Mobile Calculator
Overview
The BiggerPockets Mobile Calculator project aimed to reimagine and optimize the calculator tool for mobile devices, as most users preferred accessing it on mobile but struggled with a desktop-optimized interface. The mobile experience often felt lengthy and overwhelming, especially in comparison to competitors. Users frequently encountered confusion around which fields were mandatory, leading to frustration when they couldn’t submit their calculations.
Approach
The goal of the BiggerPockets Mobile Calculator project was to enhance usability, simplify the user flow, and drive engagement by creating a more mobile-friendly experience. The redesign aimed to reduce friction, clarify input fields, and streamline the process, making it faster and easier for users to complete their calculations. This project also served as a foundation for a future native mobile app.
Our approach began with competitive research to understand the structure of other mobile calculators and identify best practices. Through user interviews, I gathered insights into user pain points and preferences, which informed the updates to the calculator’s flow. I simplified questions and steps, creating a smoother user experience, while revamping the UI for mobile responsiveness. We conducted remote prototype testing across three different versions—the original app, a multi-step flow, and a new single-page flow—to validate these improvements.
The project
User Interviews
We conducted in-depth interviews with current users to understand their frustrations and needs while using the mobile calculator. By focusing on their real-world experiences, we identified key pain points such as confusion over required fields, hidden questions, and the lengthy process of completing calculations. Users also expressed a need for more clarity and a simpler, easier-to-navigate interface.
Calculator Flow Optimization
Using feedback from competitive analysis and user interviews, we overhauled the calculator flow. We refined questions to be clearer and more concise, simplified steps to reduce friction, and reorganized the layout to create a smoother, more intuitive user journey. The primary goal was to reduce the time required for users to complete their calculations while ensuring the process felt seamless and less overwhelming.
Prototype Testing
To validate our improvements, we conducted remote usability testing on three different versions: the existing app, a new multi-step flow, and an updated single-page flow. These tests revealed valuable insights into user preferences, with the majority preferring the single-page layout due to its ease of use and efficiency. Prototype testing confirmed that the design changes significantly enhanced the overall mobile experience.
Outcomes
Prototype testing showed users overwhelmingly preferred the single-page layout, which reduced friction and made the process faster and more intuitive. Users appreciated new features like sliders on the report page, enabling them to adjust numbers in real-time—a function previously overlooked. Additionally, simplifying the number of questions streamlined the experience, making it less overwhelming and more engaging. The new design not only improved mobile usability but also laid a strong foundation for future iterations and potential app development.
