Role
Sole designer
Project type
Personal project for learning ( I had a genuine problem that I thought I'd design a solution for).
Duration
2 weeks
Tools
Figma
Canva
Method
Design Thinking
OVERVIEW
As at January 1, 2024, foreign nationals holding Japanese residency have reached 3.32 million, about 2.66% of the total population, according to data from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. It's predicted that by 2070, foreign nationals will increase to 10%-11%.
Living in Japan as a native English speaker, I often encounter apps that lack English language support, creating a major barrier for me as well as other non-Japanese speakers.
In this redesign, I focused on solving that problem by introducing a language selection feature during the onboarding process. Drawing inspiration from Apple’s user-friendly onboarding, I designed a series of screens that greet users in multiple languages and provide a seamless way to choose their preferred language.
This case study demonstrates my approach to improving accessibility and inclusivity through thoughtful UX design, aiming to enhance the overall user experience for a global audience.
Here's a visual representation of a user's experience with Yamato's current onboarding process:
Without clear instructions or guidance, the user found himself confused about basic actions like creating an account or logging in. This lack of direction made the initial setup frustrating and difficult to navigate, ultimately impacting his overall experience with the app from the start.
It's worth mentioning that users have the op
tion of choosing English, Japanese, and Chinese when navigating the website. Unfortunately, not all features on the website are available in English and Chinese.
INSPIRATION:
APPLE'S ONBOARDING EXPERIENCE
Apple’s onboarding process served as my primary source of inspiration. When setting up a new Apple device, users are greeted with multiple languages, signaling inclusivity right from the start. Apple then asks the user to select their preferred language in a seamless, user-friendly way. This flow creates a welcoming experience for users globally, simplifying the onboarding process without overwhelming them.
I chose to adopt a similar approach for this redesign because Apple’s model is highly regarded for its efficiency and simplicity. The idea of greeting users in several languages sets the tone for inclusivity and helps build trust. It's a small detail with a significant impact on the user experience, especially for those who are not proficient in the local language.
THE DESIGN PROCESS
My design process began by mapping out a simple user journey. I identified key screens that would best serve the purpose of a smooth onboarding experience for international users:
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Welcome Screen: This screen greets users in multiple languages, echoing Apple’s approach. The visual simplicity of this screen ensures that users are not overwhelmed, but rather feel welcomed. The animation of different greetings enhances the experience without being intrusive.
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Language Selection Screen: Users are then asked to choose their preferred language from a well-organized list. This screen is designed with clarity in mind. The language options are presented in both their native script and their English counterpart (e.g., 日本語 - Japanese), making it easier for users to identify their language.
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Confirmation Screen: After selecting their language, users receive a confirmation of their choice. This screen serves as a transition point, leading them to the core app experience. It's designed to be simple and reassuring, reducing any potential anxiety about navigating the app.
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Tutorial Screens: In addition to focusing on the three screens dedicated to language personalization, I also designed supplementary screens to summarize the app’s core functions. These screens provide users with a concise overview of Yamato Transport’s key services, such as parcel tracking, sending and receiving deliveries, and arranging handsfree travel. By including these functional screens, I aimed to create a more comprehensive onboarding experience that not only caters to language preferences but also introduces users to the app’s primary features in an intuitive and accessible manner.
HOW THIS DESIGN HELPS USERS
The redesigned onboarding experience aims to make the app more accessible for non-Japanese speakers in Japan. By allowing users to select their preferred language, the app ensures a smoother user journey, leading to higher engagement and retention. In a market with diverse users, this feature creates a sense of belonging and enhances the overall user experience.
Moreover, this approach emphasizes the importance of personalization—letting users take control of their experience from the start. By addressing the specific needs of international users, the app stands out in terms of usability and user-centered design.
UX/UI Designer
Content Writer