Overview
Squeaky is a mobile app designed to help households manage chores efficiently. The app allows users to create and assign tasks, organize them under broader “big jobs,” set schedules with reminders, and track progress for all household members. This case study outlines the research, design process, user testing, and iterations that shaped the final product.
*This project was created for a User Expierence class at North Island College. Not real client work and no final application was created. All information in this case study is a pure user experience/interface practice*
Problem Statement
Managing household chores can be chaotic, especially in shared living spaces. Existing apps either limit task numbers, lack multi-user support, or fail to organize subtasks effectively.
Squeaky aims to solve these issues by offering:
- Unlimited tasks with structured subtasks.
- Multiple user profiles under one account.
- Customizable schedules & reminders.
- Clear task delegation and progress tracking.
Competitive Analysis
A comparison with competitors (Tody, Spotless, OurHome) revealed key gaps:
| Feature | Competitors | Squeaky |
|---|---|---|
| Task Limits | Yes | No |
| Multi-User Support | Limited or paid | Free, unlimited profiles |
| Subtask Organization | No | Yes (under “big jobs”) |
| Reminders & Scheduling | Basic | Advanced (custom repeat options) |
Insight: Competitors lacked flexibility in task management, making Squeaky’s approach more user-friendly for households.
User Persona & Task Flow
Persona:
- Name: Elyse
- Role: Busy professional living with roommates
- Goal: Distribute chores fairly and avoid last-minute cleaning stress.
Task Flow:
- Create a “big job” (e.g., “Clean Kitchen”).
- Add subtasks (e.g., “Load dishwasher,” “Wipe counters”).
- Assign tasks to roommates.
- Set recurrence (daily/weekly) and reminders.
Design Process
Paper Prototyping & Early Testing
Initial testing uncovered navigation issues:
- Tap bar icons were unclear.
- No visible user profile switching.
- Confusing “skip” vs. “done” buttons in onboarding.
Improvements:
- Redesigned icons with labels.
- Added profile-switching functionality.
- Replaced “skip” with “done” for clarity.
High-Fidelity Wireframes
Testing highlighted:
- Positive: Intuitive task creation, well-labeled buttons.
- Critique: Horizontal scroll in “Everyone’s Tasks” needed visual cues.
Updates:
- Added scroll indicators and auto-displayed task details.
- Improved spacing and back-button consistency.
Final Mockups
- Custom icons
- Cohesive color scheme.
- Streamlined task flow.
- Clearer onboarding
- Custom task option.
Key Features
MVP (Minimum Viable Product)
- Multi-profile household accounts.
- Task assignment to specific users.
- Scheduling with reminders.
- Subtask organization under “big jobs.”
Extra Features
- “Degrees of desperation” (visual overdue indicators).
- Points system for completed tasks.
- Auto-generated to-do/upcoming task lists.
User Feedback & Iterations
Positive Feedback
- “Fluid and well thought out.”
- “Would use this app in real life.”
Critiques & Fixes
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Unclear onboarding buttons | Changed “skip” to “done,” clarified “add more.” |
| Missing “done” button in task creation | Added confirmatory button. |
| Hidden horizontal scroll | Added indicators and peeked next card. |
Visual Design
- Moodboard & UI Kit: Bright, clean aesthetic with high contrast for readability.
- Icons: Custom-designed for better recognition.
- Color Coding: Assigned colors to profiles for quick identification.
View the Mockups:
Adobe XD Link
Conclusion & Next Steps
Squeaky successfully addresses household chore management with intuitive design and robust features. Future enhancements could include:
- Voice-command task creation.
- Integration with smart home devices.
- Expanded reward systems (e.g., gift cards for points).
Final Prototype Video:
YouTube Link
Credits:
- User testers: Roberta, Evan, Trinity, Gillian.
- Competitive analysis: Tody, Spotless, OurHome.
- UI inspiration: Google Tasks, moodboard best practices.
This case study demonstrates how iterative testing and user-centered design shaped Squeaky into a practical solution for shared living spaces.