Evaluating the Usability of British Airways Website: A Detailed Analysis

By Sayed Us Sadat

Introduction

Heuristic evaluation enables users to quickly and efficiently identify potential usability problems in software based on expert knowledge and established usability principles in books or research papers. It's a crucial part of the design process, ensuring that products are user-friendly and accessible. I investigated the British Airways website's user experience (UX), focusing on its alignment with Nielsen's ten usability heuristics as a reference framework. British Airways (BA) is the second largest UK-based flag carrier airline. Besides providing online flight booking, they are providing add-ons such as car rentals, hotel stays, sharing flight plans, picking up from the airport, etc. In this blog post, I will discuss the significant opportunities to enhance usability and increase customer satisfaction and company sales. Additionally, I will also include some recommendations that can be implemented by developers or designers to avoid those issues while designing a similar website.

Usability Issues and Recommendations

Defect 1: Lack of loading indicator while flight result is not displayed 😕

Figure 1: Result loading after users filter flight details and click the Find Flight button. 

Shown in the red box, the information is still being fetched.

The website needs to provide clear feedback to users after they take action. For example, when users perform a flight search using the filter form, there may be a delay in fetching the results. This leads the users to be made aware of what is going on.
This issue falls under Nielsen's heuristic of "Visibility of System Status," which discusses the importance of informing users about what is going on through appropriate feedback within a suitable time.

Recommendations:

You can implement a loading indicator. The indicator could be an animated Aeroplan icon or any icon relevant to your website niche with a progress circle or a percentage, which will clearly let the users know how much the system will take to show the result. This will also ensure that the website is still processing and not stuck or crashed.

Defect 2: Confusing baggage-carrying rules and regulations 🧳

Figure 2: Shows the baggage allowance when a desired flight is selected.
Shown in the red box, the term ‘checked baggage’ may confuse some users.

On the BA website's baggage information section, the website has terms like "checked baggage allowance," "cabin baggage," "hand luggage," and "personal item" through their baggage information page. Usually, these are standard words used by the airline industry. Still, there can be a scenario where a traveller who is traveling for the first time using an aeroplane might need help understanding the differences between these terms. For instance, "checked baggage allowance" might mean that it refers to how many items they can put, their weight, or their dimensions. Similarly, "cabin baggage" and "hand-carry" could be confusing because both can be carried on board, but they have different restrictions on the dimensions.

This scenario violates Nielsen's usability heuristic of "Match between the system and the real world," which states that systems should use words, phrases, and concepts familiar to the user rather than system or business-oriented terms. If a customer needs to be clearer about the baggage they can carry, it can affect the company's revenue as the correct ticket won't be purchased. 

Recommendations:

You can include a website feature called tooltips or a reference link to a glossary explaining the different baggage terms clearly. The guide or popup can consist of icons and visuals of baggage to represent the type of luggage, the dimension policy, and the weight.

Defect 3: Unable to fix a mistake in flight search quickly 🔍

Figure 3: No way to rectify the filters in one shot. 

Shown in the red box, there could be a ‘Reset’ button to clear all the filters.

Sometimes, a user may change their mind or realize they have made a mistake while filtering out the flight options to narrow down their choices. If they wish to modify their preference, they will find that the form is not allowing them to reset the entire search. Rather, they need to change each field individually, which can be a time-consuming and frustrating experience.

This situation violates Nielsen's heuristic of "User control and freedom." Users should be able to exit or undo changes without going through a lengthy process.

Recommendations:

You can add an easily accessible and clearly labelled 'Reset' option on one end of the filter form. This would allow users to modify individual filters without starting over.

You can also implement a mechanism when users are in edit mode; clicking on individual fields may populate a 'cross' icon, which, when clicked, will reset the field. Right now, users must click on the backspace button until the field is empty. An 'undo' feature can also be added to allow users to revert to their last change without clearing the whole form.

Defect 4: Website design inconsistency across different services 🎨

Figure 4: Shown in the red arrow, the left side is the new version of the website, 

and on the right is the old version or a different style with a different font, color, etc.

I observed that the BA website needs consistent interface elements across different pages. When the Flight + Hotel, Flight + Car, Hotel, and Car search criteria are chosen, it can be observed that the redirected result page has a different website design. This could be an old website design, and the new layout only works for the flight search. This can confuse users and hamper brand trust. A study on website consistency shows that an inconsistent website design can lead to a high bounce rate, which means that the user will leave the website without interacting or purchasing from the website.

