The new standard

for movie tickets

The new standard

for movie tickets

The new standard

for movie tickets

Project Overview

Project Overview

Project Overview

Intro

The whos and whats

Intro

The whos and whats

Intro

The whos and whats

Team

Elie Puffelis

My Roles

UI Design, UX Research, Prototyping, Logo Design

Tools

Figma, Photoshop, Illustrator, Miro

Duration

8 Weeks

TL;DR

The whole case study in a nutshell

This project was inspired by a real world personal experience, where I and a group of friends wanted to plan a day to watch a movie together. However, in the instance where one person couldn't buy everyone's tickets, we found it a bit tedious having the whole group take time out of their schedule, coordinate the movie details, and buy their ticket in time. This had me wondering, surely we are not the only ones with this sentiment.

So

what

did

I

do?

I

began

with

a

questionnaire.

From

the

participant's

answers,

I

recognized

similar

behavioral

patterns

and

pain

points.

I

learned

that

they

like

to

go

to

the

movie

theatre

with

their

friends

and

family

in

their

free

time.

However,

most

of

the

time

the

responsibility

to

organize

a

movie

day

falls

on

them.

Due

to

the

little

free

time

they

have,

they

need

a

quick

and

easy

way

to

plan,

reserve

and

purchase

movie

tickets

for

their

group.

Now that I understood the problem users were facing, I wanted to find out why the current available movie apps did not address this pain point. I chose to do a competitive analysis and used those findings to sketch up some potential solutions. As a result, I introduced a new feature called Split Cost that specifically addressed the reservation hassle for a group of people. Additionally, I sought to improve already existing features to streamline the overall purchasing process. I began to sketch out these ideas. Then those sketches turned into wireframes, and those wireframes lead to a MIFI prototype which I used for a usability test. Finally, after a couple iterations, I developed a HIFI prototype based on feedback from the usability test and successful KPI metrics.

Sneek Peek

Without giving to much away

Sneek Peek

Without giving to much away

Why not just use

currently existing apps?

Let us show you.

I don't have time to buy my tickets

Dont' worry I got you

Split Cost

Be the hero.

Reserve tickets

for everyone fast ⚡️

Who wants to watch a movie tonight?

Let there be dark.

Find exactly what you’re looking for

Filters that actually help

Reserve tickets in 4 steps

Showtimes

Seating

Tickets

Payment

Can't find your ticket? No problem.

One place for all your tickets

Project Overview

Discovery

Discovery

Discovery

Questionnaire

The best way to find something out is....to simply ask

I wanted to get a better understanding of what the current experience was for purchasing movie tickets. By simply asking, I could find out what the user base liked, disliked and wished would improve when buying tickets

Questionnaire

The best way to find something out is....to simply ask

I wanted to get a better understanding of what the current experience was for purchasing movie tickets. By simply asking, I could find out what the user base liked, disliked and wished would improve when buying tickets

Questionnaire

The best way to find something out is....to simply ask

I wanted to get a better understanding of what the current experience was for purchasing movie tickets. By simply asking, I could find out what the user base liked, disliked and wished would improve when buying tickets

  • Question

    You are in charge to find movie tickets for you and your group of friends. What are some things the app can do to make this task easier and less stressful?

    Answer

    Option to split cost like Uber and Lyft

    Clay

  • Question

    What apps in the past have you used to buy movie tickets? And why have you stuck with this particular app over the other available options?

    Answer

    I have used the AMC app. I did not like it. It lags a lot and it can be inaccurate. So i just buy tickets at the booth.

    Valeria

  • Question

    From your experience, what is a movie ticket app feature you find most helpful when buying movie tickets and why?

    Answer

    I can use the QR code to get in.

    Sal

  • Question

    From your experience, what is a movie ticket app feature you find most helpful when buying movie tickets and why?

    Answer

    Selecting your seats. There has been a few times where I’ve purchased my ticket and when arriving to the theater, the only spots left were in the front or scattered around the theater. Which isn’t the most ideal when you’re in a group of 3 or more

    Olga

  • Question

    Ideally watching a movie in theaters is usually considered an enjoyable experience, but how can the way we purchase our tickets online add to that experience?

