Summary

During a previous data analysis study, our team discovered that users frequently used functions such as "Enter Device Homepage," "Start Cleaning," "Return to Base," and "Pause/Resume Cleaning." Notably, the "Enter Device Homepage" button was clicked over 2 million times.

By designing the widget feature, we aim to provide users with a quick and easy tool to access these high-frequency functions more efficiently.

The highlight of this project is how we define different user scenarios based on the user problem we obtained from early research, and provide different solutions for each scenario, but also keep the consistency within the feature.

During a previous data analysis study, our team discovered that users frequently used functions such as "Enter Device Homepage," "Start Cleaning," "Return to Base," and "Pause/Resume Cleaning." Notably, the "Enter Device Homepage" button was clicked over 2 million times.

By designing the widget feature, we aim to provide users with a quick and easy tool to access these high-frequency functions more efficiently.

The highlight of this project is how we define different user scenarios based on the user problem we obtained from early research, and provide different solutions for each scenario, but also keep the consistency within the feature.

Early Research Findings

Obtain the pain points from user study

  1. In early user research focused on Q&A sessions, we discovered that 1/8 participants used desktop widgets, while 3/8 participants used the "minus one" screen widgets. Overall, the demand for widgets was relatively low.

  1. Users mainly wanted to reduce steps and access information quickly. For the "minus one" screen, they preferred widgets that display key information directly, minimizing the need to open an app and perform additional actions.

  1. Users also wanted widgets to use minimal space on the desktop, preferring compact designs. However, for the "minus one" screen, they were more open to larger widget displays.

  1. Only 2/8 participants showed interest in voice assistants, mainly to reduce steps for elderly users. However, they had concerns about voice recognition accuracy, especially with regional dialects.

User expectations and needs for Narwal widget

Expectations:

Widgets allow for basic control of the Narwal vacuuming robot.

Widgets display real-time Narwal vacuuming robot status.

Needs:

The core need is to perform certain operations without opening the app, reducing clicks and simplifying access to information.

  • Feedback 01

    "It just needs to have basic functions, like starting, mode switching, and return to base."

    Ms. Kate, Longgang

  • Feedback 02

    "It would be nice to have it. I might place it on my home screen, so I wouldn't need to open the app every day, saving a few steps."

    Mr. Lin, Guangzhou

  • Feedback 03

    "It would be great if there was a small map display, so when I'm not home, I can check how the robot is running and if it's encountered any issues."

    Ms. Zeng, Longgang

  • Feedback 04

    "It would be helpful if the widget could directly display and alert malfunctions on the home screen. Currently, I still need to pull down to see notifications."

    Mr. Lin, Guangzhou

Target User

Target user :

APP users with clear needs for widget functionalities.

Key needs :

  1. Quick access to APP features

  2. Quickly check the robot's status

  3. Do not occupy screen space

User characteristics :

  1. Familiar with using the APP

  2. Familiar with the robot's functions

  3. Familiar with using widgets

Widget goal

Meeting User Needs

Quick access

Fast info check

Minimal screen space

Core functionalities upfront

Faster access to key features

Enhance user reliance

Product Concept

Intelligent

Simple

User-friendly

Competitive Analysis

By conducting research and analysis on widgets for new energy, smart home, vacuum robots, and emotional support categories, we extracted the common framework and business advantages of widget products.

Define widget scope

Discussion 1

How do we balance between functionality and size？

( Why do we provide different functionalities and sizes to users for widgets？)

Solution :

Giving users more choices is better than giving them no choice at all.

We confirmed the functionality and number of widgets by referring to the general widget guidelines for app widgets and Apple design guidelines.

We confirmed the functionality and number of widgets by referring to the general widget guidelines for app widgets and Apple design guidelines.

Conclusion :

We will offer users 4 types of widgets, corresponding to the 4 core functionalities of the app. At the same time, the widget sizes must be sensitive to the space available on users’ phone home screens. Therefore, under the premise of ensuring functionality and visibility, we will provide multiple sizes to meet users’ screen layout needs.

Discussion 2

Do we need a comprehensive, all-in-one widget that allows full user customization？

Solution :

We still rely on app widgets and Apple design guidelines to determine the approach.

We still rely on app widgets and Apple design guidelines to determine the approach.

Conclusion :

A large widget might take up too much space and reduce user interest. While adding more features is an option, we can launch the core features first and decide on future updates based on usage.

A large widget might take up too much space and reduce user interest. While adding more features is an option, we can launch the core features first and decide on future updates based on usage.

Defining Widget Functionality and Exploring Design

9:41

Search

Maps

Health

Wallet

Settings

Mail

Notes

Reminders

12

6

1

7

2

8

3

9

4

10

5

11

Clock

FaceTime

MON

7

Calendar

Photos

Camera

Weather

Sonoma

76°

Sunny

H:88° L:57°

云鲸智能

Defining Widget Functionality

The Narwal app has four main pages, and we designed widgets based on the core functions of each page.

Robot Cleaning Status

Core Functions & Information

Start Cleaning

Control Device Functions

View Device Status

Monitor Task Progress and Results

Design Strategy

For cleaning, users really care about starting, tracking, and reviewing cleaning tasks, so this widget focuses on showing the cleaning process. It includes key elements like task start, progress, and results. 

Start

Progresss

Result

Device homepage

Core Functions & Information

Access Quick Commands

View Device Status

Design Strategy

Quick commands meet users' custom cleaning needs as they become familiar with the device, fitting well within widget functionality.


Device homepage

Setup page

Scheduled Cleaning Tasks

Core Functions & Information

View Scheduled Tasks

View Task Completion Status

Design Strategy

The widget uses a calendar view for scheduled tasks, providing a simple list to help users track completion without manual input.

Device homepage

Scheduled Cleaning Tasks

Journey Page

Core Functions & Information

View Cumulative Task Data

View Cleaning Data by Time Period

Design Strategy

This widget shows cumulative cleaning stats and weekly trends in a bar chart, allowing users to see cleaning activity highs and lows.

Device homepage

Journey Page

Design System