Blog Post #5: Setting Up Our Techbox

April 2023 | Nahye Kim

For this assignment, we performed three tasks:

1. Market Players' Services

2. References: Collecting references and analyzing them

3. Chat-GPT Q&A: Generating more Chat-GPT answers for the project

1. Market Players' Services

We thought that it is important to check how competitors, or main market players provided their services. So we left some screenshots to take a look at and compare each service.

(1) Main Page

Navigation bar

While Megabox and Lotte Cinema provided bottom navigation bar, CGV only provided top navigation bar which looked inconvenient. Instead, CGV made 'Now Reserve' button on the right side of the bottom to increase usability.

Language

All services only provided services in Korean which are hard for foreigners to use.

(2) Movie Selection

(3) Cinema Selection

While the movie selection and cinema selection of CGV are on the same page, Megabox and Lotte Cinema separated them.

In the case of Megabox, cinemas were arranged in korean alphabetical order. Therefore, users could not know which cinemas were located nearby.

(4) Seat Selection

Information of the seat selected

All of the services showed information such as price, seat number and more.

Screening schedules

What CGV was differentiated from other services was that it provided screening schedules together on the top. By providing this interface, users did not have to go back and forth to change the timetable and choose seats.

Payment options

CGV and Lotte Cinema provided two payment options in this page but it seemed that users could not understand what LPay Payment or Smart Payment were.

(5) Payment

Diverse payment options

All of the services provided different payment methods but it seemed that most of these methods were not accessible to foreigners.

2. References

Following references were previously suggested by Pho and Jiwoo. By scrutinizing each work, we could find some good points to benchmark from following projects in terms of UX research and UI design.

(1)

https://www.behance.net/gallery/166780045/cinema-booking-service-into-super-app?tracking_source=search_projects%7Ccinema+ticket+booking+app

This project made a competitive landscape in competitors' analysis in terms of ease of use and efficiency. This framework can be used in our research when we analyze our competitors through survey or user interviews.

Also, this project defined its own competitive advantages. If we can determine what to emphasize before UI/UX design like this, the objective and process of the project are going to be much clearer.

(2)

https://www.behance.net/gallery/160769093/Ticket-Purchasing-App-UXUI-Design?tracking_source=search_projects%7Ccinema+ticket+purchasing+system

This project defined problems and goals with sitemaps. (Sitemaps here were functioned as information architecture.) Like defining competitive advantages above, defining problems and goals in advance can clarify main objectives of the project. Meanwhile, organizing sitemaps like this project can help our team to create UX design in a clear way.

Based on the sitemap, this app provided four icons in the app bar and each of them had clear objectives. The first tab, home, was focusing on movies while the second tab was focusing on cinemas. Since we also try to make integrated movie apps, we can adopt a similar approach. The third one was for an online movie ticket that a user reserved, and the last one was for a profile. If you refer a sitemap above, you can easily see what each icon means clearly. What we liked in design was that it did not emphasize a sidebar or side menu which are much easier for 40s-50s to use.

(3)

https://www.behance.net/gallery/68967357/CGV_UXUI-Redesign-Concept

The last project was previously researched by Jiwoo. This project was to redesign a CGV app in terms of user experience and interface.

What we liked about this project was that it suggested its own visual system like color system, typography and iconography.

Also, this project gave us some insights in terms of user experience. For example, by providing information on the seat status in advance through the solution, users can change or confirm their selection without having to go back and forth. Also, by providing information of cinemas nearby together, users can have a wider selection of movie theaters.

3. Chat GPT Q&A

(1) Create a new integrate movie app

I want to make a new integrated movie app in Korea.

Creating a new integrated movie app in Korea can be an exciting and challenging project. To get started, you will need to consider a few key factors:

1. Market research: Conducting thorough market research will help you understand the current state of the movie app market in Korea, identify gaps and opportunities, and learn about consumer behavior and preferences.

2. Business model: Determine how you plan to generate revenue from your movie app. Will you offer a subscription-based model, advertising, or both?

3. Features and functionality: Consider what features and functionality you want your app to have. This could include options for movie rentals or purchases, movie reviews and ratings, a personalized recommendation engine, social sharing features, and more.

4. User interface and design: An intuitive and visually appealing user interface can make or break your app. Ensure that your design is user-friendly and engaging to capture and retain users.

5. Legal considerations: Make sure you understand the legal and regulatory requirements for launching an integrated movie app in Korea, such as obtaining the necessary licenses and permissions.

6. Partnership and content acquisition: It is important to have a plan for acquiring movie content and building partnerships with studios, content providers, and other industry players.

7. Marketing and promotion: Once you have developed your movie app, you will need to create a marketing and promotion strategy to drive user acquisition and engagement.

Overall, building a successful integrated movie app in Korea will require a combination of market research, strategic planning, and execution. Consider seeking out experienced advisors or consultants who can provide guidance and support throughout the process.

(2) Get to know the movie-related apps

What kind of movie app exists in Korea right now?

