Competitive audit and better permissions flow
The Problem
Internal research shows 95% of all permission denials in Messenger are for camera access.
Research also shows that video calls in the app last longer and are more frequent than audio calls.
My Goal
Increase understanding of the benefits the user receives by allowing camera permissions. I created content for new onboarding screens and dialog content for progressive permission requests.
What Will Success Look Like
Success will be measured by an increase in camera permissions acceptance rate and an increase in daily active users making video calls. This is in testing and will be available for measure in early 2023.
Target Audience
All people who use Messenger for calling.
My Role
I performed an independent competitive audit.
I created all content for this project.
I partnered with a Product Designer on the flow.
My Impact
Conducted a thorough competitive audit of app permissions.
Determined best content for new onboarding screens and content for iOS and Android.
Collaborated with Product Designer through flows and edge case scenarios.
Developed clear, consistent copy that supports the user experience.
My Partners
Product Designer
Product Manager
User Researcher
Software Engineers (Android and iOS)
My audit led to a better result for my project and updates on related projects
To gain context I conducted an audit of competitors use of permissions and presented it to my design and product teams. It was valuable to look at other permissions in addition to those I was tasked with writing. This forward-thinking attitude helped me deliver new insights to my product team, which helped directly impact the product scope and roadmap.
“Jen’s competitive audit has led to additional explorations on improving mic, camera, etc. permissions on our apps and is a good example of how she goes above and beyond product requirements to inspire related products.” - Andrew Hsieh, Content Designer, Meta
COMPETITIVE AUDIT
Start with benefits received by granting access
NEW CONTENT
NEW ONBOARDING SCREENS
To encourage camera permissions my team’s hypothesis was that by educating the user on how they will benefit by granting permissions, more will allow access. New user onboarding screens were not used before this project. I worked with the Android Material Design and iOS’s HIG Resource Kit for design patterns used in each.
Microphone permissions change
BEFORE & AFTER
If the caller has previously denied camera access but changes their mind mid-call, iOS will abruptly end the call when they enter device settings. I want to make this experience a bit less disruptive through language. Although it is not ideal to end the users call, my product team allowed this to happen with the belief that if the user is on a specific call where they want to show their video, they would be more likely to grant camera access and call back.
As a Content Designer I look for ways to simplify experiences, but this situation is an exception. It benefits the caller to have more information in the dialog.
CAMERA SETTINGS CHANGE MID-CALL
A tricky situation needs more explanation
NEXT STEPS
I look forward to receiving the feedback on these new permissions during Q1 2023 so I can continue to iterate and improve the user experience.