Virtual art gallery app
The goal of this project was to design an app for a virtual art gallery that allows users to view and purchase original and printed artwork from galleries worldwide easily and quickly. It is designed for people who have limited free time, have difficulty accessing galleries, or avoid crowded places.
User Research
Pain point
Working adults have limited time to browse artwork on various gallery apps or visit galleries.
Gallery websites with a lack of features, and locations of galleries that are difficult to access.
Crowded places make it difficult and time-consuming to concentrate on the artwork.
User journey map
Mapping Ashley’s user journey revealed how helpful it would be for users to have the virtual art gallery app with art collections from a variety of galleries.
Starting The Design
Paper wireframe
Taking the time to write out each screen iteration on paper ensured that the digital wireframes would adequately address user pain points.
For the home screen, I prioritized a quick and easy browsing method to help users save time.
Digital wireframe
As the initial design phase continued, I made sure to base screen designs on feedback and findings from the user research.
Low-Fidelity Prototype
Used the completed set of digital wireframes to create a low-fidelity prototype.
Connected a primary user flow for the browsing process, so the prototype could be tested in a usability study.
Usability study
Conducted two rounds of usability studies. Findings from the first study helped guide the design 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 need a better step to create a profile after sign-up
Users need a better way to access the search icon
Users need more simplified layouts
Round 2 findings
The checkout process needs simple and clear navigation
Buttons need a clear definition and notation
The sign-up process needs a clear indication
Refining The Design
Mockups
High-fidelity prototype
The main user flow of the high-fidelity prototype demonstrated a clear user flow for browsing artwork and the checkout process.
Accessibility considerations
In order to ensure a smooth user flow, we provided an audio guide so users could listen to art details and browse artworks at the same time.
Provided access to the AR feature for users to visualize how artwork fits in their room.
Used icons to simplify layout and make user flow easier.
Takeaways
One quote from peer feedback
“ The app made browsing artwork so easy and enjoyable and helped me to quickly find the right artwork.
I would definitely use this app.”
What I learned…
While designing the virtual art gallery app, I learned that first ideas for the app are only the beginning of the process. Usability studies and peer feedback are crucial to improving each iteration of the app’s design.