Lochbox Secure Communications
Overview
Lochbox is a secure communications platform developed with the highest possible privacy standards in mind. I served as both the product manager and creative director of this project. My responsibility was to overhaul the UI and UX so that the app would be functional for individuals up to large organizations requiring greater nuance and control within their communications.
The Problem
The primary value proposition of Lochbox is to give users exclusive control of their encryption keys and data access through independently managed closed networks that are accessible by invitation-only. The app’s initial privacy practices and features were well-intentioned but ultimately prohibitive for growth.
Users generally failed to utilize a core functionality of the app highlighting 1) the need to better educate them of certain features and 2) improve the invitation acceptance rate so closed networks can grow.
The Process
It was clear from looking at user activity where our bottlenecks were which helped guide the creation of user interviews and surveys. We tested different terminology and multiple registration storyboards to maximize comprehension and utilization of the closed network functionality within the onboarding process.
The solution
By designing a streamlined process for creating custom networks, sending invitations, and starting conversations within the onboarding UX Lochbox was able to improve all goal metrics by 200%.
TAKEAWAYS
My solution wasn’t perfect but, given the constraints that were faced, I still give it a 7.5/10. The size of the team involved was such that it was hard to ever reach a consensus on certain details. As such, many decisions required a personal judgement call. The process would have greatly benefited from more in-depth user research but, unfortunately, this wasn’t feasible with the expedited deadline and lack of meaningful market feedback.