    Answer

    I think just a fast and simple way to purchase tickets for you and or group would be great for a better experience knowing it was done easily.

    Ricky

  • Question

    From your experience, what is a movie ticket app feature you find most helpful when buying movie tickets and why?

    Answer

    The ability to filter movies by time in the calendar

    Anastasiia

  • Question

    You are in charge to find movie tickets for you and your group of friends. What are some things the app can do to make this task easier and less stressful?

    Answer

    I would say when you select a group of seats, they would be reserved for 5-10 minutes and a shareable link is created that you can send in a group chat. Each person then can select which seats they want to individually pay for.

    Jonah

  • Question

    Ideally watching a movie in theatres is usually considered an enjoyable experience, but how can the way we purchase our tickets online add to that experience?

    Answer

    Discounts, less fees, seat selection, online snack order, etc.

    Jasmine

  • Question

    When a movie you are really interested in is finally in theatres, do you buy your tickets online or at the booth? Could you please elaborate on why that is your preference?

    Answer

    I always buy tickets online, it saves me a lot of time, so I don't have to stand in line for tickets

    Alex

  • Question

    You are in charge to find movie tickets for you and your group of friends. What are some things the app can do to make this task easier and less stressful?

    Answer

    Option to split cost like Uber and Lyft

    Clay

  • Question

    What apps in the past have you used to buy movie tickets? And why have you stuck with this particular app over the other available options?

    Answer

    I have used the AMC app. I did not like it. It lags a lot and it can be inaccurate. So i just buy tickets at the booth.

    Valeria

  • Question

    From your experience, what is a movie ticket app feature you find most helpful when buying movie tickets and why?

    Answer

    I can use the QR code to get in.

    Sal

  • Question

    From your experience, what is a movie ticket app feature you find most helpful when buying movie tickets and why?

    Answer

    Selecting your seats. There has been a few times where I’ve purchased my ticket and when arriving to the theater, the only spots left were in the front or scattered around the theater. Which isn’t the most ideal when you’re in a group of 3 or more

    Olga

  • Question

    Ideally watching a movie in theaters is usually considered an enjoyable experience, but how can the way we purchase our tickets online add to that experience?

    Answer

    I think just a fast and simple way to purchase tickets for you and or group would be great for a better experience knowing it was done easily.

    Ricky

  • Question

    From your experience, what is a movie ticket app feature you find most helpful when buying movie tickets and why?

    Answer

    The ability to filter movies by time in the calendar

    Anastasiia

  • Question

    You are in charge to find movie tickets for you and your group of friends. What are some things the app can do to make this task easier and less stressful?

    Answer

    I would say when you select a group of seats, they would be reserved for 5-10 minutes and a shareable link is created that you can send in a group chat. Each person then can select which seats they want to individually pay for.

    Jonah

  • Question

    Ideally watching a movie in theatres is usually considered an enjoyable experience, but how can the way we purchase our tickets online add to that experience?

    Answer

    Discounts, less fees, seat selection, online snack order, etc.

    Jasmine

  • Question

    When a movie you are really interested in is finally in theatres, do you buy your tickets online or at the booth? Could you please elaborate on why that is your preference?

    Answer

    I always buy tickets online, it saves me a lot of time, so I don't have to stand in line for tickets

    Alex

EMPATHY MAP

Getting to know the ins and outs

After the questionnaire, I grouped the responses into four behavioral categories. From this I was able to observe not only what the users have to say about their current movie going experience, but what they feel, do, and even their thoughts of what their movie experience should be like. As a result, my understanding of the user base went pass a surface level.

EMPATHY MAP

Getting to know the ins and outs

After the questionnaire, I grouped the responses into four behavioral categories. From this I was able to observe not only what the users have to say about their current movie going experience, but what they feel, do, and even their thoughts of what their movie experience should be like. As a result, my understanding of the user base went pass a surface level.

EMPATHY MAP

Getting to know the ins and outs

After the questionnaire, I grouped the responses into four behavioral categories. From this I was able to observe not only what the users have to say about their current movie going experience, but what they feel, do, and even their thoughts of what their movie experience should be like. As a result, my understanding of the user base went pass a surface level.

