Cinemark App Redesign
Redesigning the Cinemark Mobile App to make it easier for customers to browse showtimes and purchase movie tickets online.
Role
Lead UI/UX Designer / Design Systems
Timeline
2017 - 2019
Responsibilities
Product Design, UI/UX, Design System Management
The Challenge
By 2017, Cinemark's mobile was starting to show it's age. Our goal was to redesign the app from 0-1 using modern mobile design patterns to make it easier and more enjoyable to use. I led the redesign effort, from benchmarking the existing app to creating the final designs. My goal was to deliver an app that was both visually appealing and easy to use, guided by modern mobile design principles.
Benchmark
Benchmarking the existing app was an important step to understanding the business and user needs. This foundation helped me pinpoint areas for improvement in the app and gain insights into the user base. One of the key findings was that 80% of our users were on iOS, which informed our decision to prioritize the iOS designs first.
Creating Personas
Following a user-centered design approach, the first step was to develop user personas representing our target audience. The personas helped us understand the needs, motivations, and pain points of our users, guiding us throughout the design process.
Identifying Usability Issues
A quick heuristic evaluation revealed the navigation's hidden hamburger menu and insufficient color contrast failing WCAG accessibility standards. Addressing these issues was important to bringing the app up to par with industry standards and ensuring a seamless user experience.
Whiteboarding and Collaboration
Leading whiteboarding and collaboration sessions played a pivotal role in planning out the app's features. These sessions provided a brainstorm session, allowing the team to visualize concepts, sketch out user flows, and create solutions together. Collaboration during these sessions ensured diverse perspectives were considered, enriching the decision-making process and fostering a sense of ownership and unity among team members. This approach not only helped in aligning the team with the project's goals but also in crafting features that were well-thought-out, user-centric, and innovative.
Creating a Design System
As part of the app's redesign, I took on the task of refreshing its visual identity. I developed a design system that served as a guide for the team, outlining new design styles and standards to be applied throughout the app's makeover. This system included color schemes, typography, UI elements, and layout principles, ensuring consistency and coherence across every aspect of the app. By providing a clear, shared framework, I aimed to streamline the design process and enhance the overall aesthetic appeal and user experience of our app.
Improving Onboarding with Motion Design
To elevate the user's first impression, I added motion design during the onboarding experience. The animations not only delighted users but also demonstrated the app's new features.
The Final Designs
We rolled out the redesigned app, bringing in new features like a better bottom navigation bar, a dashboard on the home screen, and a fresh look for the visuals.
User Feedback
After launching the redesigned app, I kept an eye on app store reviews from users. By addressing their feedback, we managed to boost the app's average rating to 4.9 out of 5.
