Revolutionary Features for the iOS 18 Passwords app
TLDR
Overview and Result
Context
iOS 18 introduced a new approach to Apple users’ security: the Passwords app. However, testing found that the app was confusing, and its function could be extended.
Geniuses
Amber Waters
Cameron Bell
Duration
4 Weeks
Roles
UX Design
UX Research
Prototyping
Opportunity
What are evolutionary and revolutionary features we could add to the iOS 18 passwords app to extend its functionality and ease of use?
Tools Used
Figma
Adobe CC
Marvel
Results
CSAT of 75%
NPS of 25
SUS of 70
-82.3% ToT
Optimized Landing Experience
The Security Overview in Passwords provides urgent security information at a glance, while the Insights tab educates users on risks and encourages better security habits.
Streamlined Bulk Passwords Change
The Bulk Change feature allows iOS users to change all their passwords of any level of risk at once. The feature incentivizes users to address their security risks by making the process as least time consuming as possible.
Automatic Passwords Change
Users are able to quickly change single passwords and set custom cycle length for automatic password changes.
Initial Research
Focus Group Testing
The group explored the Passwords app together, sharing areas of confusion and points at which they felt the app could do more for them.
5 Key Research Insights
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Photos from focus group
Some buttons felt redundant
Security tab was disorganized and could not be sorted
Little incentive to store passwords in app
App does not offer much information
Sharing passwords spark feelings of insecurity
Ensure buttons are purposeful
Ensure information is easily found and digested
Reinforce that users can rely on Apple for security
Include necessary and helpful information for users
Prioritize security and safety
Related Literature
Apple is a company that likes to associate itself with privacy. In 2021, privacy became a main priority for Apple’s geniuses in their design. Most users have greater faith in Apple’s protection of their privacy than they do in services like Google.
However, security extends beyond just privacy. The peace of mind users gain from existing privacy measures can be enhanced with overall user security measures.
iOS Two-Factor Authentication as Example of Security
Ideation
Crazy Eights - 60+ Ideas
60+ rapid prototypes were created in 30 second intervals to ideate potential solutions. After which, ideas were placed in an impact feasibility matrix.
Shuffle of “Crazy Eights” Results
Based on the potential impact and feasibilityof the Apple Human Interface Guidelines, our approach focussed on improving the information architecture of the Passwords app, and educating users about their own security.
Most Viable Solution
Impact-Feasibility Sorting
Prototyping
Low-Fidelity, High Resolution
Paper prototypes contained key features such as the Security Overview as well as features that would later be abandoned to avoid crowding, like the button allowing users to register passwords for physical objects
User Testing
A cognitive walthrough was performed to test usability. While almost entirely successful, the prototype was lacking user engagement, seemingly to infinitely offer information rather than results.
The walkthrough was performed one more time in tandem with the Passwords app. Changes were found to be made in the futrure were determined to be an improvement to navigation and information delivery.
The lack of revolutionary features also became clear.
User Testing
Lo-fi, High-res Continued
5 participants tested comprehension and usability using Marvel.
Testing Insights
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App flow between screens was easy to understand
More could be done to extend service for users
Value was seen in more information being provided to users
High Fidelity, High Resolution
Prototyping and Testing
Overview of Evolutionary Changes made to the Landing Screen
Security Overview
Provides users with the most urgent information about their security at a glance when they open Passwords.
Insights
Allows iOS users to change all their passwords of any level of risk at once. The feature incentivizes users to address their security risks by making the process as quick as possible.
Bulk Change
Insights
The Insights tab encourages users to learn more about what these risks mean and how they could be affected. This can help entice doubtful or uninterested users towards better security habits.
Modified Landing Page
Current Landing Page
Final Recommendations
Next Steps to Take
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Iterative testing to the current version of the passwords app to identify any new challenges or areas of improvement
Implementing changes made to the passwords app across the Apple Ecosystem.
Extending features that save physical passwords like door locks or safes.
Screen from Redesign
Original Passwords Landing Page
User Testing with Strategyzer Cards
To test the final prototype we completed the test below with 4 users. This provided us both quantitative and qualitative data on the prototype.
Key Takeaways
+ Bulk Change is a significantly useful and desirable feature
- Color scheme needs more polish
+ Design is in line with Apple’s HIG, creating trust
- Navigation needs to be clearer
+ New design saves time and takes less effort
Metrics
CSAT Before: 65%
NPS Before: -83
SUS Before: 43
TOT Before: 2:10
CSAT After: 75%
NPS After: 25
SUS After: 70%
TOT After: 23
