Project Overview
I focused on identifying the best way to improve the digital presence of Black creatives through the creation of a native platform specializing in the support of digital artwork.
Problem Statement
How might we design a mobile-responsive website that empowers Black designers by increasing awareness of their work among their target audience?
Business Goal
Determine how to support Black creatives in terms of digital artwork, non-fiat currency, and social platforms.
Discovery
In order to get a clear understanding of the ideal user's goals, needs, and pain points, I compiled all the data I collected and personified it through the formation of two personas. During user interview synthesis, I realized that there are two ideal users for this problem space, someone who's a full-time freelance artist and someone who creates art and has a full-time, salaried job. Meet Shawn and Akia.
Freelance Artist
Behaviors
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Proficient in multiple disciplines of art
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Heavily relies on a digital calendar
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Manages product inventory
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Corresponds with clients about project proposals
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Work on commissions
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Does research online to learn about NFTs and digital art marketplaces
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Extremely motivated to create crypto art and earn artist royalties
Belief
“Selling online allows me to connect directly with people around the world who are interested in my work.”
“There are an abundance of options [to sell non-NFT work online] you just have to find the right one.”
Challenges
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Understanding how to be successful as crypto art
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Showcase work on a platform that limits their audience from being distracted by other people’s work
Full-time Graphic Designer and Freelance Artist
Behaviors
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Proficient in multiple disciplines of art
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Heavily relies on a digital calendar
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Does research online to learn about NFTs and digital art marketplaces
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Engages in calculated risks
Belief
“I need to create messages and content that resonates [with my audience].”
Challenges
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Getting more exposure to freelance work
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Understanding how to effectively marketing work
Recommendations
Through data gained from evaluative research, there were four high-priority recommendations given for the next cycle of the design process.
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Improve the design of icons under "Invest in the future of design" (on the landing page), so users aren't misled into thinking they are buttons. Also, make the icons the same color.
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Improve navigation of adding a project to the design portfolio, consider placing the call to action/prompt above the fold on the Profile wireframe.
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Improve navigation to submit a project to a featured exhibit OR improve font size for the call to action prompt (of submitting to a featured exhibit).
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Improve navigation to collaborate with other designers, allow users to select the country first then select the design discipline of interest.