

06
05
conclusion
Voice messages in Gmail are in demand
A large percentage of people will be pleased with the option of sending voice messages in Gmail
Solution
01 / 01 - Voice message
Adding the option to record messages
I've decided to add a simple and easy feature that addresses pain points and difficulties people experience.
In the message window, there will be a new icon for recordings. Clicking on the icon will open an option to record messages.
04
research
01 - Market analysis
I went to look for competing companies that offer options for recording and sending messages.


I noticed that the recording behavior repeats itself along the way.



02 - survey
I also distributed a survey with questions about the user experience with Gmail.
One of the questions was:
Did you ever want to send a voice message in Gmail?
46%
Yes, sure
54%
No
Quotes:
"Here are some quotes from the surveyI
"Having to write a lot really tires me out."
Voice message will add a lot!
Such a feature can definitely add value, and it's really cool.
Such a feature can definitely add value, and it's really cool.
New!
Sending recorded messages to recipients.
next

To record a message, click on the messages icon,
then on the Play button.
To finish, click on STOP and then on save.
more information
Notification to the user about a new feature

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123
space
return
To:
From: j.appleseed@icloud.com
Subject:
02 / 01 - the process
A simple and easy process.
Clicking on the Play button will start the recording and show the user the duration of the recording in seconds.
A second click on the button will stop the recording.
0:00
save
0:00
save
After the user clicks on "Save," the prepared message will appear in the message window.
Of course, there will be an option for the user to listen to the message before sending it or delete the message if he wants.
When the user opens the message, it will appear like this.

D
Sender
3 days ago
to me
Awesome email
Inbox
1
0:00 / 1:24
01
02
03
introduction
A new feature in Gmail
As part of a UI/UX learning project, I had to define and design a feature for an existing system.
I chose to add a feature to Gmail, of recording messages and sending them to pepole.
And also an option for pre-recorded messages available from gmail.
This was in 2023.
problem
I've noticed there are no voice messages on Gmail
Gmail offers an excellent text messaging service. Additionally, Gmail provides other services such as free storage, tab separation, spam filtering, and security.
However, there is no option to send voice messages.
Objective
My goal is to send both recorded and pre-recorded voice messages
The feature will make it easy and efficient to send voice messages.
With the addition of this feature, you'll be able to send voice messages that will make communication easier and faster for you.
01 / 02 - Recorded messages
Adding pre-made voice messages
I have decided to add pre-recorded voice messages from Gmail's Library. The messages will be in the style of short greetings, for example: 'Good day,' 'Happy Birthday,' and more.
In the message window, there will be a There will be an additional new icon for pre-recorded voice messages.
New!
Sending Pre-recorded message
next

To send a pre-recorded message,
press on the icon, and select the desired message from the message library.
more information
Notification to the user about a new feature

02 / 02 - the process
A simple and easy process.
Clicking on the icon will open a window for messages.
The user can search by category or conduct a general search in the search bar.

Good luck
Well done
Be happy
You're amazing
Enjoy life
Search
Frequently used
Thank you
You’re a star
Compliments and best wishes
Good luck
Well done
Be happy
You're amazing
Enjoy life
Search
Frequently used
Thank you
You’re a star
Compliments and best wishes
Default
Hover
After the user clicks on the desired message, it will directly enter into the new message they wish to send. And the user will always have the option to delete the message before sending it.

03 / 01 - Receiving the message.
Receiving the recorded message.
When you receive a pre-recorded message, you'll see a relevant icon on the new message
08

Takeaways
This project was a special experience for me and provided me with user experience exposure. I enjoyed exploring the existing system and understanding the design system. I learned a lot about the users and their needs. I'm confident that the experience from this project will assist me in the future.
07
Usability testing
I tested the prototype with several Gmail users, and the main point that came up from the testing was:
During the test, there was no option to delete the message after recording, and users were looking for such an option.


Sending recorded
messages in gmail

Role
UIUX researcher & designer
Tools
Timeline
August - November 2023