This problem violates Nielsen's heuristic of "Consistency and Standards," which specify that users should not have to wonder whether different design, situations, or actions mean the same thing. If web design is consistent, it will allow the users to interact with the website interface with prior knowledge.

Recommendations:

When developing a website, you may set design standards must be set to ensure visual consistency across all web pages. Also, interaction design standards must be set, which will define how the customers should interact with different pages and elements.

Defect 5: Overuse of promotional ads and large text blocks to divert customers away from the target 🔈

Figure 6: Screenshot showing Promotional banners in the red rectangular box.

At the checkout page, the website might have a design issue as the element on the page is cluttered. This leads to a visually overwhelming experience for users. As shown in Figure 6, the third-party service advertisements filled the page, distracting users from their primary task of booking and confirming their flight. Moreover, the website does not follow a consistent visual hierarchy (colour scheme, typography scale, and component styles). The flight details are shown on top of each other, making the height of the information larger.  The main call to action on the checkout page is confirming the purchase after seeing the flight purchase summary. Here, the users will be confused and lose the purchase button, resulting in a bounce rate and loss of sales. The issues above violate Nielsen's heuristic of "Aesthetic and Minimalist Design," which states that in a system interface, there should be no irrelevant information. It is a severe issue as it will lead to a loss in sales.

Recommendations:

You can use a design pattern that takes up less space. For example, a carousel is a great idea that will allow users to browse through promotions without them all competing for attention at once. More importantly, the promotions should be placed as a sidebar or below the purchase confirm button, or there could be a step where it will ask the user if they are looking for an additional service. The flight summary is a dense text block, and it can be broken up into bullet points and shorter paragraphs. The content must be modified to have a more concise meaning.

Conclusion

The heuristic evaluation of the British Airways website shows the importance of bridging the gap between user expectations and actual experience. Addressing identified issues, such as lack of immediate feedback, navigational inconsistencies, and insufficient error prevention, is crucial. This exercise was an enlightening journey for me into the world of UI/UX design. It is fascinating to see how even small changes can significantly impact the overall user experience. I hope you found these insights interesting and maybe even a little inspiring for your web projects!

References

[1] Nielsen, J. (n.d). How to Conduct a Heuristic Evaluation. Accessed February 9, 2005, http://www.useit.com/papers/heuristic/heuristic_evaluation.html
[2] Nielsen Norman Group, https://www.nngroup.com/articles/ten-usability-heuristics/
[3] Markettailor. (n.d.). Why consistency is key in website design. https://www.markettailor.io/blog/why-consistency-is-key-in-website-design
[4].  British Airways, URL: www.britishairways.com

Feel free to share your experience or ideas about this blog post in the comments below.

Exploring User Experience: Evaluation of IRCTC Website And Application

By Sahil Rajpal

Introduction

IRCTC, short for the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation, serves as a widely utilized online platform for ticket bookings in India. This platform has significantly streamlined the ticket booking process, saving users the hassle of visiting railway stations. The online reservation system allows users to check train availability, book tickets, and even cancel or modify bookings. IRCTC, provides operations in tourism, railway, and catering, plays a crucial role in the Indian community. Its website and mobile application offer users a convenient means to access of these services. I have assessed the IRCTC website and app using Nielsen's heuristics. I will uncover major issues that are based on Nilsen’s criteria that will provide the valuable insights to improve the user interface and overall usability. This analysis will enable us to identify the areas that need enhancement that will make IRCTC website and application more efficient and user-friendly. This blog post will highlight the issues of utmost severity that are violating heuristics and offer recommendations to address these problems.

Details of Software Used

IRCTC provides all the facilities of ticket booking on both mobile and website. These include cancellation of tickets, catering and food services, check PNR status and even one can book the retiring room as well as travel insurance which can be done through various online payment options.                          

Fig 1.Shows Homepage of IRCTC

 

Usability Issues & Improvements

I. Insufficient Details Provided!

Issue: Incomplete information for waitlisted categories poses challenges for new and regular users, requiring them to rely to third-party websites for access to complete booking. This reliance on external sources can result in confusion. Some of the short forms used by IRCTC include GNWL (General Waiting List), RLWL (Remote Location Waiting List), PQWL (Pooled Quota Waiting List), RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation), RLGN (Remote Location General Waiting List), RSWL (Roadside Station Waiting List), RQWL (Request Waiting List), and CKWL or Tatkal waiting list.

