OutlierDB: Structuring Data Architecture
Brazilian Jui Jitsu Training Resource
Project Overview
Role: UX/UI Designer
Duration: 4 Weeks
Client: OutlierDB
Tools: Figma, Google Workspace
Team: Vince Fierro - UX/UI Designer, Chad Tathom - UX/UI Designer, Emily Lin - UX/UI Designer, Steven Davis - UX/UI Designer
The Brief
- Reduce churn rate and inspire users to return.
- Provide a valuable and easy to use resource that helps users study BJJ.
Designing a system to present data in a format that facilitates the recognition of its value.
To begin I observed the OutlierDB site as it currently stands to get an idea of some of the issues users might be experiencing.
- OutlierDB breaks down recorded BJJ matches into turn by turn data of positions, grapples, submissions, and transitions for training study.
- Although OutlierDB hosts the most in-depth BJJ match data in the market, it is only accessible through a difficult to use search and filter system.
- Search results were inconsistent in information architecture and also varied based on type of search.
I found that no other competitor provides the level of detailed data on BJJ move sequences like OutlierDB, meticulously breaking down matches into turn-by-turn analysis. I researched some of the top BJJ online training resources as well as comparators like Amazon and Youtube.
I researched Amazon and Youtubes extensive search and filter tools to navigate its massive catalogue.
From within the online BJJ training resource I noted how information was categorized and visually represented.
With this understanding of the market, we move to understand the users perspective as well.
Understanding the Users
We interviewed 7 current OutlierDB users to ask about what their current experience with OutlierDB is and what their goals are for themselves as a BJJ athlete. Some our key takeaways are:
- Users struggled with knowing what terms to search resulting in mostly zero results from searches.
- Users had difficulty navigating the complex search tools.
- Users felt that the site was a good idea even though it is difficult to use.
The data is synthesized into the following persona:
We use our persona to ideate a Journey Map to better understand our users' experience with using OutlierDB.
We can see that the data OutlierDB provided was insightful, but it was confusing for Armando to figure out how to get to what he needed.
We can define the problem with the following Problem Statement:
Armando needs complex BJJ data to be organized and structured in an understandable context because he wants to win more tournament matches.
We next create some How-Might-We’s to consider as many perspectives as possible:
- How might we provide a way for users to learn BJJ content through an intuitive discovery process?
- How might we structure information effectively to enhance Armando’s comprehension?
- How might we structure BJJ technique data so that Armando can win more matches?
I focus on creating easily understood information architecture for the search functions of the site as well as by providing context for Outliers robust database so users can learn BJJ through discovery. We decide upon the next steps to address these:
- The creation of a landing page that shows the data presented in fun contextual ways such as a match or sequence of the week, lists of most viewed resources, featured matches, etc.
- The creation of submission and position wiki style pages that can introduce new users to Outliers in-depth data in an informative contextual way.
- Complete restructuring of the primary mode of navigation to access the full breadth of an advanced search on OutlierDB.
We begin by sketching out some solutions which serve as the foundation for our wireframes:
We further develop these ideas into a functioning mid-fi prototype.
We conducted moderated usability studies on 6 users by presenting them with specific tasks to complete using the prototype.
One task is centered around discovery using the new technique page and the second task as centered around using the new search information architecture.
We synthesized our findings and found some commonalities with our users.
Users successfully navigated the discovery path. Users reported having an easier time accessing Outlier’s search features with the new information architecture.
The most common pain points were that some iconography was difficult to understand. Some explanation for BJJ lingo/terminology was needed while searching.
We applied these findings from our usability testing to develop a hi-fidelity prototype.
Although OutlierDB offers some of the most in-depth data for BJJ practitioners, it was often scattered in several locations or buried behind complex search functions. By designing pages to exhibit the data in real world context, users can now learn the power of these tools through discovery. The client was very pleased with my work in this project and has begun implementing the designs to the site.
