Enhancing User Experience through Creative Design Thinking : designing a family schedule management mobile app (FamSync)

Abstract

This thesis presents the design and development process of FamSync, a new mobile app aimed at simplifying family schedule management and addressing common challenges faced by busy parents, particularly those with young children. Guided by the Design Thinking approach, the project focused on building a functional, engaging, and user-friendly solution to enhance family coordination. Qualitative research and development methods – including interviews, surveys, persona development, competitive analysis, and usability testing – were used to inform the design. Low- and high-fidelity prototypes were developed in Figma, with usability testing focused on scheduling clarity, communication ease, and task/event sharing among family members. Insights were synthesized using affinity diagrams, enabling iterative refinements centered on simplicity, emotional connection, and practical utility. A standout feature of FamSync is its use of gamification to boost children’s motivation and engagement in shared tasks. The design also supports role-based access and cross-platform synchronization, ensuring inclusivity for different family members. This project demonstrates how a user-centered, iterative design approach can transform complex family routines into a seamless, enjoyable, and meaningful digital experience.