Fig 2. Depicts Insufficient Details

Heuristics Violated & Severity: According to Nielsen Heuristics, the incomplete information about waitlisted categories presented in short forms violates the principle of Help and Documentation. This heuristic emphasizes the importance of providing users with proper help that is task-focused and time-efficient. It will help new user’s as well as returning users.

This is the major problem which needs to be addressed as soon as possible so I will assign it mean score of 3 on Heuristics Severity scale as there is incomplete information for waitlisted categories which hampers the users and reduces their efficiency.

Suggested Improvements: IRCTC should provide help and documentation for various categories as this will make the task for ticket much more convenient for the user or link can be provided to access information about the short forms on new page. This method will make it easier for users to understand different waitlisted categories and improve their user experience of booking ticket which will also broaden the base for returning users who might prefer offline booking because of incomplete information.

II. Last Transaction Detail Lacks Consistency! (No Print and Email Option)

Issue: The absence of options to email or print a ticket when accessed from the last transaction on the homepage is major wastage of time. The user is required to take additional steps by navigating to the "Booking History" within the "My Account" section to send or print a ticket. This extra process diminishes user efficiency and introduces inconsistency in the system.

Fig 3. Lacks consistency in Last Transactions.

Heuristics Violated & Severity: According to Nielsen Heuristics, the heuristic which violated here is related to Maintain Consistency and Adhere to Standards. Consistency across each page is emphasized to minimize user frustration and confusion.

This is problem of high priority so I will assign it the mean score of 3 based on Heuristic Severity scale as there is inconsistency on last transaction detail which reduces the user experience.

Suggested Improvements: This issue can be addressed by integrating all the features available in the booked ticket history into the last transaction details. This new feature would establish a consistent user experience, enabling users to access essential functions without the requirement to switch to the "My Account" section.

III. Crucial Information is Positioned at the Bottom and Appears too Small.

Issue: The highlighted issue in the figure below refers to the small size of the text located at the bottom of the page, which can easily be overlooked by the user. Additionally, there is limited information provided for the text which restricts the user to interact with it effectively.

Fig 4 . Shows small text in bottom of page.

Heuristics Violated & Severity: According to Nielsen Heuristics, the violation pertains to the principles of User Control and Freedom, as well as Visibility of System Status. Users wants the information in a more prominent size and visible area. They should also have the freedom to interact with the text to access a more detailed version. The absence of additional link on text restricts user control and freedom.

This problem can be barrier for some users as it may lead to misinformation which results in poor user experience. Therefore, I will assign this problem the mean score of 4 based on Heuristic Severity scale as it could have adverse consequences if information is missed by potential users.

Suggested Improvements: To resolve this issue, make information readily available in easily accessible areas of the website. Increase the text size for improved readability and include hyperlinks within the content to provide additional information when needed.

IV. Complicated Layout and Navigation Problem.

Issue: The page currently has three navigation bars, causing confusion and making it difficult for users to interact. To streamline and improve user-friendliness, consider eliminating one of the bars, as both the upper and left bars can effectively handle functions like moving to the next or previous day and sorting trains. This change will result in a less cluttered design and a more straightforward user experience.

Fig 5. Shows Complex Layout

Heuristics Violated & Severity: According to Nielsen Heuristics, the violation pertains to the principles of Visibility of System status and Aesthetic and Minimalistic Design.

Three navigation panes on a single page can cause user confusion, leading to wasted time as users navigate between them. Therefore, I assign it a mean score of 3 based on Heuristic Severity Scale, indicating the urgency to address this issue promptly.

Suggested Improvements: Improving website user-friendliness involves simplifying choices for users. Consider removing one of the top second navigation bars, as it duplicates information from the upper and left navigation bars. This adjustment can enhance accessibility and reduce clutter on the website.

V. IRCTC Application Lacks the Option to Rebook Ticket from Failed Transactions!

Issue: The problem depicted in the figure below concerns the failed transactions history, where there is no option to rebook a ticket due to which, users are compelled to repeat all the steps from the beginning.

                                               

Fig 6. No option for rebook or delete.

