Information Architecture Usability Insights

The Information Architecture updates project involves relocating frequently used features such as Messages and updating the primary nav to accommodate the PLG direction and improve feature discoverability.

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The goal is to identify any usability issues to mitigate any design-related risks.

Goal

IA Updates Usability Reports: [link removed]

Nick - Miniware Founder

About

• 4 participants
• Interview date: May 15 - May 26
• Interview duration: 45-60 min
• Rewards: $100 Visa eGiftcard
• Methodology: Task-based; interactive prototype

“I like it overall. It goes back to the original (referring to the old UI) but it organizes in a way that makes more sense.”

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Link removed - Go to 40:07

Feedback

“I could tell this is heading toward simplicity. I could see that it’s narrowing things down and making it more accessible.”

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Link removed - Go to 32:36

“I like it overall. It organizes in a way that makes more sense.”

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Link removed - Go to 40:07

Feedback

“I could tell this is heading toward simplicity. I could see that it’s narrowing things down and making it more accessible.”

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Link removed- Go to 32:36

• There are no severe usability issues
• The feedback for the Messages drawer and the Overview page is highly positive
• The Information Architecture aligns with our client's mental model. Can proceed with the current wireframe with high confidence

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TL;DR

• 5.5 is the average ease of use score (1 being the hardest, 7 being the easiest)
• The Overview page is valuable because it makes high-level business financial data more accessible
• The Message drawer is useful as it allows our clients to stay on their current page
• 1 client is unable to find the Message button without prompt
• The label “Manage My Books” has mixed feedback. The positive is that clients understand book related tasks are there. The negative is the wording. It sounds like Bench is telling him to do the work instead (1 client)

Summary

• Better 1099 overall support and clarity. Low confidence about the accuracy
• Cost: An account that has a low number of transactions should be cheaper. The customer suggests $100 - $150
• For an account that has been on “auto-pilot”, the cost should be lower because it is so automated
• Response time from the support team can be improved

Non IA Updates Feedback

• Add Android mobile app
• 1 client prefers a to-do list style where he can go there whenever he has time to complete those requested tasks
• The Notifications drawer is a slight improvement but the client feels there is still a lot of jumping around
• The client suggests differentiating between tasks that “I have to do” vs “Bench has to do”
• Documents:
• Add Preview (Context is more important than date)
• Add Gallery view

Non IA Updates Feedback

• Messages:
• Threads (reduce scrolling and easy to track)
• Introduce pinned or saved (hard to find Bookkeeper’s recommendation if the message is sent months ago)
• Add more visual separation of non-action-based content from Bench
• All message looks the same without an embedded link

Non IA Updates Feedback

“The primary selling point for you guys actually is the chat, because every accounting software is going to show me whether or not my books are up to date what the transactions are. Being able to talk to a real person whenever I want is enormous”

• Financial Insights:
• Financial Insights such as forecasting, and business financial health are highly desirable
• Use more data visualization to summarize business finance data. It is easier to understand. For example, a pie chart to visualize expenses
• YoY comparison
• Improve Income Statement visual hierarchy

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Non IA Updates Feedback

• Simplify Book Status

Non IA Updates Feedback

“As the business owner, I don’t necessarily care about the status of my bookkeeping unless I have to do something or it’s done.”

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