For a video of the full setup experience, view https://youtu.be/jRg15FMiglc
The good bits:
- The quick start guide is clearly illustrated.
- The BB-8 droid is responsive throughout the setup process. Before pairing to the app, it moves around as if it’s seeking something. When it connects to the app and begins downloading the firmware update, it pulses yellow. When the firmware update is complete, it moves upright to attention and glows steady blue. Even on a screenless device, this kind of feedback reassures the user that stuff is happening.
- Although the firmware update can be lengthy, the app cycles through fun animations of BB-8’s mechanical composition, and, as it nears completion, prints “Enjoy your new BB-8” on the screen.
- The app limits the setup experience to a few simple steps, getting users to a state where they can begin using their toy as soon as possible (aside from a few notes mentioned in the improvement section below).
- The app uses a mix of playthrough tutorials (tutorials that simulate everyday use, but in a protected space) and user-guided tutorials (gradually revealing next step hints as the user traverses the everyday UI) in the first run of each section. The “Drive” section, for example, starts with a playthrough tutorial. It first teaches the user to aim BB-8; when this is complete, it teaches them to steer it with a digital joystick. After driving around for a bit, the user is exited to the main “Drive” screen. If the user exits the main screen and returns to it, the app displays a next step hint, encouraging them to play with shortcut commands for controlling BB-8.
- Requesting iOS permissions are handled gracefully (see the screenshots, not the video, for the real permission process). They are not prompted until the user tries to use the “Message” section or voice recognition controls in settings. The user is given a list of permissions they will be asked to enable, and then stepped through one-by-one. After the user is done addressing permissions, they’re shown a recap screen that reiterates permissions they did or did not enable, with an option to go back to settings to enable any permission they declined.
- Voice command instruction is also well handled, after it’s enabled. Like the “Drive” section, introduction to voice commands is handled with a playthrough tutorial as the user is led through getting BB-8’s attention, trying a command, and then linking two commands together. Additionally, if the user enables a voice command outside of this tutorial, a dedicated voice UI appears with inline cues to suggest actions.
- Although the app leverages coachmarks (a screen overlay pointing out and explaining all parts of a UI), which are typically an anti-pattern because of their blocking nature, it uses them responsibly. Instead of pushing them to the user up front, these coachmarks only display if the user taps a “?” icon.
- The user can turn the tutorials back on any time from within settings.
To be improved:
- A bulky legal guide is included in the packaging contents, yet doesn’t seem to prevent the app from needing to present terms and conditions at launch.
- The forced age and legal gates, and the (thankfully optional) request to sign up for email updates, are the app’s uninspiring first impression. They appear even before the Star Wars theme begins. These steps raise questions about how the email address might be used, or what the app will do if it knows the user’s age. And if age is requested solely for legal purposes, odds are that people will falsify this information, making it a possibly useless step.
- Although the pairing process is a fun branding opportunity, it’s extremely finicky. As you can see in the video, it can take many attempts at bringing the phone close to the droid before it’s successful. Seeing the phone physically close to the droid, but not having the UI reflect it by immediately pairing, can be frustrating. And, the pairing process is repeated each time you close and reopen the app. Sphero should consider ways to make this process foolproof, or fall back to standard pairing methods.
- The voice commands feature is hidden beneath a toggle within settings, yet it’s one of the most interesting parts of the experience. The app should consider elevating discovery of this feature to new users.