Heuristics Violated & Severity: This violates the principle of User Control and Freedom, impacting user flexibility and the ability to navigate as the user desires. It restricts the freedom of user by not providing the option of booking again from failed transactions.

This is severe problem which require immediate attention as providing greater control to delete and rebook ticket enhances user efficiency and experience so I will give this problem the mean score of 4 based on Heuristic Severity Scale.

Suggested Improvements: Users should have the flexibility to either rebook or delete a ticket from their failed booking history. This empowers them to efficiently rebook a ticket with the same details or clear the history, contributing to a more user-friendly experience.

VI. IRCTC Application Home Page filled with different Colors and varying Text Width!

Issue: The issue in IRCTC mobile application home page is due to color usage as well as lack consistent color balance and because of varying text width of icons can be distracting which displays the homepage confusing and inconsistent.

                                                  

Fig 7. Shows varying text width and different colors.

Heuristics Violated & Severity: It violates Aesthetic and Minimalistic Design which make it more convenient for user to access the information and visually all icons should be easily accessible by the users.

Mobile responsiveness issues arise, especially on smaller screens, leading to cluttered icons that may cause users to click on the wrong ones unintentionally. This results in frustration, so I will rate this issue the mean score of 3 based on Heuristic Severity Scale.

Suggested Improvements: Balancing color choices with text is crucial for improving the visual appeal of the application and achieving a polished appearance.

Conclusions

The heuristic evaluation that I conducted highlighted critical issues that require immediate attention to enhance user engagement on the IRCTC website and application. Major problems, such as missing information and cluttered navigation, were identified. Implementing features like help, maintaining uniform text formatting, and using larger, noticeable text are crucial steps. Given that IRCTC is the official website for booking railway tickets in India, addressing these issues promptly is essential. Thorough usability investigations and user-centric solutions can prioritize and resolve the most critical issues, ultimately making the platform more user-friendly and effective.

Acknowledgements

Grammarly was used to correct grammar, ensuring accuracy and clarity in describing usability issues on the IRCTC website. The collaborative effort between the author and Grammarly aimed to enhance the overall quality of the content and address potential language-related concerns.

References

[1] 10 Usability Heuristics for User Interface Design, https://www.nngroup.com/articles/ten-usability-heuristics/

[2] IRCTC website at https://www.irctc.co.in/nget/train-search

[3] Heuristic Severity Scale, https://www.nngroup.com/articles/how-to-rate-the-severity-of-usability-problems/

[4] Improved English with the help of Grammarly, https://www.grammarly.com/grammar-check

 

Usability Evaluation of the TorontoCupcake Website

 By Mohammadreza Davoudi (Payam Davoudi)

Introduction:

The TorontoCupcake website is an online marketplace that provides Canada's finest selection of gourmet cupcakes and chocolate treats. They make delicious handmade cupcakes in many flavors. Toronto Cupcake is a small business established in August 2010 and owned by Ms. Michelle Harrison.

Why Did I Choose Toronto Cupcake?

Torrento Cupcake is number one on the Google search for cupcakes in Toronto! In Google Maps, users have given TorontoCupcake a 4.9-star review for their fantastic cupcakes and outstanding customer service. On the other hand, their website earned a 1-star review as well! Small businesses should have the best websites to attract more users to grow their business. Moreover, they can prevent customer loss by identifying and addressing significant issues on their website. 

I conducted heuristic evaluations and cognitive walkthroughs on the Toronto Cupcakes website and identified several key issues and problems. This blog aims to highlight these issues and offer suggestions for improvement.

Issues and Recommendations:

Lack of a Beautiful Homepage and Minimalist Design:

According to Nielsen Norman Group, designing beautiful and minimalistic website pages and focusing on the essentials is the key to improving user experience. All websites must have an attractive design on their homepage for a better first impression. 

The website's homepage is where we welcome our users. Unfortunately, On the homepage of TorontoCupcake, we see more packaging of the product instead of the cupcakes. Although TorontoCupcakes has gorgeous product packaging, this website is a Cupcake shop and not a packaging shop website. 

They also used the company logo eight times in a row on the top of the website, which is redundant. These icons are not even clickable and are just there for decoration. The best place to put the website logo is on the top-left side of the website. That is the first place most users look when they enter a website. 

