Case Study: Perfect Timing
Role
User Experience Researcher/Designer
Duration
4 Months
Project Overview
Many children, especially those who have not yet learned to read a clock, struggle with understanding the concept of time. This lack of comprehension can lead to anxiety and difficulty transitioning between activities. The Perfect Timing project aims to create a visual and interactive solution to help children anticipate transitions and develop a structured sense of time.
What’s the Problem?
Children under 12 often lack a clear perception of time, making it challenging for them to transition smoothly between activities. Without a visual representation of time, they may feel frustrated, anxious, or resistant to changes in routine.
Key Challenges Identified:
Difficulty understanding time progression – Young children struggle with abstract time concepts.
Emotional distress during transitions – Lack of awareness about upcoming changes can cause anxiety.
Need for simple and engaging visuals – Overly complex graphics can be overwhelming for young users.
Parental need for structured transition tools – Parents require a way to help children adapt to schedules.
Central Problem Statement:
How might we help children under 12 better understand the passage of time despite their difficulty grasping abstract time concepts?
Research Design Method
The research focused on understanding user behavior and identifying opportunities for a visual time-management tool.
Target Audience:
Parents with children under 12.
Children who struggle with time perception and activity transitions.
User Needs & Insights:
Visual representation is crucial for children's understanding.
Simple, engaging illustrations work better than detailed or overwhelming graphics.
Customizable features allow adaptability for different learning styles.
Competitive Analysis:
Mouse Timer – A child-friendly timer with animated elements.
Time Timer – Designed for children with ADHD, providing visual time tracking.
Differentiation: Perfect Timing focuses on flexibility, simplicity, and inclusivity to support various learning styles.
Solution: The "Perfect Timing" App
The “Perfect Timing” app is a simple digital tool designed to help children anticipate transitions by clearly indicating the progression and conclusion of an activity.
Key Features:
Welcome Page: A user-friendly interface that guides parents and children in setting up timers.
User Profiles: Allows parents to add multiple children, customize timers, and manage settings easily.
Parental View: Provides an overview of children's timers, along with pause and end functions for flexibility.
Children’s View: Designed without a pause or end function, allowing children to follow through with the set timer.
Visual Countdown: A simple, clear visual representation of time that helps children track the passage of time.
Customization: Options to change colors and animations, enhancing engagement and comprehension.
Transition Preparation: Indicators that signal when an activity is nearing its end, reducing anxiety about transitions.
Educational Framework: The app teaches children that all activities have a beginning, process, and conclusion, fostering a structured understanding of time.
Visual System
Color Scheme: Thoughtfully chosen colors that are engaging yet not overstimulating.
Typography: A clear font hierarchy that enhances readability and usability.
Impact & Future Recommendations
The Perfect Timing app is designed to enhance children's time awareness, reduce anxiety, and improve daily transitions for both kids and parents.
Success Metrics:
Reduction in emotional distress when transitioning between activities.
Positive feedback from parents on their child’s improved time management.
Increased engagement with the app as a daily time-management tool.
Trust & Credibility:
Developed with a strong educational foundation to teach time awareness.
Helps children develop practical skills for smoother daily routines.
Conclusion
Perfect Timing helps children visually grasp the passage of time, reducing anxiety and promoting a structured sense of routine. By providing clear, customizable visual cues, the app empowers both children and parents to manage transitions with confidence and ease.