Before starting any project, there needs to be a clear timeline of the development and working process. I created a simple Gantt chart to help with project and time management.
Research of existing apps/websites:
There are multiple apps and websites created for caption generation purposes. Here are some of the most famous and similar projects:
- Copy AI https://www.copy.ai/tools/instagram-caption-generator It works by submitting information about the post you wish to upload. Because the tool’s ideas are tailored to your specific information provided to it, the more information you offer for the caption generator, the more relevant the suggestions will be.
- Story Lab https://storylab.ai/instagram-caption-generator/ Similarly as the first example, inspiring examples of captions will be provided by an AI generator for you to add to your collection of potential post descriptions.
- Issa Caption https://www.issacaption.com It uses sophisticated machine learning to find captions for your photo by uploading it to the app. It will provide only one caption, hence the user can get another caption by pressing a button on the bottom of the app.
- Caption plus https://captionplus.app A relevant caption and hashtags are generated by an AI-based algorithm. The objective of the app is not focused mainly on captions but rather on content and design, as it includes tools for cropping a picture to blurring the background.
Out of the examples I have researched, the one that has a closer identity to my caption app is the “Issa Caption” app, as it also uses machine learning to scan images. However the app only generates one caption unlike mine which will generate as many captions as the model could recognise. Another feature which the app does not posses is filtering and sorting out the captions.
USER SURVEY
A. PURPOSE
I decided to conduct user research prior to commencing the development process to ensure that my idea would have a solid base. The objective of user testing is to discover and define the needs of the target users. Because the purpose of the app is to make it useful and beneficial, I expect that by performing user testing, I will have a deeper understanding of the target users’ requirements and preferences.
B. TARGET AUDIENCE
The target audience are social media users varying from different age groups. (Pool of people)
C. METHOD
Creating a google survey and distributing the links within a couple social media platforms and groups, including: Instagram and Facebook. Each participant is asked to fill in a survey with questions that will help the development process.
Link to survey: https://forms.gle/HGhbXt94hGTibtjD
*Before carrying out the survey I had to include a consent form*
D. RESULT
E. Conclusion
Derivative Conclusion
- More than 42% of users struggle to add captions to their photos
- Around 30% are aware of existing platforms but are not satisfied with the results and outcome they give
- More than 50% of survey respondents disagree of finding the right caption they are looking for
- 40% of participants search captions elsewhere, 38% do not, and rest are indifferent
- A big percentage of users would like to see interesting, original and categorised captions in an app to be developed
Key Insights
- The expectations and requirements of the users align with the overall idea of the project.
- People on social media frequently struggle to think of captions that are original and distinct from one another on a consistent basis.
- There is widespread support for the utilisation of technological tools, such as a mobile application, in the process of caption generation.