USER GROUPS

Same thoughts, different people

After carefully analyzing the four groups, I recognized a pattern of reoccuring frustrations and sentiments users shared. From here, I synthesized conclusions for each pattern. These four conclusions became the building blocks of what I wanted to solve.

USER GROUPS

Same thoughts, different people

After carefully analyzing the four groups, I recognized a pattern of reoccuring frustrations and sentiments users shared. From here, I synthesized conclusions for each pattern. These four conclusions became the building blocks of what I wanted to solve.

USER GROUPS

Same thoughts, different people

After carefully analyzing the four groups, I recognized a pattern of reoccuring frustrations and sentiments users shared. From here, I synthesized conclusions for each pattern. These four conclusions became the building blocks of what I wanted to solve.

Pattern

  • Online tickets help avoid lines

  • Buying tickets online mitigates "sold out" surprises when buying tickets at the booth

Conclusion

  • Busy bees may work in lines, but busy people don’t have time for them......ever

Pattern

  • Seat visualization and digital ticket stubs are current features found in movie ticket apps that users expect to see

Conclusion

  • Do not tamper with the widely accepted features users love to use.

Pattern

  • Incorrect seat information, or timing out during checkout frustrates users, leading them to buy tickets at the booth instead

Conclusion

  • Online obstacles can lead users to go back to doing things the old way, and not for the better

Pattern

  • Movie night with a group of friends is always fun, but if only the process of making it happen was just as easy as showing up

Conclusion

  • Users want the process of reserving movie tickets for their group to be less of a hassle

PROBLEM STATEMENT

The Challenge

Most people have jam packed schedules, and they try their best to maintain a good work-life balance. Outside of work, a lot of them like to go to the movie theatre with their friends and family. However, most of the time the responsibility to organize a movie day falls on them. Due to the little free time they have throughout their day, they need a quick and easy way to plan, reserve and purchase tickets for their group.

PROBLEM STATEMENT

The Challenge

Most people have jam packed schedules, and they try their best to maintain a good work-life balance. Outside of work, a lot of them like to go to the movie theatre with their friends and family. However, most of the time the responsibility to organize a movie day falls on them. Due to the little free time they have throughout their day, they need a quick and easy way to plan, reserve and purchase tickets for their group.

PROBLEM STATEMENT

The Challenge

Most people have jam packed schedules, and they try their best to maintain a good work-life balance. Outside of work, a lot of them like to go to the movie theatre with their friends and family. However, most of the time the responsibility to organize a movie day falls on them. Due to the little free time they have throughout their day, they need a quick and easy way to plan, reserve and purchase tickets for their group.

Exploration

Exploration

Exploration

COMPETITOR ANALYSIS

What must one do to stand out from the rest?

Since other movie ticket apps already exist, why should anyone use Boleto then? To answer the question above, I decided a good starting point was to learn what those other companies do/don’t do well.

COMPETITOR ANALYSIS

What must one do to stand out from the rest?

Since other movie ticket apps already exist, why should anyone use Boleto then? To answer the question above, I decided a good starting point was to learn what those other companies do/don’t do well.

Competitor Strengths

Competitor Strengths

  • Easy navigation

  • Seat visualization

  • Reclined seating

  • Informative

Competitor Weaknesses

Competitor Weaknesses

  • Ticket reservations for a group of people

  • Short checkout times

  • No progress indicator when checking out

New Opportunities

New Opportunities

  • Implement a group reservation feature

  • Make the reservation process as short as possible

  • Aesthetically pleasing UI so users want to spend more time on app

CRAZY 8s

Putting ideas to paper...well iPad

Excited by the newly found opportunities from the competitor audit, I began to brainstorm lots of ideas. I decided a Crazy 8s exercise would force me to output these ideas quickly.

CRAZY 8s

Putting ideas to paper...well iPad

Excited by the newly found opportunities from the competitor audit, I began to brainstorm lots of ideas. I decided a Crazy 8s exercise would force me to output these ideas quickly.

