Cover image for an AI-Powered SaaS Speech Writing tool

UX Design for an AI-Powered SaaS Speech Writing Tool

UX UI DESIGN

Role

UX UI Designer

Team

Product Owner, Engineers, UX Designer

Duration

4 months

My client noticed that pastors could use a little help crafting their sermons. With substantial workloads, pastors invest extensive hours crafting engaging sermons.

We set out to create an AI-powered tool to act as a creative companion for pastors and potentially revolutionize their sermon crafting experience.

Playing a crucial role in the project, I collaborated closely with cross-functional teams spread across the globe. My focus extended beyond shaping functionality to designing the product's appearance and overall user experience.

Problem

How can we help make sermon planning quicker for pastors?

Reports indicate that a significant number of pastors encounter difficulties in consistently producing high-quality and impactful sermons. More than half express feelings of being overworked and are unable to meet their church's expectations.

45%

of pastors spend 10 to 15 hours a week on sermon preparation.

SOLUTION

Software that kickstarts the creative process.

With a long history of serving the church community through technical products, my client identified the untapped potential of using AI to assist pastors in the area identified.

Our solution was to create a web application using GPT-4 that would transform the sermon theme creation process into a dynamic collaboration between a pastor's initial insights and the power of AI.

The primary objective was to enhance user satisfaction by simplifying and automating aspects of their process. It needed to be easy to learn with a focus on efficiency.

UX Reseach

Competitor Analysis

I began by researching speech writing tools, such as Speech Formula and Speech Generator, to identify common attributes and benefits. I then began reviewing tools that leverage AI, such as Evernote, Jasper and Grammarly. This helped me evaluate common design patterns, including good and bad examples of user experience and interface design. It also allowed me begin identifying mental models which may best suit our users.

Conducting user research to gather insights and foster empathy.

I interviewed stakeholders remotely to learn about pastors, their primary clients. Their expertise provided valuable insights into pastors' needs, including the tools and workflows used during sermon creation.

After analyzing the information, I decided to create a proto persona based on stakeholder insights and my online research. This was the most practical choice considering budget and time constraints and ensuring alignment on user needs throughout the project.

Technical AI Review

I conducted general research on the functioning of GPT-4 as a Large Language Model (LLM) during that period. This continued to be a learning process throughout the project.

Our team maintained ongoing communication, especially during prompt testing by developers. This ensured I stayed informed about encountered issues and their potential impact on user experience design.

How can AI help pastors create sermons?

While AI is a valuable tool for pastors, it should complement, not replace, the essential elements of sermon creation — human touch, spiritual discernment and personal connection with the congregation.

Pastors benefit most when using AI as a supportive tool alongside their own insights and understanding.

Structure + organization

Research + content generation

Language enhancement

Time management

UX Design

Information Architecture and User Flows

The challenge here was creating a logical, user-friendly structure for new concepts and mental models while aligning with the back-end data structure to ensure easy information retrieval. I used my user and competitor research along with stakeholder requirements to inform my design choices which we tested with paper wireframes.

Planning sections of the system and steps involved.

Wireframes and Walkthroughs

We iterated through multiple rounds of paper sketches and walkthroughs during ideation. They provided a lightweight, flexible and cost-effective way to explore and communicate my design ideas. I also used them to present concepts for user flows and onboarding.

Progressing concepts from sketches to wireframes.

I developed multiple iterations of low-fi paper prototypes which allowed the team to visualize and test functionality and onboarding process. This helped me easily include feedback during testing, making it simpler to adapt when necessary.

Aligning language across headings, buttons, and navigation with industry-specific terminology was attempted. I intentionally kept certain button labels generic due to the evolving functionality and dev changes during the agile development.

Sketched wireframe closeup discussing interaction ideas.

UI design

Adding visual design and making it work as an interactive prototype

To get the MVP out quickly, I couldn't spend much time on the visual design. I chose a clean and subtle aesthetic, incorporating ample white space to avoid clutter and allow users to concentrate on their writing. Inspired by the minimalism of platforms like Grammarly and Google Docs, I aimed for a design that could be implemented quickly while remaining in line with current UI trends.

Product screenshot for the dashboard grid

1. One central location for crafting and storing your sermons.

Once users sign up for a free or paid plan, they gain access to storage space and tools for crafting sermon themes, outlines, or complete sermons. The platform ensures easy creation, editing, seamless sharing, and straightforward exportation of sermon content.

Product screenshot for entering sermon description.

2. Provide a short description to get started.

By entering a brief description of their sermon theme and choosing a theological stance, the AI will be able to begin shaping the narrative of the sermon.

Product screenshot for AI generated overview

3. A theme overview is effortlessly generated.

The AI-driven approach significantly reduces the time and effort traditionally spent on brainstorming and refining sermon themes. Pastors can now focus more on the nuanced aspects of sermon preparation.

Product screenshot for editing each section

4. Refine, expand, or edit any section until it's just right.

This adaptability ensures each sermon is finely tuned to convey the intended message, connect with the congregation, and address diverse aspects of worship and community life.

Product screenshot for sermon summary page

5. Start for free and upgrade for advanced add-ons.

Sermon creation is divided into parts and pastors can later upgrade to access additional features, such as song recommendations, and much more.

TAKEAWAY

Adapting to AI and navigating novelty

A key challenge in this project was dealing with the newness of AI technology in early 2023. Navigating unexplored territory brought unique obstacles, demanding adaptability and creativity in designing user-friendly interfaces and workflows. Valuable lessons highlighted the importance of collaboration in cross-functional teams when dealing with emerging technologies.

This project has changed my outlook as a designer, underscoring the importance of flexibility and adaptability when working with new technologies. It also highlighted the necessity of a deep domain knowledge and the complexities surrounding carefully crafted prompts in order to deliver the best results using AI.