Rebecca
Heran
Hi, I’m Rebecca! I grew up living all over as a military brat but have been in Edmonton for a while now. I’ve always been creative as a means to express myself, but it wasn’t until I jumped in headfirst with the design program that I feel like I found myself. Design marries my love for creating and helping people with my abilities to problem solve and think critically. I am an avid vintage lover who ironically fell in love with UX/UI design and all things tech. While I fantasize about the simplicity of the past with my vintage collection, I am captivated by the possibilities of the future and making it more inclusive for all.
Over the pandemic, I got in touch with my Martha Stewart side.
Over the pandemic, I got in touch with my Martha Stewart side.
Integrating AR Beyond Filters
The goal of this project was to promote connectedness. With the pandemic and colder weather in full swing, this project touched on many aspects of life we all were lacking. With Snapchat already being one of the leading apps for integrating AR, it’s a no-brainer that in the future, they would consider integrating AR in a more advanced setting. In my prototype, users can take and send videos while masking out the background to create a more connected and realistic experience between users.
This is an overview of the masking and sending a message process once users have filmed a video or taken a photo they can simply tap unwanted areas to be masked out using the masking button.
When users receive a new AR message they are able to scan the room for surfaces and place the video or image within their home. Users will also have the opportunity to save files from users as a means to keep memories and revisit anytime they are feeling lonely.
The following is a sample of my mid-fi mockups before I fully adopted the Snapchat branding and integrated it within their system.
These are the initial wireframes used to flush out what types of interactions users would require in order to take or receive their photos and videos.
Parks Canada Camping App
This project aimed to create an app based on the existing Parks Canada app and website that would allow users to book campsites anywhere, anytime.
While following brand guidelines and using the existing information, I wanted to ensure that the interface was intuitive for users and would provide more information and improved filter options. The app’s homepage provides users with nearby camping locations for ease with an easily accessible search bar and filter overlay for tailored suggestions.
Search and select by map options allow the user to see a preview of each location and where they are located for booking ease.
Once a user has selected a location, they are provided with a detailed overview of all the necessary information for complete transparency and to facilitate the booking process.
The following images are wireframes and mid-fidelity screens throughout the design process.
Course Planning Chatbot
This project was part of a multi-disciplinary course with students from the computer science faculty. While researching and designing a solution, I worked closely with 2 developers who implemented my designs into a living web product.
This is a tool designed to be implemented within the MacEwan Student System portal that would allow students to see an overview of their courses and credits, as well as providing them with the opportunity to use this as a course planning tool. The chatbot would also be able to implement items into this page to help students with planning.
The chatbot features a calendar selection for booking appointments with an advisor. The current method to book with an advisor online is very challenging to find. Having it implemented within the chatbot would provide a better user experience for students.
These are the initial wireframes for the chatbot, booking an appointment, and the course planning tool.
After the wireframe process, the chatbot quickly took on the persona of Griffin for the MacEwan Griffins. After additional research and testing, however, it was brought to my attention that Griffin was too realistic and less apparent it was a chatbot and was changed to be more transparent for users.
Can’t Find Something to Watch on Netflix?
In asking Netflix users about what they felt could be improved upon, everyone said that finding content took them far too long. Netflix’s integrated algorithms do a great job at getting to know your likes and dislikes but sifting through the content to match your tastes is still not perfect. By adding additional ways to sort content and reset or remove undesired content, users have the ability to customize their Netflix experience for all their watching needs.
Have you ever felt like you have watched everything good there is to find on Netflix? In my research, I discovered that Netflix’s algorithms tend to prevent you from seeing all the content that exists on the platform. By browsing by filter rather than by Netflix’s predetermined categories, users are able to find all types of hidden content within the platform.
New add to playlist function to create custom playlists as well as the option to remove items from the recently watched list to prevent Netflix from suggesting similar content.
Integrated AI for voice commands also helps for a hands-free watching experience.
Initial wireframes in the process of creating a new user experience for Netflix users.
Erda Sustainability App
Over the past two semesters, I have been researching sustainability, education, and the family unit. This app was created as the output of that research to help individuals connect with sustainability through activities and inadvertently learn more about what this broad term encompasses. By doing activities together and creating a community environment, users can share knowledge and excitement.
The following images are the main components of this app. You have the activities page in the front and center where users can find and join activities. Should they want to create their own, the option is also there. To the right is the connect page, where users can post and connect with other users to keep up the excitement. On the left is your profile page that tracks your past activities and achievements.
On the current activities, page users can find all activities they have joined. By clicking on activity, users can see more or mark an activity as complete. Once an activity has been marked complete, users are asked to upload an image and write a small reflection of their experience. These reflections can be both private or public.
These screens are part of the signup process for new users. They are first asked to create a profile and determine whether they want to remain public or be private. They are then asked for their interests to filter what types of activities they will be suggested, and finally, they can establish connections through suggestions or the search.