In the middle of the homepage, there is a picture of a cupcake with low resolution. As you can see in the picture, images like this will be pixelated when the user zooms on it or opens the page on a high-resolution monitor. Another issue I can mention on this page is that they didn’t follow any pattern and alignment for their contents, and each line has its length, and there is also a typo mistake. 

Recommendations: 

• A beautiful layout will make users feel comfortable on the website. The best practice for TorontoCupcake is to replace the homepage design and add a more attractive and informative design for the homepage, focusing on cupcakes and flavors instead of the packaging. 
• Using proper alignment for all the elements on the page that can be adopted based on the screen size 
• Always use a high-resolution image for a better look on high-end monitors.

By making these changes, we will improve the consistency as well as usability of the website.

Lack of Efficiency of Use: 

TorontoCupcake does not support filtering or sorting cupcakes on the cupcake selection page. There is a very high chance that a user wants to filter items based on flavors or their allergy to the foods or sort cupcakes based on popularity and rating on the website. Unfortunately, the lack of these features can lead to frustration for users to find their favorite cupcakes. According to Nielsen Norman Group, it is best practice to design web pages as efficiently as possible, including in the item selection, to improve usability.  

Moreover, the users cannot change the size of the text or switch between light mode and dark mode. Another problem is in the checkout process. In the final step, when the user wants to pay for their cupcakes, the owner should process their request and manually send them an invoice request based on their order, which means more waiting time for the user to finish an order. This will dramatically reduce the efficiency of use.

Recommendations: 

• It is a good idea to implement good filtering options based on the ingredients of cupcakes or tastes. Also, it is a good idea to execute a search and sort based on the popularities and other factors. 
• It is also a good practice to bring theme customization, like font size and colors, to help older adults and disabled people work with the website more efficiently. 
• For payment, using different gateways from banks or PayPal is highly recommended to ensure the checkout process is automatic. 

Lack of Consistency and Standards on Website:

According to Nielsen Norman Group, for all eCommerce websites, it is essential to have standard features like proper page navigation and search. The lack of these features can confuse the users and frustrate them. TorontoCupcake has a navigation menu, but it is minimized by default. If you look at the top left of the website, there is a three-line icon (Hamburger icon) for the navigation menu.

The problem is that the menu is minimized by default, even for the desktop screens. Although it is a good practice to have a hamburger icon for mobile screens, in the desktop version, it is recommended to show the full-size navigation menu to make the navigation easier.

Moreover, we need more consistency in the website's pages. In other words, there is no menu bar or footer on some pages, like the checkout page, and the style of each page is slightly different from the others. Some pages have a menu bar and footer, and some don’t.   

Recommendations: 

• To solve these issues, developers usually use a Master page. A master page is like a container to wrap other pages and all the necessary elements.
• For navigation, we can also use the proper navigation and search bar based on the device's screen size; if the user opens the website on a mobile device, we can use a minimized menu and a hamburger icon, and if it is on a desktop screen, we can show the maximized version of the menu to the users to improve website usability.

How Can I Bring the Removed Items Back to The Cart?

Upon removing any item from the cart, the website gives users no feedback or confirmation prompt to check if they want to delete that item or click by mistake. Moreover, the “Undo” option is missing as well. So, if the user removes items from the carts even by mistake. Items are gone forever, and the users have to reselect them again from the selection page.

Another problem is that users don’t have a cancel button on the cart page, and continuing shopping is the only way to cancel the checkout process. 

Recommendations: 

• According to Nielsen Norman Group, implementing a multilevel undo and redo functionality for the website is a good idea. 
• When trying to clear the cart, give the user a confirmation prompt
• Use proper naming and labeling for the buttons.

Progress bar missing and showing Cart's Items in a bad way:

According to Nielsen Norman Group, system status should always be visible to the user. A progress bar is necessary here to make it easier for users to know the current state and upcoming tasks. Moreover, the place order button looks like it will complete the ordering process, but in the actual scenario, it does not end the process and moves the user to the next page to gather more information. In addition, the unnecessary spacing on this page makes it hard for users to read and track the items at a glance.

As we can see in the picture, there are four chocolate peanut butter cupcakes in the shopping cart, but the system, instead of showing it in one line and adding the quantity of that, shows it in 3 separate lines, which is not the best way to show items on a cart.

