VERMONT ART ONLINE APP DESIGN

Google UX Design Course Case Study (Figma)

Project Overiew

The product:
I created an app for users to take a virtual tour through art galleries in Vermont. We want users to leisurely take their time and enjoy artwork at their convenience.

Project duration:
April 2021 - September 2021

The problem:
Due to the pandemic, some users are not ready to go out to attend in-person activities especially ones that can involve large indoor crowds. Some users have issues trying to find parking while others do not have the time to physically visit. And other’s worry about the cost.

My role:
I am the lead UX designer and UX researcher.

The goal:
The goal is to figure out the best way for users to tour an art gallery virtually. We also want to increase the number of users using the app and provide more visibility of the art galleries located in Vermont.

Responsibilities:
I am responsible for user research, wireframing, prototyping, etc.

User research: summary

I conducted a competitive audit of other online art galleries. Some art galleries had extensive information about the artwork while some have very limited information. Some of the sites worked better on desktop than on mobile.

User research: pain points

Accessibility

Some users have limited mobility to move around a large art gallery and sometimes parking can be a bother.

Health

Due to the pandemic, some users are not comfortable being in large crowds.

Convenience

Some users simply do not have enough time during the week or weekend to visit art galleries.

Costs

While some art galleries are free, some do require a membership fee, fee upon entry, or extra costs for special exhibits.

Persona:
Asha Johnson

Problem statement:
“I need to find relaxing ways for me to disconnect. I used to love visiting art galleries as a child and I would like to do that again if I had the time.”

Persona:
Bryce Allen

Problem statement:
“I love my city! I want to explore everything it has to offer. I wish there was a way I can do this on my own time with less money.”

Paper wireframes

My goal was to design a simplified way for users to browse the artwork.

Digital wireframes

I made sure to include a clear call to action.

I also included short descriptions for each artwork on the listing page.

Low-fidelity prototype

Vermont Art Online Low-fidelity prototype

Usability study: findings

Round 1 findings

Users wanted a search bar option
Users wanted to find art gallery listings easier
Users wanted the ability to return to the previous screen

Round 2 findings

Users said the overall text was too small
Users said some of the layouts can be spread out more
Users want to use/activate the search bar option

Mockups

3 out of 5 participants had trouble searching for an art gallery. The home page should have been better labeled for users to see that they are listed.

4 out of 5 participants suggested that a search bar should be added. A search bar on the homepage would have helped.

High-fidelity
prototype

The high-fidelity prototype presented a clearer view of art galleries.
View Vermont Art Online's high-fidelity prototype

Accessibility considerations

The main user issue was that the overall text was too small. I fixed this by increasing the text and eliminating some unnecessary words.

The color scheme passed the usability test for different visibilities.

The user has different ways to return to the previous screen, home screen, and profile.

Takeaways

Impact:

The app made users feel like Vermont Art Online is an easy way for them to view artwork online at their convenience.

One quote from peer feedback: “The app was easy to use.”

What I learned:

While designing the Vermont Art Online app, I learned that putting the user first is a priority. Usability studies and peer feedback influenced each iteration of the app’s designs.

Next steps

Conduct another usability study for more improvements.

I would like to further investigate if buying available artwork as an option.