Introduction

Improving UI skills through design challenges is a common practice in the design community. Many websites offer random UI challenge generators, but for this project, I decided to take on a more structured challenge: redesigning a well-known native mobile app.

This project was part of my learning journey in the Ironhack UX/UI Bootcamp. The goal was to analyze an existing app, conduct a design audit, and propose a new version with visual and usability improvements.

For this exercise, I chose Evernote, one of the most popular productivity apps for note-taking, task management, and information storage. My aim was to optimize its interface while maintaining its essence, improving key aspects such as visual hierarchy, accessibility, and overall aesthetics.

Discovery: Heuristic Analysis of Evernote

Before redesigning, I conducted a heuristic analysis to identify areas for improvement in the original app:

• Loading screen: Minimalist design with a well-positioned logo. However, the lack of feedback may create uncertainty for users.
  Suggestion: Add a progress bar or loading animation.

• Home screen: Too much information about tasks, making it difficult to identify the primary action.
  Suggestion: Highlight the "Create New Note" action above others.

  
  

• Search functionality: No direct access to recent files, which slows down navigation.
  Suggestion: Add a "Recent Files" category for faster searches.

Define: Redesign Goals

After identifying areas for improvement, I set the following objectives for my redesign:

1. Enhance visual hierarchy: Make the most important actions stand out.

2. Optimize navigation experience: Reorganize key elements like the search bar.

3. Update the visual aesthetic: Modernize the interface while preserving brand identity.

   
   

Ideate: Design Exploration & References

For inspiration, I analyzed apps with clean interfaces and dark backgrounds—an aesthetic that improves readability and gives a modern touch. Some key references included:

• Notion – For its organized structure and minimalist approach.

• Apple Notes – For its simple and intuitive navigation.

• Todoist – For its effective task management system.

UI Design: Evernote Redesign

Based on my analysis and references, I implemented the following UI improvements:

1. Loading Screen

🔹 Kept the original logo but added a loading animation to enhance user experience.

2. Home Screen

🔹 Enlarged the logo to reinforce brand identity.
🔹 Highlighted the "Create New Note" action, making it visually distinct.
🔹 Moved the search bar to the bottom for easier access.

3. Main Notes Screen

🔹 Introduced a new color palette: dark blue background with white text for high contrast.
🔹 Kept Evernote’s signature green but intensified its brightness for interactive elements.

4. Search Functionality

🔹 Replaced the search bar with categorized icons: "Recent Files" and "Recent Notes."
🔹 Adjusted the visual organization to improve navigation.

Validate: Reflections & Key Learnings

This project allowed me to strengthen my UI design skills, particularly in:

• Using Auto Layout to maintain consistency in spacing and alignment.

• Improving accessibility through contrast and visual hierarchy.

• Applying heuristic principles to enhance usability without extensive UX research.

- What could be improved?
- Conduct more user testing to validate design decisions.
- Experiment with micro-interactions to improve navigation flow.

Conclusion

This exercise was a great challenge that allowed me to explore my creativity and refine my UI skills. The Evernote redesign is just a starting point, but it motivates me to keep learning and improving my design process.