There are several popular movie apps that exist in Korea currently. Some of the most well-known ones are:

1. Naver TV: Naver TV is a streaming service that allows users to watch movies, TV shows, and web dramas. It offers a mix of free and paid content, with options to rent or purchase movies and shows.

2. Watcha: Watcha is a movie and TV show recommendation app that uses machine learning algorithms to suggest content based on users' viewing history and preferences. It offers a variety of free and paid content, including Korean dramas and movies.

3. Wave: Wave is a streaming platform that focuses on Korean content, including movies, TV shows, and live broadcasts. It offers both free and paid content, with options to rent or purchase movies and shows.

4. Kakao TV: Kakao TV is a streaming service that offers a mix of original and licensed content, including movies, TV shows, and web dramas. It also has a social component, allowing users to interact with creators and other viewers.

5. CineQ: CineQ is a movie rental service that allows users to rent or purchase movies online. It offers a wide selection of Korean and international movies, with options to watch on-demand or download for offline viewing

These are just a few examples of the movie apps available in Korea. Each app has its unique features and offerings, catering to different types of users and preferences.

What about movie ticketing apps?

Yes, there are several popular movie ticketing apps in Korea as well. These apps allow users to purchase movie tickets online and often offer additional features such as seat selection, pre-ordering food and drinks, and loyalty programs. Some of the most popular movie ticketing apps in Korea include:

1. CGV: CGV is one of the largest movie theater chains in Korea and offers a mobile app that allows users to purchase movie tickets, select seats, and pre-order food and drinks.

2. Lotte Cinema: Lotte Cinema is another major movie theater chain in Korea with its own mobile app for movie ticketing. It offers features such as seat selection, food and drink ordering, and a loyalty program for frequent moviegoers.

3. Megabox: Megabox is a movie theater chain that also offers a mobile app for movie ticketing. It includes features such as movie reviews and ratings, pre-ordering food and drinks, and a point system for discounts on future purchases.

4. MaxMovie: MaxMovie is a movie ticketing app that allows users to purchase tickets for various movie theaters in Korea, including CGV, Lotte Cinema, and Megabox. It offers features such as seat selection and movie reviews and ratings.

5. Naver Movie: Naver Movie is a movie ticketing app from Naver, the popular Korean search engine. It allows users to purchase movie tickets and includes features such as seat selection and reviews and ratings from other users.

These movie ticketing apps are convenient for users who want to skip the hassle of purchasing tickets in person and often offer additional benefits such as discounts and loyalty programs.

What problems do they have right now?

While movie ticketing apps in Korea offer many conveniences for users, there are still some challenges and problems that they face. Some of the common issues are:

1. Technical difficulties: Movie ticketing apps may face technical difficulties such as app crashes, slow loading times, or problems with payment processing. These issues can frustrate users and cause them to abandon their purchase or switch to a competitor's app.

2. Limited movie options: Some movie ticketing apps may have limited options for movie theaters or movie showtimes, which can be frustrating for users who want to see a particular movie at a specific time or location.

3. Language barriers: Some movie ticketing apps may only be available in Korean, which can be a challenge for non-native Korean speakers who want to purchase movie tickets.

4. Price transparency: Some users have complained about the lack of price transparency in movie ticketing apps, particularly for additional fees or charges for certain seats or screenings.

5. Competing apps: The movie ticketing app market in Korea is competitive, with several major players vying for users' attention. This can make it difficult for new or smaller apps to gain a foothold in the market.

Overall, while movie ticketing apps in Korea offer many benefits, they still face challenges related to technical issues, limited options, language barriers, and competition from other apps. Developers will need to address these issues to improve user experience and gain market share.

What user experience problems do they have then?

There are several user experience problems that movie ticketing apps in Korea may face, which can affect their usability and popularity among users. Some of these problems include:

1. Confusing navigation: Movie ticketing apps may have complex navigation or unclear instructions, which can make it difficult for users to find what they're looking for. This can lead to frustration and can cause users to abandon their purchase.

2. Inconsistent user interface: Inconsistencies in the user interface of movie ticketing apps can be confusing and may cause users to make errors. For example, inconsistent buttons or icons may cause users to click on the wrong item or misunderstand the app's functionality.

3. Lack of personalization: Movie ticketing apps may not provide personalized recommendations or options based on a user's preferences or history. This can result in users seeing irrelevant or unwanted content and may reduce their engagement with the app.

4. Slow performance: Movie ticketing apps may be slow to load or perform, particularly during peak usage times. This can lead to frustration and may cause users to abandon their purchase or switch to a competitor's app.

5. Limited payment options: Movie ticketing apps may not offer a variety of payment options, which can be inconvenient for users who prefer to pay with a specific method. For example, some users may prefer to pay with mobile payment apps, while others may prefer to use a credit card.

Improving the user experience of movie ticketing apps in Korea by addressing these issues can help increase user satisfaction and engagement, and may ultimately lead to increased usage and revenue for app developers.

