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Unlock Rewards, One Ad at a Time
Overview
As a UX Research Intern at AdGives, I worked on improving the app’s user experience by conducting in-depth research and analysis. AdGives is a reward-based platform where users earn money or rewards by watching ads. The goal of the project was to optimize user engagement, improve app usability, and align rewards with user expectations, all while ensuring the app’s features remained intuitive and user-friendly.
Key objective
- ENHANCE USER ENGAGEMENT:
Increase the time users spend watching ads and improve the overall interaction experience with the app. - IMPROVE USABILITY
Simplify navigation and ensure users can easily track their earnings and find relevant ad content. - ALIGN REWARDS WITH EFFORT
Ensure that users feel adequately rewarded for their time spent watching ads, boosting retention and satisfaction.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
- Low Engagement with Ads:
Many users felt that the ads were too long and frequent, leading to frustration and disengagement. Users were not motivated to fully watch the ads, which impacted their overall experience and the effectiveness of the platform. - Confusing navigation:
Users struggled to navigate the app, particularly when tracking their earnings or locating specific types of ads. The complex interface caused frustration and contributed to users abandoning the app after a short period of use. - unclear reward system:
How can I effectively highlight my design rationale, key decisions, and problem-solving approach when presenting my portfolio to potential employers? What storytelling techniques should I use? - irrelevant ad content:
The ads presented were often not aligned with users’ interests. This lack of personalization reduced the perceived value of the ads, further discouraging continued use of the app. These problems collectively led to declining user retention, as users found the experience unrewarding and the effort required did not justify the benefits gained. The challenge was to optimize these aspects to retain users and keep them engaged with the platform.
Time Duration
19
Weeks
Tools
USER INTERVIEW
During my UX Researcher internship at AdGives, I traveled extensively between universities, conducting over 1,000 user interviews to explore whether there was a genuine need for the platform and to assess college students' willingness to watch ads for money. These interviews provided critical insights into user behavior, preferences, and pain points, which allowed me to uncover the specific conditions under which students would engage with the platform. This comprehensive research led to significant innovations within the company, including refining the app’s features and optimizing its user experience to better align with the needs and expectations of its target audience. My efforts contributed to creating a more user-centric product, ultimately enhancing its appeal and functionality.
Survey Questions
USER Persona
olivia martinez
Marketing
About
Age: 20
University: NYU
Major: Marketing
Background
Junior student actively involved in campus activities and social clubs.
Goals
Wants to find flexible ways to earn extra income without interfering with her busy schedule.
Motivation
Interested in rewards that can be converted to real cash or discounts on favorite brands.
Frustrations
Dislikes lengthy ads and prefers quick, engaging content that aligns with her interests.
Technology Usage
Dislikes lengthy ads and prefers quick, engaging content that aligns with her interests.
ameer reqez
Software Engineer
About
Age: 23
University: Rutgers University - New Brunswick
Major: Computer Science
Background
Senior student focused on academics, involved in coding clubs, and part-time developer.
Goals
Wants to maximize his earning potential in a short amount of time. Prefers apps that have a clear and transparent reward system.
Motivations
Attracted to apps with customization features and real-time data analytics on earnings.
Frustrations
Finds current reward systems confusing and feels the app UI is cluttered.
Technology Usage
Advanced user, constantly looks for optimized solutions and productivity apps.
mia patel
Graphic Designer
About
Age: 19
University: Parsons School of Design
Major: Graphic Design
Background
Advanced user, constantly looks for optimized solutions and productivity apps.
Goals
Seeks platforms that offer more personalized ad content related to design and art.
Motivations
Attracted to apps with customization features and real-time data analytics on earnings.
Frustrations
Dislikes irrelevant ads and finds the reward-for-ad model outdated if not properly incentivized.
Technology Usage
Frequently uses design tools and apps. Prefers visually appealing and well-structured apps.
aiden thompson
Mechanical Engineer
About
Age: 21
University: NJIT
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Goals
Junior student who is also an athlete. Has a part-time job as a tutor.
Goals
Wants to make some side income during his downtime but prefers apps that require minimal engagement.
Motivations
Attracted to clear, straightforward earning opportunities that don't require much time commitment.
Frustrations
Finds the app engagement requirements too high for minimal rewards.
Technology Usage
Uses apps that help with productivity and fitness. Values easy-to-navigate interfaces.
sofia rivera
Sociologist
About
Age: 19
University: Rutgers University - New Brunswick
Major: Sociology
Background
Sophomore student who is highly engaged in social justice causes.
Goals
Prefers apps that provide an option to donate rewards to charities.
Motivations
Attracted to platforms that offer robust privacy protections and minimal ad tracking.
Frustrations
Unhappy with the lack of diversity in the content of ads presented.
Technology Usage
Uses security-focused apps and tools, prefers apps that prioritize privacy.
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alex parker
cybersecurity
About
Age: 22
University: NJIT
Major: Cybersecurity
Background
Final-year student with a focus on cybersecurity and data privacy.
Goals
Interested in apps that respect user data and provide transparent data usage policies..
Motivations
Attracted to platforms that offer robust privacy protections and minimal ad tracking.
Frustrations
Concerned about privacy and the potential misuse of data collected by the app.
PersonalityTechnology Usage
Uses security-focused apps and tools, prefers apps that prioritize privacy.
Empathy Map
Say
I need quick ways to earn extra cash." "These ads need to be more engaging and less annoying.
things
Is this worth my time?" "I wish the ads were more aligned with my interests.
does
Skips ads frequently, checks out reward status often, shares interesting ads with friends.
feels
Frustrated with long ads, but curious about more targeted content. Motivated to earn rewards but seeks value for time invested.
Say
The reward system is not clear." "How do I optimize my time here?
things
There must be a way to make this more efficient." "I wish I could customize the ads I see.
does
Analyzes app performance, often switches between tasks, searches for optimization hacks online.
feels
Annoyed by cluttered UI, intrigued by the potential to earn, skeptical of the app’s effectiveness.
Say
I love apps that are visually appealing." "Why are these ads so generic?
things
I wish I could see more creative or design-focused ads." "This could be a source of inspiration if done right.
does
Engages with ads that are visually interesting, skips irrelevant ads, explores app aesthetics.
feels
Frustrated by lack of creative content, interested when ads are relevant and engaging.
Say
I don't have time for lengthy ads." "Just give me my rewards quickly.
things
Can I do something else while these ads play?" "I need a straightforward app experience.
does
Multi-tasks while ads play, checks app less frequently, focuses on quick interactions.
feels
Impatient with long ads, appreciates efficiency, feels disengaged with complex interfaces.
Say
I'd love to see more diversity in these ads." "Why not give an option to donate rewards?"
things
This app could do better in representing different communities." "There should be an option for charitable giving.
does
Engages with ads that align with her values, looks for options to support causes, provides feedback on app content.
feels
Unseen by lack of diversity, motivated when ads reflect her values, wishes for more inclusive content.
Say
Is my data safe here?" "I don't like apps that track too much information.
things
How much data is being collected?" "I need more control over privacy settings.
does
Checks privacy settings frequently, avoids engaging with ads that seem invasive, researches app security.
feels
Concerned about data privacy, cautious about sharing personal information, appreciates apps with strong privacy controls.
Mobile Hi-fi
