KBC Mobile App

Client/Company: Kettering Baptist Church Duration: 5 months- ongoing Role: Project Manager/ UX Designer

The Kettering Baptist Church app is a transformative mobile application designed to strengthen the bonds within a church community by seamlessly integrating various functionalities, fostering communication, and enhancing overall engagement. The app serves as a central hub for church members, providing a user-friendly and spiritually enriching experience.

Problem Statement:

In the context of Kettering Baptist’s church community, I have identified a significant challenge related to fostering meaningful engagement and connectivity among members. Despite the shared values and objectives that unite the church members, the current lack of a dedicated digital platform has resulted in a fragmented communication landscape and limited opportunities for interaction. Congregants often find it challenging to stay informed about church events, access spiritual resources, and connect with fellow members in a seamless and efficient manner.

Approach and Development Phases:

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INTERVIEWS

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Conducted extensive user research, including interviews with church members, to understand their needs and preferences. This research guided the design process, ensuring that the app met the congregation’s expectations.

MARKET ANALYSIS

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Studied similar church apps and platforms to identify best practices and areas for differentiation.

WIREFRAMING

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  • Created a clear and intuitive menu structure based on user feedback and identified pain points.
  • Developed wireframes to outline the app’s layout and functionality, focusing on ease of use and navigation.
  • Created interactive prototypes to test and refine key interactions and user flows.

VISUAL DESIGN

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  • Developed a visually appealing and spiritually resonant design with a modern touch, including chuch logo, color schemes, typography, and iconography.
  • Collaborated with developers at Subsplash to ensure that the design could be effectively translated into code, considering platform-specific guidelines (e.g., iOS and Android).
  • Conducted usability testing with church members to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement.
  • Iterated on design and functionality based on user testing results.

Test

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    • Integrated key features such as an interactive event calendar, prayer, contact us request forum, and media library, aligning them with user needs and goals.
    • Ensured that the app was responsive and provided a consistent experience across various devices and screen sizes.

LAUNCH

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  • Collaborated with the development team to launch the app on relevant app stores (e.g., Apple App Store and Google Play).
  • Continuously monitored user feedback and app analytics to identify and address any post-launch issues or opportunities for improvement

Key Features

Homepage:

On the home page of the app, you’ll find a welcoming banner that introduces newcomers to the community. This central hub also provides easy access to essential features, including live streaming, giving options, and tabs containing information about the church.

Media Tab

The Media tab on the KBC app serves as a rich and dynamic repository, offering a diverse collection of audio and video content. From recorded sermons to engaging multimedia resources, this section provides a seamless and immersive experience for users to explore and deepen their spiritual journey.

Events:

The Events tab on the KBC app is your gateway to staying connected with the vibrant happenings within their community. Discover and engage with a variety of events, from worship services and special gatherings to community outreach initiatives. Explore, engage, and be a part of the meaningful events shaping a shared journey.

Giving:

The Givings tab on the KBC app serves as a dedicated platform for fostering generosity and supporting the mission of the church community. This user-friendly section provides a secure and streamlined process for making financial contributions, whether through one-time donations or recurring gifts. By seamlessly integrating generosity into the digital experience, this tab empowers the KBC community to actively participate in the growth and sustainability of their shared mission.

  Available for download at the following stores

Challanges:

Feature Prioritization:

        • Challenge: Determining which features to include in the app within the project’s scope. Balancing functionality without overwhelming users or compromising the overall design was crucial.
        • Solution: Conducted thorough user research to understand the community’s priorities. Prioritized features based on essential needs and potential impact.
      2. Cultural Sensitivity in Design:
        • Challenge: Striking a balance between modernity and tradition in the app’s visual design and user interface to ensure it resonated with the diverse cultural dynamics of the church community was essential.
        • Solution: Collaborated closely with community members, by forming focus groups, to gather insights on cultural preferences. Iterative design testing helped refine the visual elements.
      3. Platform Accessibility:
        • Challenge: Ensured the app was accessible to users of all ages and technological backgrounds, considering potential variations in device capabilities and user familiarity with digital platforms.
        • Solution: Conducted usability tests with a diverse group of users, incorporating feedback to refine the app’s accessibility features. Provided clear onboarding instructions for users less familiar with digital interfaces.
      4. Building Trust in Digital Giving:
        • Challenge: Overcoming potential hesitations or concerns among community members about the security and transparency of digital giving platforms.
        • Solution: Implemented robust security measures, offered training and clear communication about the encryption and safety of transactions, and providedregular updates on how funds were utilized within the community.
      5. Technology Adoption:
        • Challenge: Ensured widespread adoption of the app within the community, particularly among members who may be less familiar with technology.
        • Solution: Conducted training sessions, workshops, and informational campaigns to familiarize users with the app’s features. Provided ongoing support and resources for users who needed assistance.

The Results:

  • VIWERSHIP OF STREAMING SERVICES AND EVENTS INCREASED BY: 80% 80%
  • USE OF EGIVING/ONLINE GIVING THROUGH THE APP INCREASED BY: 98% 98%
  • CALL AND RESPONSE COMMUNICATION WITH MEMEBRS INCREASED BY: 85% 85%

Conclusion:

The development of the KBC church app was a multifaceted journey, overcoming challenges related to feature prioritization, cultural sensitivity in design, and building trust in digital giving. The commitment to inclusivity and accessibility has guided the creation of a platform that not only aligns with technological expectations but also resonates with the cultural dynamics of the community. This endeavor represented a harmonious blend of modernity and tradition, symbolizing KBC’s commitment to embracing technology while preserving their cherished values. The app stands poised to create a unified space where everyone can feel connected, informed, and engaged in their collective journey of faith.