For my Enterprise Focus Module, we had to create a business idea along with a plan and branding for the idea. I decided to create an idea called 'You2', which is a personal voice activated assistant. The full Business Plan can be found at the bottom of this page.
Project Brief
The project outline was given to use by our lecturers as follows:
As part of the module you are required to develop a model business plan for a business or major project that will prepare you for work within a corporate structure or as a freelance worker.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the DM3105 module, students will be expected to be able to:
a)Develop strategies for maintaining an up-to-date awareness of market developments, new technologies, techniques and best practice
b)Have the ability to use a wide range of market analysis and business tools to develop appropriate business plans
c)Have the ability to devise and implement contingency plans for reasonably foreseeable setbacks that might affect their ability to deliver their work
d)Have the ability to identify, evaluate and comment on the ethical issues related to the design, development and distribution of digital media products in general and in relation to their own work e)Have the ability to anticipate and comply with all relevant legislation concerning the content and accessibility of a digital media artefact
We also had to ensure we had completed the following:
Initial Ideas
I brainstormed ideas to start the project and explore various avenues I could take to create a great software/app.
I decided on the idea below, incorprating all apsects of life many people struggle with daily.
'You2'
Incorporates all potential everyday problems you personally face the most (chooses from time management, stress, traffic, hungover, sleep, sickness)
Personal assistant built in to your phone or on a home device, like Siri but more advanced and knows you and your plans (like your digital self/second you)
The app gathers your personal information and finds your focus areas to help with the most but can also let you know when to leave for work, any plans that overlap and top tips on when to take breaks etc.
Time Mangement
I used 'monday.com' (link below) to manage my time wisely in this project. Below shows a screenshot of how I have used it.
Below is also an easier to view Gnatt Chart for my lecturers benefit and to add to my Research Report. I was able to submit my business idea before the submission date as I kept working to my timeline, so I was up do date continually. Writing the business plan took longer than expected due to the amount of aspects needed, such as the cash flow forecast and profit and loss spreadsheets. Due to having little experience with numbers, I found this part complicated, but with further research, I managed to complete the spreadsheets accurately. My lecturer was able to supply feedback before I submitted the work.
Sketches
I sketched many ideas before creating digitalised versions of the app/software. This enabled me to elaborate on my ideas while I was in the designing stage.
Sketches of the app design
Sketches of the logo/app template designs
Site Map (for the App)
Research
In order to continue with my sketch deisgns, I decided to research into various app designs. I also researched competitors and devised a SWOT and PEST analysis.
Please select the buttons below to go to the specific research section or just scroll through:
I firstly researched into the top app designs for their logos. The logo of an app is important and needs to be kept simple for users to easily notice it.
Below is '13 of the Best App Designs: They’re So (Not) Basic by DZone' (link below). What the apps all have in common is space, organised design and looks fresh.
Below is my competitor research for my Business Plan.
Please see my SWOT Analysis below.
Please see my PEST Analysis below.
Wireframes
I decided to create wireframes for my app so I can work out how the app's user journey and how the pages will link and work together.
I started with creating potential looks for the app's user interface.
Developed Digital Designs
After sketching my ideas, I wanted to ensure it looked good digitally and with added colour.
I started off creating the app logo, being the most important part as it need to attract the user.
I decided the colour blue would work as a theme throughout my app due to it being the most popular amoungst men and women.
I wanted to see what my logo would look like on various screens. As it is an virtual assistant software, downloaded as an app and onto smart devices, it also appears in multiple loctaions of the device so it is easily accessible.
Creating the website was an after thought of mine but I felt it was important to have due to the software being accessible on all smart devices such as computers. Below are my various designs for a front page.
Future Improvements
If I were to continue with the business idea as an actual concept which I could design and develop, I would want to implement a device like my competitors: Amazon Alexa, Apple Home Pod etc.
Final Outcome
I was very pleased with my final outcome, as eventhough it was just an idea, I enjoyed the design process and not having a script guide or specific brief to follow.
I created the final prototype on Adobe XD through the link:
Below is the app in use
I also created the website on Adobe XD.
Here is a video of it in use
I used various software I knew already and have learned from my last 3 years at University. It is important in third year to build on the skills we already know rather than trying to teach ourselves something new. This makes us more advanced in our specific areas of design.
My target market is mainly for those busier than normal people. That may be students, working parents or business people.