USER FLOW

Let's be realistic, not everything goes to plan

With a few ideas jotted down, I began to visualize what the average flow may look like for a user buying tickets. Fortunately, we have a blueprint from the already existing apps, but that doesn't mean we can't make the unhappy path be less unhappy For this reason, I was very mindful of what areas a user can stray from the happy path. I stayed one step ahead so that the hitches on the road users may encounter are very easy to correct.

USER FLOW

Let's be realistic, not everything goes to plan

With a few ideas jotted down, I began to visualize what the average flow may look like for a user buying tickets. Fortunately, we have a blueprint from the already existing apps, but that doesn't mean we can't make the unhappy path be less unhappy For this reason, I was very mindful of what areas a user can stray from the happy path. I stayed one step ahead so that the hitches on the road users may encounter are very easy to correct.

USER FLOW

Let's be realistic, not everything goes to plan

With a few ideas jotted down, I began to visualize what the average flow may look like for a user buying tickets. Fortunately, we have a blueprint from the already existing apps, but that doesn't mean we can't make the unhappy path be less unhappy For this reason, I was very mindful of what areas a user can stray from the happy path. I stayed one step ahead so that the hitches on the road users may encounter are very easy to correct.

GOAL STATEMENT

The Goal

With Boleto, anyone will be able to quickly reserve movie tickets for their friends and family. Our app will provide a new ‘Split Cost’ option that will make ticket reservation easier while removing the hassle of organizing the hangout. In the end, we will measure our success by how much the ‘Split Cost’ feature is actually used and the increase of new users switching over to Boleto from existing competitors.

Design

Design

Design

UI KIT

Ooo look at all the new shiny bells and whistles

Before any designing began, I had to set the tone of Boleto. I envisioned a look that was both casual yet sophisticated. You can see this portrayed through the simple and easy to read typeface, or the icon set that is easy on the eyes yet not too bubbly. Even the logo, its geometry indicates precision yet remains a simple singular letter. Lastly, the colors were selected with a purpose. The primary blue color is close to that of a royal purple which again further supports the sophisticated tone I was going for. However, the remaining colors are neutral in nature which limits the possibility of visual clutter while enhancing the breathability of the app.

UI KIT

Ooo look at all the new shiny bells and whistles

Before any designing began, I had to set the tone of Boleto. I envisioned a look that was both casual yet sophisticated. You can see this portrayed through the simple and easy to read typeface, or the icon set that is easy on the eyes yet not too bubbly. Even the logo, its geometry indicates precision yet remains a simple singular letter. Lastly, the colors were selected with a purpose. The primary blue color is close to that of a royal purple which again further supports the sophisticated tone I was going for. However, the remaining colors are neutral in nature which limits the possibility of visual clutter while enhancing the breathability of the app.

WIREFRAMES

They say having options is a luxury

With the tone set, it was time to bring my vision to life.

WIREFRAMES

They say having options is a luxury

With the tone set, it was time to bring my vision to life.

DESIGN REASONING

Decisions...decisions

As mentioned above, having options is a luxury. However, that still required me to be strategic when it came to selecting the best fitting variant. I made sure the design that I selected was both, feasible, and in some way help solve our problem. Whether that was directly or indirectly.

DESIGN REASONING

Decisions...decisions

As mentioned above, having options is a luxury. However, that still required me to be strategic when it came to selecting the best fitting variant. I made sure the design that I selected was both, feasible, and in some way help solve our problem. Whether that was directly or indirectly.

New Feature Split Cost

A

Reasoning

I organized this screen so that the customer could purchase their tickets through a simple step by step process. With the new "Split Cost" feature, customers now have the option to pay the reservation in full or share the cost. Since the remaining steps logically depend on what the user selects, I made section A to be the first and largest elements on the screen.

Pros

  • Easy to follow layout

  • Progressive disclosure does not overwhelm user with options

Cons

  • N/A

B

Reasoning

When a user selects "Split Cost", a listing of each reserved seat becomes visible on the same screen via progressive disclosure. As a result, the Split Cost feature does not feel auxiliary nor does it break the user's flow by navigating them to a separate screen.

