Users who receive voice messages need to spend more time listening to the message to acquire the information
With more and more people worldwide having access to smartphones, messaging applications are the most widely used mobile apps in the world. Most apps allow users to send and receive voice messages.
Some users like voice messages because it's simply quicker to record what you what to say than to type it out. However, the users who receive voice messages need to spend more time listening to the message to acquire the information. Many people also don't consider voice messages a practical way of communication.
Most messaging apps support voice messages but not transcribe feature
Many resources indicate that the average reading speed of most adults is about 250 words per minute.
The average conversation rate for English speakers in the United States is about 150 words per minute.
So, it usually takes user more time to listen to the voice message than read the transciption.
I conducted 4 user interviews.
Main takeaways
1. All users are familiar with voice messages
2. Users prefer to send voice messages when occupied or feeling spontaneous
3. Most users prefer the messaging app with transcribe feature
4. All users are interested in exlporing the new transcribe feature if provided
Add a transcribe feature to the Messages app
Combine Solution 1 (Icon) and Solution 3 (Slide In Window)
No extra action needed to locate this feature.
Illustrated with microphone and text bubble
No listening required. Read the text.
Built with Apple design system.
1. More user testings
2. Support different languages
3. Desktop / tablet versions
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