Recommendations: 

• Adding a progress bar on top of the page for each step is necessary to show the user the current state and give them an idea of what they will do in that step.
• In addition, instead of auto jumping to the cart page, we can let the user add items to the cart together, and when the user finishes the Cupcake selection, then go to the shopping cart list and place the order.
• Moreover, reducing the spacing in the cart’s lines is also recommended to make reading more accessible for the user. 

In Conclusion:

To summarize my adventure on the Torrento Cupcake website, by employing cognitive walkthroughs and heuristic evaluations, I have identified many user experience problems on the Torrento Cupcake website. It is very important for all website designers to follow at least the basics of user experience guidelines. This will help their users achieve their goals on the website more efficiently.

Based on my experience, usability improvement is an ongoing process. We should always look for improvement in our work and accept criticism for our designs. Even when a design is good, the designers must constantly search for methods to improve their designs and keep them up to date. I hope this blog post helps the Toronto Cupcake team enhance their design in their future web application.

Acknowledge:

Thanks to Grammarly for improving my writing for this blog post.

Please share your experiences or ideas about this blog post in the comments!

Enhancing User Experience on the Reddit App: A Comprehensive Approach

By Fatemeh Sadat Mirshafiee (student number 300399661), a Student of System and Computer engineering at Carleton University.

Proposed recommendations to enhance user experience and usability based on the Heuristic Evaluation,Nielsen's Heuristics. fmirs066@uottawa.ca

 Introduction

Imagine the Reddit app as a huge online gathering where you can chat about whatever piques your interest. Think of it like a massive building with different rooms, each dedicated to various topics, and these rooms are called "subreddits." Whether you're into cute animal pictures, movie discussions, science, or your favorite hobbies, there's a subreddit for it. The app acts like a magical key that opens these rooms for you. In these spaces, you can share pictures, stories, or just have a chat with folks who share your passions. What's cool is that people can vote on things they like, and the most popular stuff rises to the top for everyone to see.

However, like any good thing, the app isn't perfect. Sometimes it doesn't display things correctly or uses confusing words. But here's the bright side – there are suggestions to make it even better. Ideas like providing clear explanations for words and making it simpler to customize how the app looks and works for you. All in all, the Reddit app is a enjoyable way to connect with people globally who share your interests. It's like entering a vast virtual community where you can discover new things and engage in interesting conversations.

Problems and Recommendation

1)     The Reddit app faces usability challenges, notably in its failure to provide timely notifications for new comments or messages. The main issue lies in the absence of quick alerts for user interactions. To address this, I recommend implementing a notification system that ensures users receive immediate updates on comments and messages. This proposed feature also allows users to customize their notification preferences, preventing unnecessary disruptions. Such an enhancement not only improves the overall user experience by making Reddit more engaging but also ensures users stay well-informed about ongoing discussions and activities on the platform.

 

2)     Sometimes, the app has trouble showing things. To fix this, when stuff doesn't show up, the app should tell you what's wrong in a simple way. It could say if it's a problem with the server or the app itself, and maybe use numbers or words to explain what's happening. This way, you know what's wrong and how to deal with it.

 

3)      Reddit has its own special words and names that might be confusing. To make it easier for new users, I suggest adding helpful hints or simple explanations right in the app when they come across these words, like "subreddits," "karma," "upvotes," and "downvotes." This way, new folks can understand what these things mean without feeling lost, making Reddit more friendly and easy to use for everyone.

 

4)     Sometimes, it's not easy to understand what certain pictures or buttons do in the app. To fix this, I suggest making the app better by adding words or helpful tips that explain what each button or picture is for. This way, you won't have to guess, and using the app will be much easier. It's like adding labels to things so you know what they do, making the app simpler and friendlier for everyone to use.

5)     Sometimes, it's a bit tricky to stop following certain groups on Reddit. To make this easier, I suggest adding a simple and easy-to-find "Unsubscribe" button in each group. This way, you can choose what you want to see without any trouble. Also, having a friendly menu to manage the groups you follow can help you control what shows up on your app, making it more personalized and simpler for you to use.

 

6)     Sometimes, it's hard to make the Reddit app look and work the way you want. To fix this, I suggest adding more ways for you to change things in the app. You could pick different colors, layouts, and choose how you want to get notifications. This will make the app more fun and match what you like, giving you more control and making it easier for you to use.

