UX & SYSTEM DESIGN
How might we bring together customers’ most important connections to the forefront of Alexa Echo Show devices to help them coordinate at home and stay in touch?
Role - End to end lead designer ( individual project )
Client - Alexa, Amazon
Define
How might we make it easier for customers to discover who is available for communication on Alexa and thus the communication features?
Customers often do not know which of their contacts are available for communication on Alexa, leading to missed opportunities for connection. This lack of awareness creates friction, as users are not only unsure of who is reachable but are also unaware of Alexa's communication features that could facilitate easier and more spontaneous interactions.
How might we determine users' preferred communication method and enable one-tap connections on Alexa?
Users have different preferences for how they communicate with loved ones, whether through calls, messages, or drop-ins. However, Alexa currently requires multiple steps to initiate these interactions, creating unnecessary friction. By determining each user’s preferred communication method and streamlining the process to allow one-tap connections, Alexa can provide a more personalized and effortless way for users to stay connected with their closest contacts.
Deliver
The solution is a touch experience that is both delightful and easily accessible on devices, visible even while walking by. It offers quick, one-tap actions, where Alexa recognizes the user’s preferred method of communication but remains flexible by providing alternative communication options as needed.
Design
MEDIUM SIZE WIDGET EXPLORATIONS
UTILIZING THE SPACE WHILE KEEPING TAP TARGET AREAS SAFE
TILES AND GRID FOR LARGE SIZE WIDGET
What’s next?
As we expand our communication vision to encompass more channels and contact networks, we envision a future where the Top Connections widget evolves to become an even more integral part of the Alexa experience. The new vision centers around the idea that:
Alexa knows me, my relationships, who I want to communicate with, and the intent of my communication. It helps me achieve this in a better way—faster, more frequently, more confidently, more deeply, more personalized, and with the right tone.
Alexa makes it effortless to connect and coordinate with the world. It assists customers by anticipating their needs, prioritizing their contacts, personalizing interactions, and taking proactive steps to ensure timely and relevant communication.
GOAL OF THE WORKSHOP
I ran a workshop to explore and define how the next iteration of the Top Connections widget could achieve the above new vision. The workshop focused on several key questions:
Initiating Quick Communication: How might the widget make it easier for customers to quickly connect with their Top Connections? What design elements and user flows could reduce friction and make interactions as seamless as possible?
Keeping Users Informed: How can the widget help users stay updated about their loved ones, ensuring they never miss important moments or opportunities to connect?
Enriching Relationships: What features could the widget incorporate to help maintain and strengthen relationships, making interactions more meaningful and personalized?
Deepening Alexa’s Understanding: How can the widget leverage data and user behavior to improve Alexa's understanding of relationships and communication preferences? How might this deeper understanding translate into more timely and relevant information for the user?
Incorporating New Channels: How should the widget be designed to effectively integrate new communication channels like texting and emailing, ensuring they complement the existing voice and video call functionalities?