(3) Create a questionnaire base

What factors are important for people to decide to go to cinemas and watch movies?

Several factors can influence people's decision to go to the cinema and watch a movie. Here are some of the key factors that are often considered:

1. Movie selection: One of the most important factors is the selection of movies available to watch. People are more likely to go to the cinema if there are movies that interest them or if there is a highly anticipated new release.

2. Timing and convenience: The timing and convenience of movie showtimes can also be a deciding factor for many people. People may be more likely to go to the cinema if there is a showtime that fits their schedule or if the cinema is located conveniently close to them.

3. Cinema experience: The overall cinema experience can also play a role in people's decision to go to the cinema. Factors such as the quality of the screen and sound system, the cleanliness of the cinema, and the availability of food and drinks can all impact people's decision to go to the cinema.

4. Price: The price of movie tickets can also be an important consideration for people. People may be more likely to go to the cinema if the price of movie tickets is reasonable and affordable.

5. Social aspects: For some people, the social aspects of going to the cinema can be important. Going to the cinema with friends or family can be a fun and enjoyable way to spend time together.

6. Reviews and ratings: People may also be influenced by the reviews and ratings of movies. Positive reviews and ratings can encourage people to go to the cinema to see a particular movie, while negative reviews can discourage people from going.

Overall, the selection of movies, convenience, cinema experience, price, social aspects, and reviews and ratings can all play a role in people's decision to go to the cinema and watch a movie.

We would like to make a survey for integrated and unified movie ticketing apps. What questions can be suggested?

Sure, here are some sample questions that you can include in a survey for integrated and unified movie ticketing apps:

1. Have you ever used a movie ticketing app in Korea before? (Yes/No)

2. Which movie ticketing app have you used before?

3. How frequently do you use movie ticketing apps to purchase movie tickets? (Very frequently, somewhat frequently, rarely, never)

4. How easy or difficult is it to navigate the movie ticketing app you use? (Very easy, somewhat easy, somewhat difficult, very difficult)

5. How satisfied are you with the selection of movies available on your preferred movie ticketing app? (Very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, neutral, somewhat dissatisfied, very dissatisfied)

6. How satisfied are you with the timing and convenience of showtimes available on your preferred movie ticketing app? (Very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, neutral, somewhat dissatisfied, very dissatisfied)

7. How satisfied are you with the cinema experience (e.g. screen quality, sound system, cleanliness) at the cinemas you purchase tickets for through your preferred movie ticketing app? (Very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, neutral, somewhat dissatisfied, very dissatisfied)

8. How satisfied are you with the price of movie tickets on your preferred movie ticketing app? (Very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, neutral, somewhat dissatisfied, very dissatisfied)

9. How satisfied are you with the payment options available on your preferred movie ticketing app? (Very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, neutral, somewhat dissatisfied, very dissatisfied)

10. How likely are you to recommend your preferred movie ticketing app to a friend or colleague? (Very likely, somewhat likely, neutral, somewhat unlikely, very unlikely)

11. How likely are you to continue using your preferred movie ticketing app in the future? (Very likely, somewhat likely, neutral, somewhat unlikely, very unlikely)

12. If you could change one thing about your preferred movie ticketing app, what would it be?

13. Have you ever had any technical issues (e.g. app crashes, payment processing problems) with your preferred movie ticketing app? (Yes/No)

14. If you had a problem with your preferred movie ticketing app, were you able to resolve it easily? (Yes, No)

15. How satisfied are you with the customer support provided by your preferred movie ticketing app? (Very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, neutral, somewhat dissatisfied, very dissatisfied)

(4) Get example features suggestion

What key features can be suggested in movie ticketing apps?

Here are some key features that can be suggested in movie ticketing apps:

1. Movie selection and information: The app should have a comprehensive selection of movies available, with information such as movie ratings, trailers, and descriptions. This allows users to easily find movies that interest them.

2. Showtimes and theaters: The app should display showtimes for different theaters and allow users to filter by location, date, and time. This makes it easy for users to find a theater and showtime that works for them.

3. Seat selection: The app should allow users to select their preferred seats and display a visual seating chart to help them choose.

4. Payment options: The app should offer a variety of payment options, including credit/debit cards, mobile payments, and gift cards. This allows users to choose the payment method that is most convenient for them.

5. Loyalty programs: The app should have a loyalty program that rewards users for frequent use. This can include perks such as discounts on tickets and concessions, early access to tickets, and exclusive content.

6. Personalized recommendations: The app should provide personalized recommendations based on the user's viewing history and preferences. This can help users discover new movies they may enjoy.

7. Reviews and ratings: The app should display reviews and ratings from other users to help users make informed decisions about which movies to watch.

8. Notifications: The app should provide notifications for upcoming movies, showtimes, and special events.

9. Integration with other services: The app should integrate with other services, such as transportation and dining reservations, to provide a seamless experience for users.

10. Customer support: The app should have a customer support system in place to address any technical issues or concerns that users may have. This can include a help center, live chat support, and a phone support line.