User interface design and usability study of a mobile application for a crowdsourced fencer database

Abstract

To be successful in fencing, fencers need to not only excel in techniques but also in tactics. The sport is both a physical and a mental game. The more a fencer knows about other fencers, the more likely he or she is going to be able to choose the most appropriate strategies. However, a lack of resources makes it difficult for fencers to learn about their opponents. The goal of this project is to study the needs of fencers and design the user interface for a mobile app that allows fencers to contribute and receive information on other fencers' fencing ability and fencing style. This thesis describes a case study of the design and development of the mobile app, starting with the types of information a fencer might want to know about a potential opponent, the creation of provisional prototypes of an app that could gather and present that information, and testing of the prototype with users. The thesis concludes with thoughts on future development of the app.