Crafting a Seamless User Experience for Artists
Project Overview
Designing for Connection: A UX & AI-Driven Exploration
As part of the Vortex Incubation Program by TBDC, I explored how AI-driven tools can enhance UX design and user engagement. Centered around the theme of ‘Connection’, I designed a mobile app experience, leveraging research, AI, and visual storytelling to create seamless, intuitive interactions.
Process Overview:
Project Overview
Designing for Connection: A UX & AI-Driven Exploration
As part of the Vortex Incubation Program by TBDC, I explored how AI-driven tools can enhance UX design and user engagement. Centered around the theme of ‘Connection’, I designed a mobile app experience, leveraging research, AI, and visual storytelling to create seamless, intuitive interactions.
Project Type
UX/UI Research & Design
Creative Showcase
Tools Used
Figma (Prototype Design),
Canva (Presentation),
Multiple AI tools (Brainstorming, UX research, Interviews, UI design)
Duration
3 weeks
Team
Solo Artistic Project
Project Type
UX/UI Research & Design
Creative Showcase
Tools Used
Figma (Prototype Design),
Canva (Presentation),
Multiple AI tools (Brainstorming, UX research, Interviews, UI design)
Duration
3 weeks
Team
Solo Artistic Project
Problem Definition
Challenge 1:
Designing for Connection
Challenge Overview
In the Vortex program, I defined ‘Connection’ as enabling creatives to find and collaborate with each other. My UX journey began by uncovering the real challenges artists face in Toronto’s creative scene, from discovering collaborators to building lasting creative partnerships.
Problem Definition
Challenge 1: Designing for Connection
Challenge Overview
In the Vortex program, I defined ‘Connection’ as enabling creatives to find and collaborate with each other. My UX journey began by uncovering the real challenges artists face in Toronto’s creative scene, from discovering collaborators to building lasting creative partnerships.
Problem 1
Finding other creatives is time-consuming
The process of searching and partnering with fellow creatives is time-consuming, leading to delays in project deadlines.
Solution
Effortless collaboration for creatives
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Easily find fellow creatives & choose who you wish to collaborate with by swiping!
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You can check out their portfolio profiles on the app too! (Similar to checking someone's dating app profile)
(Note: Harold & Meghan are AI generated images)
Solution
Effortless collaboration for creatives
-
Easily find fellow creatives & choose who you wish to collaborate with by swiping!
-
You can check out their portfolio profiles on the app too! (Similar to checking someone's dating app profile)
(Note: Harold & Meghan are AI generated images)
Problem 1
Finding other creatives is time-consuming
The process of searching and partnering with fellow creatives is time-consuming, leading to delays in project deadlines.
Solution
Exchange skills/services rather than just payment
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Collaborate with creatives by exchanging your skills!
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Eg: Web Designer creates a photography portfolio website in exchange for a free photoshoot.
(Note: all of the photography work is mine!)
Problem 2
Collaboration costs are expensive
A lot of creatives charge a lot for collaboration, which is quite challenging to afford, especially for new artists who are struggling to make their mark in the industry.
Solution
Streamlined chat feature & live updates
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Chat & connect with other creatives looking to collaborate on one platform!
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Also stay updated about all creative events happening in your location.
Problem 3
Poor response time by some creatives
Many creatives take time to respond back, some due to confusing chat features of current apps.
Problem 2
Collaboration costs are expensive
A lot of creatives charge a lot for collaboration, which is quite challenging to afford, especially for new artists who are struggling to make their mark in the industry.
Solution
Exchange skills/services rather than just payment
-
Collaborate with creatives by exchanging your skills!
-
Eg: Web Designer creates a photography portfolio website in exchange for a free photoshoot.
(Note: all of the photography work is mine!)
Problem 3
Poor response time by some creatives
Many creatives take time to respond back, some due to confusing chat features of current apps.
Solution
Streamlined chat feature & live updates
Chat & connect with other creatives looking to collaborate on one platform!
Also stay updated about all creative events happening in your location.
Impact
" I can't find this app on Google or Apple Store. Oh, it's still a prototype? "
- Uthman Quick, Digital Marketing Leader, Attendee of the Vortex Showcase
After presenting this project at the Vortex Showcase on Dec 9, 2024, creatives were eager to download it—proving the demand for such an app in Canada. The impact was clear, and I was awarded a TBDC grant to bring it to life!
Impact
" I can't find this app on Google or Apple Store. Oh, it's still a prototype? "
After presenting this project at the Vortex Showcase on Dec 9, 2024, creatives were eager to download it—proving the demand for such an app in Canada. The impact was clear, and I was awarded a TBDC grant to bring it to life!
- Uthman Quick, Digital Marketing Leader, Attendee of the Vortex Showcase
Design Process
Who would this app most appeal to? Fellow Creatives!
Through Google Surveys, I asked around 6 creative users the problems they faced related to Connectivity. I also followed one of the users, Samantha's journey, to find a photographer on one of the social media platforms, Instagram, to collaborate with.
Design Process
Who would this app most appeal to the most? Fellow Creatives!
Through Google Surveys, I asked around 6 creative users the problems they faced related to Connectivity. I also followed one of the users, Samantha's user journey to find a photographer on one of the social media platforms, Instagram, to collaborate with.
Brainstorming Solutions with AI
Once I narrowed down the user needs, rather than doing exercises like Crazy Eights, I decided to ask AI to suggest some solutions for creative collaboration.
"How might we help streamline the artist collaboration process for creatives like Samantha, while keeping it cost-friendly and responsive?"
Brainstorming Solutions with AI
Once I narrowed down the user needs, rather than doing exercises like Crazy Eights, I decided to ask AI to suggest some solutions for creative collaboration.
