Introduction

Google Docs is a web-based word processor owned by Google. It is highly compatible with other Google-owned softwares such as Google Meet.

The platform has a simple user interface with pastel colors, featuring dropdown menus and the ability to incorporate tables, images, links, headers, footers, document templates, and more

Strong design choices

Weak design choices

Market Research

It is important to get a big picture of the market by starting with market research - to get a sense of what we know and don't know yet, who the audience are, as well as what the recent trends or news are. The insights gathered from market research will help me frame provisional personas and ask meaningful questions in primary research.

Competitive analysis

Strengths

Google Docs

  • One row with keywords and short dropdowns - fewer options means less confusion
  • One row with necessary features and a search bar
  • Small, extensive color palette with easily accessible custom colors section
  • comment feature for certain text
  • Chat feature for collaboration
  • Starting a meeting for collaboration


Notes

  • Checkboxes, not very common on other softwares
  • Ability to draw, sketch, highlight, with limitless colors
  • Collaborative
  • Ability to lock notes for privacy purposes, providing much-needed security for a note containing passwords or personal information
  • Ability to continue working on a document when offline

Microsoft Word

  • Many more advanced options for spacing, padding, and margins designed for formal documents
  • Most options easily accessible with less clicks than if there were to be dropdowns or additional menus, however, this does create a "cluttered" appearance
  • Ability to continue working on a document when offline

Weaknesses

  • When adding collaborators, there is no "cancel" feature
  • Inability to see word count while typing unlike Microsoft Word
  • Lack of freedom with images regarding placement
  • Few options which makes the app very basic, although it is easier for users to understand the interface
  • Fixed font sizes, font weight which may not satisfy the user’s needs
  • Only fit for collaboration between other apple users
  • Smaller text – difficult to read
  • Formal font used for interface (creates a more monotonous atmosphere)
  • Unnecessarily large search bar, inefficient use of space
  • Mostly grey tones, makes website seem slightly more boring

Target audience

Google Docs is targeted towards groups who often work in teams, such as employees, students, and professionals. Otherwise, the app is designed for those looking for a simple, straightforward, yet useful interface. Compared to Notes, which has incredibly limited options and is not fit for sharing with non-Apple users, and compared to Microsoft Word, which has quite a cluttered and monotonous interface, Google Docs is just the right blend between the two, as it has one row of single-click buttons, smooth shapes that are contemporary and modern, and is it for sharing with any user, regardless of whether they are a Google user, or have an account at all.