UX Case Study
RedNote
Explore the challenges faced by both Chinese and international users on RedNote and propose solutions to improve the overall user experience by addressing cultural differences, interface preferences, and content consumption.
Challenge:
User Research Report, Persona, Task Flows, UI Design, Prototype
Deliverables:
Conduct one-on-one interviews with users from different demographics to gather qualitative insights on their challenges and needs. Affinity mapping is used to analyze existing data such as user behavior patterns, app usage statistics, and common user complaints to identify recurring pain points.
01
Empathy
Create detailed personas and user flows to visualize how users interact with the app and where they encounter issues.Analyze competing platforms to understand how they handle similar challenges
02
Analyst & Define
03
Ideate & Prototype
Explore various solutions by jotting down ideas and sketching possible features. Create low-fidelity wireframes to visualize the key features and user flows, then move on to high- fidelity prototye.
01 Empathy
I posted a recruitment message on RedNote to find interview participants, and I successfully recruited 3 Chinese users and 3 international users, two of whom are influencers with a significant following. I prepared a set of interview questions and conducted the interviews via text chat. The interview results were then organized into an affinity diagram, which helped me better define the user experience issues currently present on the platform.
Recruitment Post, Quotes, and Grouping
02 Analyst & Define
I collected user feedback through interviews and organized the quotes to better understand the real user experiences. By grouping similar themes and pain points, I was able to identify key issues that both Chinese and international users were facing. I categorized these pain points based on their frequency and impact, then prioritized them according to their significance to the overall user experience.
Problem Definition
Content & Algorithm Changes:
The platform’s algorithm changes have disrupted the user timeline, making it harder to discover local content. Many Chinese users feel dissatisfied with the excessive push and exposure of content from foreign users, leading to an overwhelming increase in foreign content.
Platform Direction & Future Outlook:
Users are confused about the platform's future direction, unsure if it’s focusing on Chinese users or trying to expand internationally, creating an identity crisis. Users also hope RedNote will retain its focus on information sharing and deep communication, rather than evolving into an entertainment platform like TikTok.
Functionality & Usability Issues:
Core features like hashtags, shopping, and translation are not functioning well, especially for international users, affecting their experience and engagement. Additionally, many Chinese users feel uncomfortable with the new TikTok-like short video interface, which is harder to navigate and less familiar.
TikTok’s Return and Competition:
With TikTok back in international markets, RedNote must find ways to stand out and retain overseas users, offering unique features and value to keep them engaged.
03 Ideate & Prototype
By analyzing the pain points and proposing different solutions for each, I decided to redesign the following aspects of RedNote:
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The short video interface will retain RedNote's core focus on content, sharing, and communication (light on IP) while introducing a toggle button for an immersive browsing experience, catering to short video enthusiasts.
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A slider function will be provided, allowing users to customize the recommendation ratio of local and international content according to their preferences.
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An entry point for international users to access shopping will be implemented, and international influencers will be allowed to list their products for sale on the platform.
Ideation Process
Low-Fi Prototype
To address this, I proposed two solutions:
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Adjusting the tool bar's position: Move the tool bar slightly upwards to provide more space for right-handed users to interact with the video speed-up function via long press.
Current Short Video Interface (lo-fi)
I conducted a low-fidelity analysis of the current short video playback interface and identified a conflict between the tool bar on the right side of the screen and the video speed-up feature triggered by a long press on the right side, especially for right-handed users. However, for RedNote, which values content sharing, the share, comment, and like features on the tool bar should be easily accessible, ideally with a single interaction.
2. Hand preference customization: Allow users to set their dominant hand and adjust the tool bar’s position based on this setting, ensuring better usability for both right and left-handed users.
I drew inspiration from the customizable music preferences feature in QQ Music, which provides a module to adjust the ratio of recommended songs by language. I believe this concept is highly applicable to the current development of RedNote. As RedNote continues to expand its international user base while maintaining its core Chinese audience, offering a similar functionality would allow users to have more control over the content they see, specifically adjusting the balance between local and international content. This would cater to both domestic users who prefer content in Chinese and international users who want to experience more localized content, creating a more personalized and inclusive experience for a diverse audience.
Customized Preference (qq music)
04 Display
Short Video Interface
In Design Solution 1, I moved the toolbar upwards, creating space for users to perform long-press actions to accelerate. Additionally, I rearranged the order of the tools in the toolbar, placing the most frequently used functions—like Like, Comment, and Favorite—in positions that are more accessible for user interaction.
Original Interface
Design Solution 1
Design Solution 2
In Design Solution 2, I added the feature to set the Hand mode, allowing users with different dominant hands (left or right) to have an interface that suits their operating preferences.
Bilingual Content Ratio
05 After Thoughts
This UX project has been both fulfilling and educational, offering valuable insights, while also highlighting areas for potential improvement.
One of the primary challenges I encountered was the lack of proper user testing to validate the effectiveness of the design. Due to the limitations in time and resources, I was unable to conduct extensive usability testing or gather enough real-user feedback on the prototypes. As a result, I couldn't fully confirm whether the design changes effectively addressed the pain points and provided a seamless experience for all users. Moving forward, I would prioritize user testing as an integral part of the design process, ensuring that prototypes are tested and refined based on real user feedback. This would help me validate design decisions and ensure the final product truly meets users’ needs.
Despite these obstacles, this project has been an immensely valuable learning opportunity. It has not only sharpened my ability to analyze and address user pain points but also emphasized the critical importance of a diverse user base and robust testing for effective design outcomes. These takeaways will be crucial in shaping my approach to future projects.