Case Study I

1. Usability vs Aesthetics (Is the interface attractive? Is it functional?)

Honestly speaking , the design and the graphics in UI is pretty attractive. At first glance, i did believe the developing team has put effort in it.  However , without referring to the answer in the workbin( i innocently study all of them .), i found out that there are too much unnecessary stuff in it which caught the users' attention. Stupid users like me will feel confused at the start, then try to figure out what is really going on ,eventually we would fail. Therefore, we may be pissed of and leave the app.
Instead of have a command line app, the apps nowadays have UI. As the fundamental  purpose is to make users learn how to use the app in a fast way while attracting them by cute icons, colorful animations etc. If it is not functional at all, the developer team would better make it simple and clear.  

2. Number of options / freedom given to user when posting a need.
I personally feel that we are seeking help from others. In the process of doing so, the app should not create additional difficulty along the way. Else, we need to ask "how to use the app" which is utterly unnecessary and unhelpful. Incremental approach should  be adopted.
Minimum key words should be keyed in at the start.  Hint may be given for optional function.
The original page has too many buttons and red stuff. 

3. Cycle of interaction & incentives (Are the elements of the app engaging?)

Numbers are unattractive to users like me. Numbers themselves does not give incentives to user to work harder. The new rewarding system is better but it might not be the best.
I would choose to use a game system like CS2010, i was really encouraged to solve the bonus questions to show myself in the leader board. Yes. i Like it! 


4. Other problems you think the team might have faced
They may adding a live help channel after a large base of users. It should only happen after a large user base is established.  But i did not see it happen which is sad. 

To sum up, UX >> UI. The users are the judges. If they fail you, in no way can you pass with whatever fantastic design or function. It is just a Epic Fail. A small success is better than an epic fail when the app were to get commercialized.