Pros

  • User flow is not interrupted

Cons

  • Depending on amount if seats reserved, user could feel overwhelmed with the options available

Home Screen Variants

A

Reasoning

I chose this version of the home screen because the tab menu provides an organized format that could make searching for a movie easier and quicker. Additionally, the menu’s fixed position allows it to remain visible, allowing the user to know where they are at all times and not feel lost while searching through multiple options.

Pros

  • Can reduce search time

  • Helps the user know where they are in the app

Cons

  • Horizontal scrolling for users with limited dexterity

Filter and Showtime Variants

A

Reasoning

The name, date, time, and theatre will display across all screens of the reservation process. This allows users to feel confident they are purchasing their original selection.

Pros

  • Reaffirms user’s selection

Cons

  • N/A

B

Reasoning

This design displays any filters the user has applied to narrow their search. Users will not need to return to a designated filter screen to remember what they have currently selected, but instead, they can simply glance at this list.

Pros

  • Promotes the use of filters

  • Users don’t need to remember the filters they chose, helping reduce cognitive load

Cons

  • Less screen space for showtime listings

Seat Selection

A

Reasoning

Because of the the natural limited space provided by a mobile device, it was important to consider how I wanted to use the available screen real estate when it came to the seating chart. In this case I chose to have larger seating icons, which equates to larger touch targets for the users. A trade off to consider would be to not display row and seating labels due to the lack of space. However, most users tend to choose seats based on the distance from the screen and prefer middle of the row, which can still be observed with or without seat or row labels.

Pros

  • Larger touch targets for seats helps those with limited dexterity

  • Zoom in and out functionality

Cons

  • Seats may be smaller to press as number of seats in a auditorium increase

B

Reasoning

As a result of point 1, in choosing larger seat touch targets, I provided an area where user’s selections would display in real time below the seating chart.

Pros

  • Users can receive immediate feedback of their selection in real time

Cons

  • N/A

MIFI

Don't sleep on MIFI

Once the wireframes were complete, my next step was to transform them into a mid-fidelity prototype so that I could conduct a usability test as soon as possible. My reason for this was to gain valuable feedback sooner, instead of spending time on trying to perfect screens that would need changes anyway. Below are LOFI screens side by side with their MIFI evolution.

MIFI

Don't sleep on MIFI

Once the wireframes were complete, my next step was to transform them into a mid-fidelity prototype so that I could conduct a usability test as soon as possible. My reason for this was to gain valuable feedback sooner, instead of spending time on trying to perfect screens that would need changes anyway. Below are LOFI screens side by side with their MIFI evolution.

MIFI

Don't sleep on MIFI

Once the wireframes were complete, my next step was to transform them into a mid-fidelity prototype so that I could conduct a usability test as soon as possible. My reason for this was to gain valuable feedback sooner, instead of spending time on trying to perfect screens that would need changes anyway. Below are LOFI screens side by side with their MIFI evolution.

Testing

Testing

Testing

USABILITY TEST

Time to put our ideas to the test...literally

Now that I had a working prototype, I proceeded with a usability test. The test was moderated and consisted of (5) pariticpants. Each participant was asked to complete the same (6) tasks. Below is a summary of what I was hoping to learn, what metric the user's performance would be measured by, and a list of the (6) tasks.

USABILITY TEST

Time to put our ideas to the test...literally

Now that I had a working prototype, I proceeded with a usability test. The test was moderated and consisted of (5) pariticpants. Each participant was asked to complete the same (6) tasks. Below is a summary of what I was hoping to learn, what metric the user's performance would be measured by, and a list of the (6) tasks.

Research Goal

  • Conduct a moderated usability test, and collect user feedback that will help me design an improved movie ticket experience based on user needs

What I Want to Learn

  • How many users find the ‘Split Cost’ option feature helpful?

  • Do users find filters useful when looking for a specific showing?

  • Is the interface intuitive and simple to use?

  • What is the average time taken to reserve and purchase tickets?

