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# User Test: User (2026-03-31)

## Context

* Informal observational feedback rather than a hands-on use session.
* Feedback was recalled and recorded from memory on 2026-04-02.
* User did not directly operate the app during this round.

## Observations / Questions

* **“Why did you build this?”** was the most notable question.
  * This suggests the app’s purpose and emotional framing were not immediately legible from the product itself.
* **Initial reaction was that the app felt overwhelming.**
  * Part of this was tied to the more psychedelic effects visible during the demo.
  * Even after showing subtler examples, the overall impression still leaned toward “overwhelming.”
* **There was hesitation about using it on personal material.**
  * The user seemed concerned about applying the app’s treatment to their own photos and videos.

## Interpretation

* The app’s artistic intent and use case may not yet be self-evident to a new observer.
* The current visual tone can read as intense or intimidating, especially if the first effects shown are on the more psychedelic side.
* There may be value in framing Hypnograph more explicitly as something that can be used on:
  * a focused project
  * a dedicated album
  * or newly shot photos/videos gathered specifically for composition

## Takeaways

* The product story still needs to become more legible at first contact.
* A gentler or more clearly framed entry path may help users who are interested but hesitant.
* There may be onboarding value in showing that Hypnograph can be used with a constrained, project-specific set of media rather than requiring someone to throw their whole personal archive into it immediately.

## Potential follow-ups

1. Revisit how Hypnograph’s purpose is described in onboarding, marketing, or first-run surfaces.
2. Consider whether the initial effect presentation should bias toward calmer or more approachable examples.
3. Encourage future testers to try the app with a small, project-specific album or folder rather than their whole library.