7)     the rules and how things are handled in different parts of Reddit can be confusing. To make it better, I suggest that Reddit creates clear and similar rules for all areas. This way, everyone knows what's expected, and it makes sure that each part of Reddit is a friendly and respectful place. Providing support and tools for the people who watch over these areas will also help keep things fair and positive. By doing this, Reddit can make sure that wherever you go on the platform, you have a good and predictable experience, and everyone feels welcome.

 

8)     Sometimes, mistakes happen when you're posting on Reddit, like accidentally posting the same thing twice or posting too often. To make Reddit easier and less frustrating, I suggest adding a helpful tool that checks for these common mistakes before you post. If there's an issue, it could show a friendly message to let you know what's wrong and help you fix it. This way, you won't have to worry about making mistakes, and using Reddit will be more fun and straightforward for everyone.

9)     Sometimes, when you're writing something on Reddit, the app doesn't give a heads-up if you try to leave the page before finishing. To make it better, I suggest adding a little warning that pops up and asks if you're sure you want to leave. This helps to avoid accidentally losing what you wrote and gives you a chance to save or finish before moving away. It's like a safety net, so you don't lose your work by mistake, making the Reddit app more user-friendly and preventing any frustration.

10)  Sometimes, it can be a bit tricky to find what you're looking for on the Reddit app. To make things better, I suggest adding easier ways to organize and find stuff, especially in the big, busy groups. This means you can quickly see the things you want and have a smoother time using the app, especially in the really popular groups. It's like giving you better tools to make your experience on Reddit simpler and more enjoyable.

11)  Sometimes, it's hard to find exactly what you're looking for on Reddit because there aren't enough tools to help you search and filter things. To make Reddit better, I suggest adding more advanced search and filter options. This means you can easily find the specific stuff you want, making your experience on Reddit easier and more enjoyable.

 

12)  Sometimes, the Reddit app doesn't look as nice because there are too many ads. To make it prettier and more enjoyable, I suggest using fewer ads so that there's a better balance between ads and the interesting stuff you want to see. This way, the app will be more pleasing to the eye, making your time on Reddit more enjoyable and keeping you engaged with the things you like to see.

Reddit is a big and diverse place, so the issues I talked about might not be a problem for everyone. Reddit has been working hard to make things better, and lots of people really enjoy using it, finding it interesting and helpful, even with some challenges.
these recommendations collectively aim to address various usability concerns within the Reddit app, aiming for a more intuitive, customizable, and enjoyable user experience. While acknowledging the diverse user base and the platform's continuous efforts for improvement, implementing these suggestions could contribute to making Reddit even more accessible and satisfying for its vast community.

Conclusion
the Reddit app, while immensely popular and engaging, does face some usability challenges that could be addressed for a more seamless user experience. The recommendations provided focus on making the app more user-friendly, visually appealing, and customizable. From improving notifications and error prevention to simplifying language and adding user-friendly features, these suggestions aim to enhance various aspects of the app. It's important to note that Reddit is a dynamic and diverse platform, and while these issues might not affect every user, addressing them could contribute to an even more positive and enjoyable experience for the broad and varied Reddit community. It's evident that Reddit is committed to constant improvement, and with these suggested enhancements, the platform can continue to evolve into an even more accessible and satisfying space for users to connect, share, and explore. the Reddit app is a vibrant online community where users can engage in discussions, share interests, and discover a multitude of topics through specialized subreddits. This virtual space facilitates global connections, allowing individuals to contribute their thoughts, pictures, and stories to the collective dialogue. However, as with any complex platform, the app encounters usability challenges that have been thoughtfully addressed through a series of recommendations. These suggestions span from improving notification systems to enhance user engagement, addressing content display issues, and simplifying the platform's unique jargon for new users. The emphasis on clear explanations for buttons, customizable features, and user control reflects a commitment to making the app more intuitive and user-friendly. Furthermore, recommendations touch on establishing consistent rules and support mechanisms across Reddit to ensure a positive experience for all users. The proposal for error prevention tools, warnings, and improved search functionalities strives to create a smoother and frustration-free user experience. Collectively, these recommendations aim to refine the Reddit app, making it more enjoyable, accessible, and tailored to the diverse needs of its extensive user base. While acknowledging that these issues may not be universal, the ongoing efforts of the Reddit team to enhance the platform underscore the commitment to providing an engaging and valuable experience for all users.
By Fatemeh Sadat Mirshafiee