Eyeflite - Hands Free VR Software

New Technology / Usability Testing

 

Design Brief

Eyeflite is a start-up company on a mission to make technology and communication more accessible and affordable for individuals with movement disabilities. This dedicated team developed a hands-free virtual reality (VR) software for the Oculus Go headset to give people control of an online environment.

Because they are new to the health/tech space they focused on MVP functionality and getting their product to market, so a majority of my involvement has been around user research and feature testing, as well as crafting their website to launch their product. As time and funding allows, they look forward to continued UI improvements within the software and refining their website.

ROLE:  UX Designer + Researcher, Website + Promotional Materials Designer

TOOLS:  Sketch, InVision, Zeplin, SquareSpace, OculusGo Headset

DELIVERABLES:  Usability Scripts, Icon Library, Research Catalog, Live Website

 
 
 

User Research

After being introduced Ava, Eyeflite’s software, I set out to gather input. Understanding pain points and user needs within Ava would be an important step in refining the product.

I set up research ads on various sites, and ended up with a long list of individuals that were interested in volunteering their time to see a new VR environment.

The team also did lots of research while attending trade shows - this was by far the most valuable research as many of the people trying on the headset had motor limitations, so we could truly get a sense of what did / didn’t work for them - check out the photos below.

 
Interview Script
 
 

I had assumed most users would need an adjustment period within the headset and was pleasantly surprised to realize that most adapted very quickly to the hands-free setting and were excited to explore their environment. There was lots of giggling and exclamations of “oh wow!”.

Some admitted at the end of the 30 minute session they would’ve liked to have spent more time playing around. I concluded a few important things:

  • Users adapted to VR quickly and learned how to operate the software without use of the controller or input from me/someone outside the headset

  • Navigate between features was difficult, and most users requested help locating the navigation bar or asked how to get back to the home screen

  • When told to explore their environment, the features users entered were mainly recreational (web browser, YouTube and games)

  • Varying button styles, text sizes and dark backgrounds caused confusion

 
 
 

“How do I get back to the home screen?”

- Recurring question from first round of interviewees

 
 
 

UI Refresh

 

Based on the confusion of the users during testing, the team determined that an overhaul of the interface was in order. They had seen firsthand how their users were unable to read content, click buttons, and that the overall dark theme was a little intense.

I recommended a Brand Strategy brainstorming session, where the team determined that we needed to simplify the styling and tone down the environment. Our news goals were based on the insights from users:

  • Keep all buttons and fonts consistent

  • Implement a lighter theme, with the option for a dark mode (down the road)

  • And most importantly, keep all UI components visible, no more hidden menus

 
 
 

You need more buttons?

I worked closely with the Eyeflite team to build a user journey flow and ensure users had the tools they needed to navigate around in and enjoy the environment.

Different applications within Ava went through up to 15 rounds of iterations (Youtube controls had the most by far); it was a fun and challenging task to keep in mind that users can’t use their hands so I had to balance providing enough buttons to complete actions without over crowding the screen.

 
 

Designs were delivered to their developer and he got straight to work - my next task was to start updating their website to prepare their product for launch.

The Eyeflite website was vital in communicating everything that Ava could provide - freedom, joy and control for someone that is used to relying on others. It had to provide information that both families (decision makers) and employees working in health & tech industries would find useful and intriguing.

 

Ever Evolving

 

Eyeflite launched their software in May 2019 and is continuously working on their website; admittedly they are a newer company so website work only happens from time to time as funds allow but I love working with this passionate team and their goal to improve people’s lives.

October 2020 Edit: Unfortunately for their die hard fans, Eyeflite had to close their doors in early 2020. The CEO and Founder of Eyeflite is already working on his next adventure as he’s still incredibly passionate about helping others and determined to improve lives.