KPIs

  • Time on task

  • Conversion rates

  • System Usability Scale

User Tasks

1

Open up the Boleto app and search for the movie you wish to see

2

Use filters to narrow down your search for a showtime that works best for you

3

Select seats for

a group of 5

4

Next, select 3 adult tickets and 2 senior tickets

5

Upon checkout, use the “Split Cost” option and only pay for 3 of the 5 tickets

6

View your ticket reservation, and share it with your group

RESULTS

First impressions are everything

Below are the results from the usability study, and it's safe to say Boleto did rather well.

RESULTS

First impressions are everything

Below are the results from the usability study, and it's safe to say Boleto did rather well.

Notable User Quotes

Task Summary

KPIs

Affinity Map

ITERATIONS

They spoke, I listened

What first draft is ever perfect? Thanks to the feedback from the usability study, I was able to make adjustments for the new HIFI screens that would improve the overall UX.

  • New Iteration

  • Previous Iteration

  • New Iteration

  • Previous Iteration

  • New Iteration

  • Previous Iteration

Payment Confusion

Previous Feedback

  • Participant was not sure if payment went through

  • User felt unsure if they completed the reservation correctly

Changes Made

  • Change the copy of primary buttons from "Pay" to "Checkout" and "Confirm Purchase". These are widely recognized labels that indicate exactly what will happen when pressed

  • Included the spinning wheel processing screen to give the user feedback that there purchase has been recognized and is waiting to be completed

  • Once payment has been processed, users are greeted by a confirmation screen

  • New Iteration

  • Previous Iteration

  • New Iteration

  • Previous Iteration

  • New Iteration

  • Previous Iteration

Seating Selection Struggles

Previous Feedback

  • Seats were difficult to tap

  • Users had to bring screen closer to them

Changes Made

  • Increased touch target size for seat icons

  • Changed icons for zooming in/out that better represent the function of the button

  • Increased the magnification of zoom feature to make choosing seats even easier, while still allowing for the maximum selection amount of seats to be visible in frame

Conclusion

Conclusion

Conclusion

HIFI

Boleto in the real world

The time finally came to see Boleto in the user's hands.

HIFI

Boleto in the real world

The time finally came to see Boleto in the user's hands.

PROTOTYPE

The new kid on the block

Below I demonstrate what a typical session would look like when purchaing movie tickets with Boleto.

PROTOTYPE

The new kid on the block

Below I demonstrate what a typical session would look like when purchaing movie tickets with Boleto.

REFLECTION

Looking back at the journey

Movie goers weren't the only people that benefitted from Boleto. During this whole process I faced many challenges throughout, but overcoming those challenges made me a better designer overall. Checkout my final thoughts below.

REFLECTION

Looking back at the journey

Movie goers weren't the only people that benefitted from Boleto. During this whole process I faced many challenges throughout, but overcoming those challenges made me a better designer overall. Checkout my final thoughts below.

Key Takeaways

  • About 95% of people strictly buy their tickets online only

  • Learned to design icons for those that were not in the library being used

  • Use variables! Introduction to Figma variables helped streamline prototyping and even decreased the amount of screens needed to complete a flow

  • Use variables! Introduction to Figma variables helped streamline prototyping and even decreased the amount of screens needed to complete a flow

  • Competitor audit is a very useful tactic/method

  • Test as soon as possible, even in LOFI

Challenges

  • Color was a bit challenging for me because I wanted a different palette from the familiar reds, and oranges from AMC and Fandango.

  • Color was a bit challenging for me because I wanted a different palette from the familiar reds, and oranges from AMC and Fandango.

  • Creating a prototype that responds to user input/selections because of Figma’s logic limitations.

  • Making a new app stand out from the already existing and well received apps. However my approach was to incorporate features users already loved, and if possible improve them. Secondly, add a feature that users seemed to need that currently was unavailable. This would help the app stand out.

  • Making a new app stand out from the already existing and well received apps. However my approach was to incorporate features users already loved, and if possible improve them. Secondly, add a feature that users seemed to need that currently was unavailable. This would help the app stand out.

Next Steps

  • Complete another usability test but with the high fidelity prototype

  • Design search screen and profile screen

  • Integrate additional features like member perks, or suggesting food/snacks at checkout

  • See how ‘Split Cost’ is received

THANK YOU FOR READING ✌🏻