🧠 Summary

This case study evaluates Twitter's "Topics" section using heuristic principles to enhance usability. The key solution — adding a search bar — improved information discovery, user satisfaction, and overall efficiency.

❗️Problem Statement

Twitter users face difficulty in finding relevant Topics due to the lack of a search function. The interface forces users to scroll and scan extensively, which reduces efficiency and leads to user frustration.

✅ Solution

🔎 Add a search bar in the Topics section to:

• Save users’ time

• Improve personalization

• Enhance satisfaction and engagement

• Increase long-term retention and session metrics

🔧 Design Process

Methodology Used: Design Thinking + Heuristic Evaluation

• Day 1: Research, Define, Ideate

• Day 2: Prototype, Usability Testing

• Day 3: Final Solution

Role: UI/UX Designer (Individual Project)
Tools: Figma, Marvel, Google Meet

🧪 Heuristic Evaluation Principles Used

Heuristic PrincipleApplicationRecognition rather than recallInformation is now searchable instead of being memorized or scanned.Flexibility and efficiency of useSearch bar allows quick access to specific topics.Aesthetic and minimalist designCleaned up interface for easier scanning and interaction.

📊 Research Insights

• Topics are selected by ML algorithms based on engagement (tweets, likes, replies).

• Users still struggle to discover topics not prominently displayed.

• Scroll-heavy UI leads to information overload.

🔍 Define

User Pain Points:

• Difficulty locating specific topics.

• Limited to only viewing preset options.

• Wasted time and effort when searching manually.

Goal: Empower users to search and discover interests with ease.

💡 Ideation

• 🔎 Search Functionality – Add a search bar in Topics

• 📢 Social Sharing – Let users share interesting topics externally

🎨 Prototyping

Created:

• Low-fidelity wireframes (for structure)

• High-fidelity mockups (for visual polish)

🧪 Usability Testing

Task: Search for a topic using the current UI and the new prototype

🔁 Iteration

• Changed the search bar background from transparent to semi-solid for better readability.

• Enhanced text clarity and dropdown layout based on user feedback.

🖼️ Final Screens

Key screens showcasing:

• Search Bar integration

• Minimal interface

• Enhanced discoverability

📈 Impact