Artist Biography App
for an Art Gallery
Project Overview
I chose the artist biography app design as the first project in the Google UX Certificate program. I introduce 5 culturally diverse artists and their dynamic
art, striving to fulfill user needs and wants. Ultimately I want the app to
celebrate unity through creative achievement.
THE GOAL
Design an artists' biography app for an art gallery.
THE PROBLEM
Maintain user engagement, accessibility for all users.
MY ROLE
Generalist / Team of 1
User research, wireframes, gallery and artist research, UI, prototyping, accessibility development, usability studies, iteration, brand design, Figma
TARGET AUDIENCE
Local community, art students, online art lovers, art buyers and gallery visitors.
CHALLENGE
Compete in the art world.
Research Summary
I interviewed 5 men and women, ages 20s - 70s, unmoderated online. The feedback sent me into motion. I nailed down user pain points, built empathy maps and persona characters. ​
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
What do you look for when reading an artist's biography? Do you easily engage or drop off? please tell me why. What is the takeaway for you?
FIELD WORK
Empathy maps, affinity mapping, artist biographies, gallery sites
FINDINGS
Most users are interested in knowing why artists create and what influences their creativity and the art process in the work.
Understanding the User
"When you read an artist's biography, what do you look for?"
“Tidbits of their background, journey and some of what led
them to their current lifestyle and desire to create.”
- Nathan M -
Interior Designer
PAIN POINTS
SEEKS ART PROCESS
Solution:
Thoughtful content, images,
interviews that discuss personal journey.
SITE DESIGN ISSUES
Solution
Iterate, research sketch to create dynamic UI.
REJECTS ART SPEAK
Solution
Make text informative,
interesting, clear. Translation feature.
WHY CREATE?
Solution
Interviews and artist statements that address reason behind.
PERSONA 1 PROBLEM STATEMENT
​
Vince is an art lover who needs to understand the source of inspiration because he seeks what motivates the drive to create.
PERSONA 2 PROBLEM STATEMENT
​
Carina is a busy mom who needs to understand the language well and textual content because she is interested in the artistic process.
CARINA JOURNEY MAP
CARINA BIG PICTURE
CARINA CLOSEUP
Starting the Design
WIREFRAMES
​
LO-FIDELITY PROTOTYPE
​
Please test below and return to the site.
LO-FIDELITY USABILITY STUDY​
5 men and women (30's to 60's) commented on the prototype in an online, unmoderated study. Below is a summary of the findings.
LO-FI VISUALS
4 out of 5 participants criticized the lo-fidelity generic appearance, 2 were lost navigating.
SEARCH FOR MEANING
4 out of 5 participants would like to read about the artist in a straight forward manner, no clicking on and off topics.
IDENTIFICATION
4 out of 5 participants would like to see the artist name included with an image. A list of names is ineffective.
Finalizing Design
The artists' stories and examination of their work solve user pain points. I want my user to engage, understand and go deeper into the work. The UI was inspired by memories back in the day of Lower East Side galleries when I lived
on Ave A and 1st St.
MOCKUP VER 1
​
The UI was inspired by memories from back in the day on the Lower East Side when all the cool galleries popped up; a definitive time of new art and bold nightlife.
MOCKUP VER 2
Design iterations made to energize the user and create engagement.
HI-FIDELITY PROTOTYPE
Please test link below and return to the site.
“I felt like I got to know the artist as a person!”
- Kate M -
Artist
“Selection of artists and varied styles - interesting!”
- Jade M -
Heritage Resources Historian
“Visual appeal and ease in navigation!”
- Nathan M -
Interior Designer
USABILITY STUDY 2
3 men and women (30's to 60's) in an online unmoderated study, tested the hi-fidelity prototype, below are the findings summarized
ART PROCESS
3 out of 3 affirm art process was evident.
ACCESSIBLE WRITING
2 out of 3 participants affirm the text was interesting and an adequate amount.
CREATIVE PURPOSE
3 out of 3 participants affirm the creative purpose and going deeper into meaning, experienced.
VISUAL DESIGN
3 out of 3 participants pleased with visual elements. 2 users complained about size
of header and arrows.
ACCESSIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS
​​
Header iterated after usability study 2, improved visibility and navigation.
DROP DOWN MENU
The menu accessibility features aids the user in understanding and nourishes paint points. An interview participant requested the opportunity to stay in touch with the artist.
LARGE ART IMAGES AND BOLD TYPE
Large images, easily accessible with visible text aids understanding the art.
Conclusion
The takeaway for me is great admiration for the artists and love for their work. I love this app and the process taken to create it. I hope to create for the art world in the future.
​
I learned the importance of organizing data, sketching and reiteration. This is my first app design and opportunity working in Figma. I was interested in celebrating diverse culture as well as presenting superb art The opportunity to develop a gallery presence would provide a meaningful exchange between the gallery, the work and the user. I would include activities, artist information and art education opportunities in an effort to increase understanding. This may have the potential to promote well being in the user.
​​
I appreciate the positive feedback received by Google peers and participants.
​Thank you Google for a fulfilling experience, a very special thanks to you for
hanging in with me!