:
* what languages do you speak?
* what is your major? (if they are a student)

Tara:

- I think the mountain biking option is a little bit confusing.

- You’re trying to make people explore the city while socializing and having fun. Realistically, how many people are going to go mountain climbing?
Its not an activity that connects expats to the city. It isolates you from the rest of the population.

Changes:

- I removed the 2 questions Tara mentioned and added the school questions for students.

4- Do you think the activities are fitting for the idea? What can be added or taken out/ changed?

Changes:

After talking to my uncle, I decided to eliminate mountain biking. He agreed with Tara’s comment. So I taught, if even a mountain biker says it wouldn’t be his first option, it was best if I focused on more laid back activities like running, walking and bike touring.

After this comment, I wanted to hear an actual mountain bikers opinion.
So I decided to find another tester for this part.
Luckily, my uncle ( 38 yrs old ) is an expert at extreme sports. ( He was also an expat for 7 years in New York)

5- As a user, what would you want to put in your bio and what information would you want to see in other users profiles?

Tara:

- where are you from?
- what languages do you speak?
- are you a student?
- where do you study?
- what do you study?

- A small space for people to write whatever they want about themselves. Makes it feel real and genuine!

- I think these are the basics a bio should provide. They are also great conversation starters!

- I think you should add buttons that connect to other social media platforms like Instagram. This way users can have a better idea of who this person is.

Before

After

6- What criteria’s should be considered when matching profiles?

Tara:

- Location
- Age
- School
- Language

I dont think nationality should be a criteria. Its very limiting.

7- How can I create a more efficient reward system?

Tara:

- Tara agreed that wanting to complete something makes customers want to come back.

- For reference; there is this ice cream shop in our city that has a stamping system. Each time you buy an ice cream you get a stamp. When you collect 10 stamps, you get one free ice cream. Our friends get very excited about this. They have the means to buy an ice cream, they don’t need to get it for free, but the concept is fun therefore the ice cream shop has many returning costumers.

Tara gave me the great idea to visualise this system with the city skyline.

- I drew some popular structures in Rotterdam and placed them all together:

when you first download the app

the completed city sky-line

Since this interface is just an idea, I taught “why not think more freely?”

The concept:
The Stroop app has a deal with the most popular cafe at the central of every city. Each time a structure gets filled in, users earn a free order ( a free drink and a stroopwafel) from the cafe. The more actively users use Stroop, the faster their skyline gets colored. The cafes will have a sign showing they are collaborating with Stroop. This not only benefits the users, its also free advertisement and a great way to gain costumers for the cafes.

a free order

Tara:

- The color is too dark & pessimistic
- Make the design feel more airy and fresh

Tara said;
When I first traveled alone to live in a foreign country, everything already felt very structured and this made me stressed. The last thing I would have wanted was more rules and formality. I think you can make the design feel less analytical and more “free”.

- I liked the stroopwaffle in the logo. Its fun and cute.
I enjoyed seeing illustrations in the city picking page. I liked the vibrant colors and the postal card idea! They also make the options more straightforward and clear.


- when a user decides to go on a stroop route, the app should ask : “Want company today? - Yes or No- “. If Yes, it starts showing you profiles. You can favorite the profiles you like but the other person doesn’t get a notification that you did that. That profile gets saved to your library so you can start a conversation later or right away. If you press No, it takes you to the activities page.

8- Do you have any extra comments?

when you add someone this is what you see as their profile

vol 2

Kimmy:

- Less lines
- Items align
- Stroop connect
- City postal cards change