Wager

Category:
Mobile App

Technologies used:

Sketch, Zepelin, Abstract

My Contribution:

Ux design, Wireframes, User Flows

Problem Statement

The goal of the project was to create a social betting app that allowed users to place bets with friends, track ongoing bets, and monitor market trends in real time. While there are several betting platforms on the market, none of them provided an intuitive, social experience for friends to easily match bets and share betting activity within a private group. Users expressed a desire for a more engaging, community-oriented platform that simplified the process of placing bets, tracking outcomes, and interacting with friends in a fun and seamless way.

The challenge was to design an app that not only incorporated core betting functionality but also fostered a social, interactive environment that encouraged frequent engagement and collaboration among friends. The app needed to be user-friendly, visually appealing, and offer a smooth experience across both mobile and web platforms, while also complying with industry regulations.

User Interviews: A diverse group of potential users, including avid bettors and casual users, was interviewed to gather insights into their experiences with existing betting apps. Participants were asked about their challenges with current platforms, what features they felt were missing, and how they envisioned a social betting experience. Key takeaways from these interviews included:

• A desire for a more social, interactive betting environment, where users could place bets with friends rather than just against anonymous users.

• Difficulty navigating complex betting interfaces, leading to frustration and abandonment.

Research

Competitor Analysis: Several large betting companies, including Betfair and PokerStars, were analyzed to understand their strengths and weaknesses in terms of user experience. Through this analysis, several key features common across successful platforms were identified, such as:

• Intuitive bet placement and real-time updates on betting outcomes.

• Social features like sharing bets, interacting with friends, and discussing outcomes.

• User-friendly mobile and web interfaces that streamline the betting process.

• Strong notifications and alerts to keep users engaged.

By combining insights from user interviews and competitor analysis, the key features and design direction for the app were defined, ensuring it would meet the needs of both casual and dedicated bettors while differentiating itself with a more social and user-friendly approach.

• A need for clear, real-time tracking of betting activity and market trends.

• The importance of receiving timely notifications and alerts to keep users engaged and informed.

Solution

To address the findings from our research, the solution involved designing a user-friendly, social betting app that allowed users to place bets with friends, track ongoing bets, and monitor market trends. The design process focused on simplifying the user journey, enhancing engagement, and ensuring an intuitive flow throughout the app.

Wireframing: I started by creating wireframes to map out the core structure and functionality of the app.

These wireframes outlined the key sections, including:

• Markets: The area where users could view available bets and browse various markets.

• Select a Bet: A feature allowing users to select specific bets and view more detailed information.

• Place a Bet: The section for users to place their bets, designed for ease of use.

• Bet Request: Where users could send bet requests to friends and track bet status.

• Sign-Up Flow: A simple and clear process for new users to sign up and get started.

• Deposits: A seamless way for users to deposit funds to place bets.

• My Bets: A section for users to track their placed bets and outcomes.

• Settings: A place for users to adjust preferences and account settings.

• Help Centre: Providing users with support and FAQs.
  

Design Workshops: Design workshops were conducted with stakeholders and users to gather feedback on initial wireframes and prototypes. These workshops allowed us to validate design assumptions, identify any pain points, and prioritize features based on user needs and business goals. The collaboration in these workshops ensured that the final design was aligned with both user expectations and business requirements.

Lessons Learned

The end product was a simplified, intuitive social betting experience, with clear sections and user flows that helped users easily place bets with friends, track market trends, and monitor their betting activity. The app offered:

• Improved User Engagement: A social, interactive betting experience that encouraged users to place bets with friends rather than anonymously.

• Clear Navigation: Simple, easy-to-follow processes for placing bets, tracking outcomes, and managing account settings.

• Real-Time Updates: Instant notifications and alerts that kept users engaged and informed about bet status and market changes.

Results and Impact

• User Feedback Is Essential: Early and continuous user feedback through interviews and design workshops was invaluable in shaping the app’s design. Iterating on the prototype based on real user insights helped refine the app’s flow and ensured that it met user expectations.

• Balancing Simplicity and Functionality: While the app needed to include several complex betting features, it was crucial to maintain a simple and intuitive interface. Striking the right balance between functionality and usability was key to the app's success.

• Collaboration with Stakeholders: The design workshops helped ensure that the project stayed aligned with stakeholder goals and business objectives. It highlighted the importance of collaboration in shaping the app to meet both user needs and business requirements.

By focusing on these elements, the solution successfully delivered a social betting experience that engaged users, simplified the betting process, and differentiated the app from competitors.