"How might we help streamline the artist collaboration process for creatives like Samantha, while keeping it cost-friendly and responsive?"
Introducing Kriatve, an equitable solution for creatives
Brainstorming sessions led to the birth of Kriatve app, a streamlined platform to help creatives and artists to collaborate easily. This idea became an equitable solution, as it could be expanded globally in the future as well.
How does this app stand out in the market?
I conducted a competitive analysis to understand what's already in the market, and how can the Kriatve app stand out (Value Proposition).
Introducing Kriatve, an equitable solution for creatives
Brainstorming sessions led to the birth of Kriatve app, a streamlined platform to help creatives and artists to collaborate easily. This idea became an equitable solution, as it could be expanded globally in the future as well.
How does this app stand out in the market?
I conducted a competitive analysis to understand what's already in the market, and how can the Kriatve app stand out (Value Proposition).
How will the app look?
At this stage, I presented the initial UI kit & idea to my fellow colleagues & mentor, and based on their feedback, is where I had to go through a few iterations before the final UI kit and logo was decided.
Version 1
Initially, the UI design of the app was initially inspired by the Canadian Indigenous community artwork that's usually under-represented. The colors selected were bright, the logo icon was a famous Inukshuk, and the artwork was inspired by Indigenous community art.
Version 2 after iteration: To avoid cultural appropriation
Due to a very short timeline, I wasn't able to arrange a meeting to talk with a member of the Indigenous community. So, to avoid any cultural appropriation, I instead decided to replace the designs inspired by my Indian culture. This didn't require a huge U-turn, because I realized that Indian culture & Indigenous culture shared similarities in their art & vibrant colors.
How will the app look?
At this stage, I presented the initial UI kit & idea to my fellow colleagues & mentor, and based on their feedback, is where I had to go through a few iterations before the final UI kit and logo was decided.
Version 1
Initially, the UI design of the app was initially inspired by the Canadian Indigenous community artwork that's usually under-represented. The colors selected were bright, the logo icon was a famous Inukshuk, and the artwork was inspired by Indigenous community art.
Version 2 after iteration: To avoid cultural appropriation
Due to a very short timeline, I wasn't able to arrange a meeting to talk with a member of the Indigenous community. So, to avoid any cultural appropriation, I instead decided to replace the designs inspired by my Indian culture. This didn't require a huge U-turn, because I realized that Indian culture & Indigenous culture shared similarities in their art & vibrant colors.
Final UI Styleguide
I decided to go with shades of purple as it symbolizes emotions of "royalty", "welcoming" & "friendliness".
In the second version (the selected version) of the logo, I chose to go with the Indian inspired Mandala art as the logo icon because Mandala represents "connectivity, universe, as a whole". If you divide the word Kriatve in two, "kria" means "to do something" or "verb" in the Hindi language, and "tve" is part of the word "Creative".
Final UI Styleguide
I decided to go with shades of purple as it symbolizes emotions of "royalty", "welcoming" & "friendliness".
In the second version (the selected version) of the logo, I chose to go with the Indian inspired Mandala art as the logo icon because Mandala represents "connectivity, universe, as a whole". If you divide the word Kriatve in two, "kria" means "to do something" or "verb" in the Hindi language, and "tve" is part of the word "Creative".
Prototyping
Testing out the prototypes
Once I shifted from paper to high-fidelity prototypes, I created a user flow to help Samantha achieve her main goal, search for a photographer to collaborate with.
Prototyping
Testing out the prototypes
Once I shifted from paper to high-fidelity prototypes, I created a user flow to help Samantha achieve her main goal, search for a photographer to collaborate with.
High - Fidelity Prototypes
High - Fidelity Prototypes
Problem Definition
Challenge 2:
Leveraging AI in UX
Integrating AI-driven tools, I explored how automation can enhance user research, optimize usability, and personalize experiences.
Risks of using AI for UX research & design
This project helped me realize that a lot of the mundane tasks of UX research and design can be fulfilled by AI, making the process faster, easier, and cheaper. But the risks should be considered as well.
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One reason for the iterations taking place during the UI styleguide designing process was the risk of AI stealing artists' original artwork and not giving them due credit (Adobe Firefly for example).
-
The accuracy of information produced by AI must be considered.
-
AI should be used as a tool, not as a personality ready to take over someone's job.
Problem Definition
Challenge 2: Leveraging AI in UX
Integrating AI-driven tools, I explored how automation can enhance user research, optimize usability, and personalize experiences.
Risks of using AI for UX research & design
This project helped me realize that a lot of the mundane tasks of UX research and design can be fulfilled by AI, making the process faster, easier, and cheaper. But the risks should be considered as well.
-
One reason for the iterations taking place during the UI styleguide designing process was the risk of AI stealing artists' original artwork and not giving them due credit (Adobe Firefly for example).
-
The accuracy of information produced by AI must be considered.
-
AI should be used as a tool, not as a personality ready to take over someone's job.
Insights
Key Takeaways
01
The Vortex program, on a whole, was a real fun experience! Working with 9 other creatives from different backgrounds was enlightening, and getting to explore my own creativity was the cherry on the top!
02
I had a first hand experience dabbling with AI, from attending live workshops organized by people from various organizations like Sony, to understanding the ethical side of using AI.
03
I also discovered many AI tools that can be used to help with the UX research and design process, speeding things up and making it cost-effective.
Insights
Key Takeaways
01
The Vortex program, on a whole, was a real fun experience! Working with 9 other creatives from different backgrounds was enlightening, an getting to explore my own creativity was the cherry on the top!
02
I had a first hand experience dabbling with AI, from attending live workshops organized by people from various organizations like Sony, to understanding the ethical side of using AI.
03
I also discovered many AI tools that can be used to help with the UX research and design process, speeding things up and making it cost-effective.