Challenge
ArtME is an app for busy art-loving professionals. It is very important to offer an enriching experience that allows them to enjoy exhibitions, both virtual and in person.
Solution
An interface that visually organizes artists and their works and allows to locate local exhibitions. It also allows to enjoy artistic experiences in the same app.
Insights
Users could not find the search options.
Finding local exhibitions was confusing.
Confirmation to buy tickets.
Finding local exhibitions was confusing.
Confirmation to buy tickets.
User research: summary
I focused on the user, so I conducted interviews and created empathy maps to understand the users I’m designing for and their needs. A primary user group identified through research was working with professionals who don’t have to go to visit local art exhibitions.
This user group confirmed initial assumptions about initial research, which revealed that lack of time was not the only factor limiting users from enjoying art.
Other user problems included obligations, interests, or challenges that make it difficult to go to visit local art exhibitions.
Usability study: findings
I conducted two rounds of usability studies. Findings from the first study helped guide the designs from wireframes to mockups. The second study used a high-fidelity prototype and revealed what aspects of the mockups needed refining.
Round 1 findings
Users want a great art experience
Users want local and virtual art exhibitions
Users want to buy tickets
Users want a great art experience
Users want local and virtual art exhibitions
Users want to buy tickets
Round 2 findings
Confirmations was confused
Searchbox was very intuitive
Side menu simplify to find art
Accessibility considerations
Provided access to users who are vision impaired through adding alt text to images for screen readers.
Used icons to help make navigation easier.
Rich experience to enjoy art exhibitions, also high quality images.
Used icons to help make navigation easier.
Rich experience to enjoy art exhibitions, also high quality images.
Impact
The app makes users feel like ArtMe they are living a great art experience, even on the smartphone.
One quote from peer feedback
“The app made it so easy and fun to enjoy virtual local art exhibitions. It's easy and offers a great art experience.”
What I learned
While designing ArtMe app, I learned that the first ideas for the app are only the beginning of the process. Usability studies and peer feedback influenced each iteration of the app’s designs.
Conclusions
It was very important to obtain confirmations and an easy and intuitive way to locate local exhibits.
User flow
Low-Fi flow
Wireframe
