Bose Ultra Open Earbuds Owner’s Guide
Project focus
Explain how to wear and check the fit of a new on-ear earbud form factor.
Help users understand a new volume control system, including an automatic volume adjustment setting.
Challenges
Due to the unique form factor, users couldn't rely on existing mental models for donning and fit and had no established terminology for earbud components.
The Auto Volume feature is algorithm-based and relies on parameters that aren't transparent to users, leading to potential confusion about why volume adjustment happen in certain conditions.
Solutions
Refined donning instructions via app onboarding screens that were tested in four iterative user studies.
Oriented users to the novel form factor by using generic, shape-based terms to describe components and highlighting visual cues for reference.
Collaborated with user researchers and project illustrator to analyze photos of common incorrect donning positions and develop representative illustrations.
Familiarized users with Auto Volume algorithm behavior by first describing a core high-level use case, then explaining more detailed behavior in specific scenarios.
