OVERVIEW
NetFish, is an app, owned by ReelSonar, Inc., that is targeted towards anglers who would like to post and share their catches.
The app also includes a map feature that allowed its users to find and navigate to nearby fishing spots while also including fishing tips.
Check it out live on iOS and Android!
MY ROLE: UX/UI designer, Graphic Designer
MY TOOLS: Sketch, Illustrator, Photoshop, Facebook Ad Manager, Google Analytics
THE CHALLENGE
One doesn’t normally associate social media and fishing. Anglers tend to avoid sharing their information/fishing spots. They want the convenience of technology without risking their privacy.
THE SOLUTION
NetFish utilizes a classic social media news feed where users are able to post their latest catch and interact with other anglers. In order to combat the issue of privacy, users can set their permissions per post. The product gives the user the freedom to pursue and advance their hobby without losing their privacy.
INITIAL REDESIGN
PICKING UP WHERE THEY LEFT OFF
NETFISH REDESIGN
NetFish was already an established app when I was added to the team. My first task as its UX designer was to update the look of the app.
MY END TO END PROCESS
MAKING NETFISH 2.0 MY OWN
DISCOVER
UNDERSTANDING THE USER
COMPETITIVE RESEARCH
In order to gain familiarity of the company and branding, I researched the competition: Fishbrain and Fishidy
Read reviews of the original app on Google Play and iOS by frequent users
USER SURVEYS
We interviewed current NetFish users on their use of the app.
How often do you use NetFish?
Which features do you use? How often?
The most used features were:
Catch Feed
Fishing Nearby (Map feature)
Fishing Hot Spots
Reelwards
Lake Info (details)
Discussion
DEFINE
WHAT DO MY USER’S NEED?
INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE
Based off the essential features gathered, NetFish 2.0 had its first site map
DESIGN
MAKING USER’S GOALS A REALITY
PRODUCTION (RED LINES)
Through Asana, I communicated specifications with our developer team to create NetFish app screens.
Below is an example of one of our many iterations of the Fishing Nearby Details feature.
ONBOARDING
Our team decided on a coachmark style onboarding process for NetFish
Originally we implemented a slide through onboarding in the beginning of the log in, but most users skipped this feature
CATCH FEED
The grid style social feed was a unique aspect of Netfish, but it made it difficult for the user to view full images and browse.
A feed design that utilized full width of photos was decided.
Users gain points for likes on their photos, so a feed that let each photo have its own time and public exposure was needed.
The user is also able to adjust the privacy settings for each post
“REELWARDS” PROGRAM
Users can earn points by posting photos or completing certain tasks. These points can be translated to in app currency to gain real rewards varying from fishing poles, tackle, and branded apparel.
The design was edited to bring more attention to the products by using larger images and highlighting the most popular items
Browsing experience was improved by adding a filter option and a ‘favorite’ option
This was a very popular feature and unique to NetFish and gave it a leg up on its competitors.
FISHING NEARBY
Another essential feature of NetFish, this gave the user access to details about nearby fishing spots and fishing tips
The data shown is real time data collected by iBOBBER Fish Finders (another product of ReelSonar, Inc.) which prevented user submitted errors.
The user can:
Browse fishing spots by location
Review fishing tips by species
Get alerts for their favorite waterways
TEST
WHAT DO THE USERS THINK?
ONLINE TESTIMONIALS
NetFish 2.0 grew quickly and became a solid competitor against the popular FishBrain and Fishidy.
Here are a couple of online articles comparing the three apps. Both ended with a positive review of NetFish
IN PERSON MODERATED TESTING
During the Washington Sportsmen Show, we conducted brief, guerilla usability testing on the show goers (which were mostly anglers if various ages)
Tests were conducted in person at our product booth for iBOBBER and lasted 10 minutes, users were given a discount off an iBOBBER of their choice and sign up assistance for NetFish. Notes were kept on a note pad.
After consent was given users were asked to:
Explore the social media feed and “like” a photo
Find a fishing spot nearby
Find fishing tips
Give overall feedback on the look/feel of the app
ITERATE
WHAT CAN WE DO BETTER?
NEW FEATURES
After testing, we were presented with opportunities to improve our app’s function. Improvements varied from small changes in font size to whole new features. A few of the new features were:
NetFish TV, a feature where users can watch videos of their favorite anglers or fishing channels
Monthly in-app “tournaments”, where users can enter their catches weight’s to compete with others for a limited amount of time
More details in Fishing Locations: Catches by Bait and Nearby Catches
WHAT’S NEXT?
Reelsonar, Inc. values high engagement with its users so they are always open to reviews and feedback on better/new features for NetFish.
Due to funding, unfortunately, a majority of large updates were put on hold until further notice.