Bookkeeping can be a daunting task for small business owners, especially those who are not well-versed in accounting. In an effort to make bookkeeping more accessible to small and medium enterprises, we set out to create a bookkeeping app that is user-friendly and easy to navigate. However, during testing with internal and external beta testers, we discovered that some users were overwhelmed by the complexity of the app and expressed a need for a simpler version. In response to this feedback, we decided to create a light-weight version of the app that is tailored to the needs of these users.
To understand the needs of our light-weight users, we conducted research through user interviews, surveys, and usability testing. Through this research, we discovered that these users primarily needed a way to record income and expenses, view their chart of accounts, and view recent transactions and financial statements. They did not need the additional features such as the ability to have more than one business, add multiple users, cash flow reports, and graphs on the dashboard.
Based on our research, we designed a user flow that focused on simplifying the process of recording income and expenses, and easily accessing financial statements. We removed unnecessary steps and features that were not essential to these users.
We created a prototype of the light-weight version of the app and tested it with a small group of users. We gathered feedback on the design and functionality of the app and made changes accordingly. We continued to test and iterate until we were satisfied with the final design.
The light-weight version of the bookkeeping app received positive feedback from users who found it easy to use and navigate. They were able to record income and expenses, view their chart of accounts, and access financial statements with minimal effort.
Creating a light-weight version of the bookkeeping app was a valuable exercise in understanding the needs of our users. By simplifying the app and removing unnecessary features, we were able to create a more user-friendly experience for small business owners. The resulting app received positive feedback and improved metrics, demonstrating the success of our approach. Overall, this project showed the importance of user-centered design, research, and testing in creating a successful product.