is a platform that allows aspiring Designers to . . .
Seek feedback with ease
Ask questions through pins to avoid confusion.
Share different stages of your work and post intention through labels.
Organise your creations into projects.
Help one another
Peers and tutors can connect with each other in a more casual way though groups.
Helping one another goes a long way. Help spread love and recognition for those who deserve it with their contribution by awarding an “appreciation” post on their profile.
Stay involved and connected
Clear project objectives helps provides meaningful and effective feedback.
Feedback should be an open discussion with others just like in class.
Develop critique skills not only help others, but to enhance your own work as well.
OVERVIEW
Aspiring designers seek feedback on their work.
Whilst there are many platforms to promote one's work, there's a gap in the market to seek and provide meaningful feedback with ease.
This disconnect is frustrating for younger Designers that seek guidance outside of their immediate network.
THE PROBLEM
MY ROLE
UX Researcher and UX Designer
PROJECT DURATION
7 weeks
Conduct user research and design an app that
Allows aspiring Designers to seek and provide feedback effectively and with ease.
Encourages Designers to share unfinished work confidently online.
Help connect Designers in a casual setting.
OBJECTIVE
THE PROCESS
USER INTERVIEWS
I conducted a series 45 minutes 1-on-1 user interviews to have a better understanding on the needs, wants and mindsets of aspiring Designers.
I did a total of 5 user interviews. 4 were students studying a Bachelors of Design, with most of them being in their second and third year.
1 interviewee was a Graphic Designer who has recently graduated and works in the industry. He was able to provide insightful comments on mentoring and how that could possible work online.
AFFINITY MAPPING
With so many valuable information, I put them into notes and sorted them into groups/themes. I then synthesised all unmoderated data into ‘areas of focus’ to help guide the research to design process.
KEY FINDINGS
2. Ongoing feedback, practice and inspirations is crucial for improving.
1. Feedback needs to be clear, relevant and convenient.
3. Design students feel pressured to show only their “best work” online.
PERSONAS
Creating personas allow me to design with a specific user in mind. That way, every decision and design is catered towards the needs and wants of our main target audience. It makes each decision more purposeful and it also makes my job easier when trying to choose between different solutions.
Someone who seeks ways to improve their creations outside of University. While also looking to connect with his peers and tutors in a more casual way.
THE ASPIRING DESIGNER
Empathy maps allows me to put myself in the target audience’s shoes, making every Design decision stemmed from the persona.
UX Opportunity Map
Allows me to see both gains and pains that aspiring Designers faces when they try to complete tasks. I can then use this knowledge to implement services into Dela that can help them easily reach their goals.
FOCUS
What are the key features Dela offer that best represents the intent and values of the app?
WIREFRAMES
ROUND 1 FEEDBACK
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As an aspiring designer, I would like to have my work critiqued so I can get feedback and improve on my crafts.
As someone asking for feedback, I would like to pin my questions onto the image to avoid confusion on which particular area on the design I am seeking advice on.
As a designer seeking feedback, I would like to have the project information background so the person critiquing can understand the concept more to provide feedback that is helpful and relevant.
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As a designer, I would like to provide feedback so I can help others while also being a better critique on my own crafts.
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As a designer, I would like be part of groups with similar interests so I can feel connected and meet new people.
As a designer I would like a point system so that I feel rewarded and appreciated for my involvement in the community.
EMPATHY MAP
So far in this project it was me designing every aspect of the app, of course I would know how it works! That’s why it is great to have fresh eyes to test the app. That way it allows me to identify areas of confusion, as well as uncover opportunities to improve.
USABILITY TESTING
ROUND 2 FEEDBACK
Mentors who use “Dela” are people who have a passion for Design and don’t just see it as a job. These people are more likely to help others and continue to have a learner’s mindset.
THE EXPERIENCED DESIGNER
RESEARCH
DESIGN
TEST & ITERATE
Being the very first UX project I have worked on individually, Dela has been a challenging but very rewarding journey.
In my past projects I realise how fortunate I was to be given guidelines and constraints. However, by tackling my own individual project I realise the importance in planning, creating a scope and time management skills. It was a seperate asset of skills outside of UX that I developed throughout the project.
Nevertheless, I am proud of myself for battling through. I am also very happy I created a solution that I truly believe in. Hopefully one day I can make Dela live to help aspiring creatives like me out there:)
Continue doing better at working with constraints
Creating a more coherent style/theme, especially with the colours.
Learn more Figma prototyping skills such as button animations.
Learn to create a more inviting and fun looking UI.
