Application Design 2 | Task 1 : App Design 1 Self-Evaluation and Reflection

24/04/2025 - 18/05/2025 (Week 1 - Week 4)

Yong Xiao Tong / 0368290
Application Design 2 / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media 

Task 1: App Design 1 Self-Evaluation and Reflection

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Task 1: App Design 1 Self-Evaluation and Reflection

In Application Design 1, I redesigned a weather app called myCuaca. The original app featured a light blue colour scheme, which offered a basic visual appeal. To better reflect current design trends and enhance the overall user experience, I decided to update the colour palette.

After analysing modern weather apps, I chose to adopt a dark theme with a purple gradient, which not only adds a modern aesthetic but also improves content visibility, especially in low-light environments.

New Colour Palette

Since I had already made layout changes in the previous Application Design 1 module, the layout and structure of each screen remain the same in this redesign. The main focus in this update is the new colour theme. 

AI Feedback and My Response

I received feedback from AI (ChatGPT) regarding the overall visual design and user experience. The AI mentioned that while the updated dark theme and purple gradient provided a modern look, there could be concerns about contrast in certain sections, especially for users with visual impairments. The suggestion was to ensure that the new theme maintains adequate contrast ratios for accessibility purposes.

I agree with the AI's feedback about the importance of accessibility. However, I believe that the dark theme with the purple gradient was carefully chosen to maintain high contrast, particularly for text and icons. I made sure that all foreground elements (text and icons) stand out clearly against the background by using white and light grey tones for improved readability.

While I understand the AI's concern, I still feel that my design balances both aesthetics and accessibility effectively. In the future, I may consider adding customisable contrast options, allowing users to adjust the interface according to their individual preferences.

Different types of gradients

To change to the purple theme, I have tried different types of gradients.

Do Weather Apps Need a Splash Screen?

Most apps start with a splash screen. But I noticed that many weather apps don’t really use one. That makes sense, since people usually open weather apps just to check the weather quickly.

I asked AI if I should add a splash screen. The answer was: it’s okay to add one, but keep it short—just 1 or 2 seconds. Some weather apps do have a splash screen, but they make it very quick so it doesn’t slow things down.

Therefore, I would like to include a splash screen in this redesigned weather app. I will make it fast and simple. It should help the experience, not get in the way.

Screen-by-screen reflection of how the updated colour theme enhances the overall user experience:

Location access screen

Location access screen changes

Before: Light blue background with a red action button.

Now: I changed the background to a dark purple to purple linear gradient, which gives a deeper and more refined look. The action button that stays on the bottom right (across all screens) is now dark yellow instead of red, because I feel yellow gives better contrast with purple and catches attention nicely.

Home screen

Home screen changes

Before: Light blue background, with a dark blue horizontal scroll bar showing 7-day weather.

Now: The background has been updated to a purple theme, and the 7-day scroll bar is now a pink to blue gradient. I think this colour works really well with purple and gives the whole screen a more harmonious and colourful look. I also slightly increased the text size for the location name and temperature, so they stand out more as the key information.

Weather alerts & warning screen

Weather alerts & warning screen changes

Before: Top section had a light blue gradient and the bottom was white with light grey tabs and red text inside.

Now: The top section has been changed to a dark purple gradient, and the bottom part is now purple instead of white. Each tab is light purple with white text, and when you expand it, the background turns black with red text, which makes the warning info feel more serious and easier to notice.

Locations screen

Locations screen changes

Before: Light blue gradient at the top, white search bar, and dark blue “Favourites” tab.

Now: The top background is now a dark purple gradient, and the search tab is also dark purple for better consistency. The “Favourites” tab now uses the same pink to blue gradient as the Home Screen, which ties everything together nicely.

Radar & Satellite screen

Radar & satellite screen changes

Before: Top background was light blue gradient with white text. Tabs and the info bar were dark blue.

Now: The top section has been changed to a dark purple gradient, and the tabs and bar at the bottom are now also dark purple. This helps the radar visuals and satellite data stand out more clearly while keeping the UI sleek.

Weather safety & information screen

Weather safety & information screen changes

Before: Top section was light blue gradient, and the bottom was white with light grey text and tabs.

Now: The top section is dark purple gradient, and the bottom section is now purple. Tabs are light purple with white text, and when expanded, the content shows up on a black background with light grey text, making it easier to read and more consistent with the dark theme.

Settings screen

Settings screen changes

Before: Top section was light blue gradient, and the bottom was white with grey text.

Now: The top part is now a dark purple gradient, and the bottom is purple. Each setting tab uses a light purple background with white text, which feels much more modern and easier to view, especially in darker environments.

About us screen

About us screen changes

Before:

Before: Light blue gradient on top and white background below with grey text.

Now: The top is changed to a dark purple gradient, and the bottom background is now purple with white text. I also updated the myCuaca app logo from blue to purple to match the new colour theme, so the branding feels more consistent across the app.

Previous Design Screens

Final Design Screens

Presentation

Self-Evaluation and Reflection 

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REFLECTION

I feel satisfied with the improvements I made and how the new colour theme enhanced the app’s overall look and feel. Even though I didn’t change the layout (since I already did that in the previous module), switching to a dark purple theme made the app feel more modern, clean, and consistent.

I also learned that small visual changes, like button colours or background gradients, can make a big difference in the user experience. Good contrast helps important elements stand out, and using white or light grey text on darker backgrounds always improves readability.

The main challenge was making sure the colours worked well for both style and accessibility. After getting feedback from AI about contrast, I paid more attention to readability and the overall visual balance of each screen.

Overall, this redesign was focused on giving the app a more updated and consistent look. This project helped me see how important visual consistency and user-friendly design are, even when making simple updates.