My Role
UX Designer
Responsible for visualize the new functions and features from user feedbacks to the wireframes and interactive prototypes.
User Test Assistant
Responsible for assisted the User researcher conducted users test, and iterated the prototype according to user test result.
Tools
Axure/Protopie/Figma
Team
UX Designer, Product Manager, Developers, UX Researcher
Duration
Jun - Aug 2022
Problem
Over 15% of negative reviews were related to the Sleep Assistant function. This was affecting user satisfaction and engagement, highlighting the need for significant improvements.
Negative Feedbacks
The deficient user satisfaction rate resulted in reduced active user numbers, therefore, enhancing the usability of this function was of paramount importance.
Image: "Sleep Assistant" Operation Pattern
MVP Solutions
Image: Onboarding input information page
Image: Sleep Assistant main page
Investigating the sleep pattern and family members needs through users feedbacks, customers demographic studies
I thoroughly analyzed the collected user feedback to pinpoint the key reasons behind users' dissatisfaction with this feature. After reviewing over 50 pieces of feedback, understanding the customer demographics, and studying the customer sleep pattern, I identified three key insights.
Inconsistent Temperature Adjustments
One-size-fits-all Approach
The feature’s standard sleep pattern did not accommodate diverse sleep needs across
different age groups and family compositions.
User Preferences Diversity
Different users have varying
temperature requirements and sleep routines, influenced by age and physical condition.
Users in different ages and body conditions have varied sleep patterns and comfort temperature ranges
I noted four different types of users, each with unique temperature needs and sleep routines. The main approach for this project is to tailor the automatic temperature adjustment curve based on these specific sleep preference.
Image: Target users' sleep pattern and recommend temperature
Design Process
Step 1
Mind-Mapping & Stakeholders Syncs
Utilized mind-mapping to explore potential solutions and presented these to key stakeholders.
The team decided to focus on the sleep profile customization approach, which was further developed into a user flow diagram.
Image: Target users' sleep pattern and recommend temperature
Onboarding Prototype & User Flow
I created Low to Mid-Fidelity prototypes for onboarding survey & tutorial based on sync meeting outcomes.
Mid-Fidelity User Test
Created a clickable prototype for testing.
Observed user interactions and collected feedback to iterate and refine the solution.
Impact
Defining Project Success
The redesigned Sleep Assistant, launched in Mainland China in 2022, saw a significant increase in user adoption and a notable decrease in user frustration, according to market feedback.
20%
Increase in adoption rate of Sleep Assistant
2 Million
Active users of Sleep Assistant function
60%
Adopted users said Sleep Assistant helped them increase sleep quality
Smart Health Check
Create a user-centered design that highlights the critical role of regular maintenance in prolonging air conditioner lifespan and safeguarding users' health by preventing issues related to neglected air-conditioners.
Introducing one-step evaluation to identify the potential issues
Notify users periodically to check the health of their air conditioner.
Automatically identify potential issues (e.g., dirty filters, low cooling performance).
Provide clear, step-by-step instructions to help users address the identified problems.
Offer a one-click option for users to request professional door-to-door repair services.
Image: Smart Health Check Version 1
Five-Dimensional Integration
Midea's new air conditioners will feature 'Five-Dimensional Integration,' enabling control of fan, humidity, purification, and fresh air with temperature adjustments. I had just two weeks to create wireframes, prototype, and refine the design for market readiness.
Image: Five Dimensional Integration low-fi interactive prototype
Takeaway
The experience in Midea made me hold an insistent faith on become a Ux Designer. It was the excited when I witnessed my design shipped to the market and impacted millions of users.
The First 7 Days
Before joining Midea, I knew little about the IoT industry. However, on day one, I proactively sought insights from colleagues across departments. Through these discussions, I bridged my knowledge gap within the first week.
Grew in Fast Pace
At Midea, the fast-paced environment thrust me into a project with a two-month market deadline, leaving just two weeks for prototyping, testing, and revisions. It was an intense, pressure-filled time, but looking back, I'm amazed at how much I learned and grew in those hectic two weeks.
Image: Midea Id and Air Conditioner Develop Team