Apple iOS New Features
Apple iOS is a mobile operating system developed by Apple Inc. Known for its mobile devices such as iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. Since its initial release in 2007, along with the original iPhone, iOS has undergone numerous updates and revisions.
Goal
Create an experience that is beneficial and welcomed by Apple users, one that can be seamlessly integrated into the existing framework.
Role:
Product Designer, Visual designer
Tools:
Figma, Figjam, Illustrator & Photoshop
Hats worn:
UX researcher, UX Designer & UI designer
Target Audience
Design an experience for users who value efficiency, intuitive design, and performance. The goal is to integrate smart iOS features that enhance organization, communication, and user control.
Problem to solve
Apple aims to deliver a user-friendly, intuitive experience through innovative hardware, software, and services. To stay ahead in the smartphone market, it must continue to enhance its process automation and allow users to perform basic tasks more efficiently within key areas.
Process
I began by studying Apple iOS, its principles, values, and areas for improvement to ensure the proposed solutions aligned with the company’s design system for smooth integration. Prototypes were created, tested with users, and refined to improve the user experience before final delivery.
User Interview Findings
A data scientist and two students, all iPhone enthusiasts with strong knowledge of the iOS operating system, were interviewed. They expressed a desire for more personalization in the iPhone user experience. Many of their suggestions aligned with my initial hypothesis, indicating that a broader base of iPhone users would likely appreciate these features as well.
Insights into Ideation [Low-Fi]
The interviewees' feedback was synthesized into insights, which were further developed into meta-insights. The JTBD (Jobs To Be Done) framework guided the focus on features that best meet user needs. This feedback directly influenced the sketches.
Three Features to be Implemented
Schedule Message Send on iMessage
Automation enables users to manage tasks more efficiently. A scheduled send feature in iMessage would help users plan ahead and communicate more effectively.
Calls and Messages Reminder
A reminder feature for calls and messages helps users stay organized, reduce stress, and build stronger personal and professional relationships.
Add and Remove Photos on iCloud
Enables users to manage iCloud photos and videos directly in the Photos app, offering greater control over media storage.
Testing and Iteration [Mid-Fi]
During testing, interviewees recommended combining the typed scheduled message and time on a single screen. They also found it difficult to identify which phone number had a set reminder. Both issues were resolved in the final prototype.
Final Solution
The three selected features were prototypes to visualize the experience, and each screen is well-detailed and explained.
FEATURE 1
⏲️Schedule message send
This screen showcases how an Apple user schedules a message to be sent.
Users interviewed regarding the proposed new feature believe they will find schedule send within send with effect.
❌Delete scheduled message
This screen showcases how an Apple iOS user schedules a message to be sent.
The schedule sent is housed within send with effect because users interviewed concerning the proposed new feature assume they will find It there.
FEATURE 2
⏰Set a reminder to call or message
This screen showcases how an Apple iOS user sets a reminder on a contact to call at a particular time.
Users can access this feature from Contacts or Recents to set a reminder on any contact. The good thing about this feature is that it follows the same flow an iOS user will take when setting an alarm.
⏰How a set call reminder notification comes on
A reminder icon appears beside contacts with a reminder, indicating an active reminder.
This feature ensures the user does not forget the reason for the call by displaying the note added when setting up the reminder.
FEATURE 3
➖Remove photos on iCloud
This iOS feature lets users access iCloud pictures from photos
The screen shows how users remove unwanted pictures from iCloud.
➕Add photos on iCloud
When a picture isn’t saved to iCloud, users are aware.
Adding pictures to iCloud photos is demonstrated on this screen.
Outcomes
The project was successful, as users felt the added features integrated seamlessly with Apple’s existing iOS design. Eighty-five percent found the features useful, especially the “Schedule Send” option, which was initially proposed in 2022. This design idea was later adopted by Apple in 2024 as “Send Later.” The project showcases my forward-thinking approach to user experience design.
Key Learnings
Users often have deeper insights into product features than expected, making them valuable assets in research and testing.
Having users walk you through a product is a powerful way to uncover meaningful feedback and improve the design.
