Project Title
Completed in: December 2024
Background
The goal of this project was to create a platform that combines the inspiration of a newsletter with the interactivity of a social media app, specifically for data visualizers and graphic designers. The app aims to inspire creativity in transforming mundane documents and presentations into engaging, visually compelling formats. Central to this concept is the Daily Inspo page, which spotlights a featured user and their high-quality, creative project each day. The target audience includes professionals such as document creators, presentation designers, and data analysts—essentially anyone tasked with visualizing data in a way that is both impactful and engaging. By showcasing how data can be presented creatively, the app seeks to make information more captivating and accessible, encouraging users to rethink traditional approaches to data visualization.
Research
My research began with analyzing other social media platforms and their methods for curating content. Since the app's feed is designed to be infinite, organizing posts effectively was a critical aspect of the design. Pinterest emerged as a key point of reference due to its focus on inspiration through curated panels. This insight guided the app's structure, aiming to evoke a similar sense of discovery and creativity. I also explored the app's thematic direction, focusing on delivering information visually through layouts and imagery rather than plain text. This helped shape a user-friendly and visually engaging design language, aligning with the app's goal of fostering inspiration through aesthetics.
Wireframing
The wireframing process was brief yet focused, as the project goals were already well-defined. Wireframes were primarily used to eliminate ineffective design ideas and refine the overall layout. The app’s minimal and intuitive pages were planned during this phase, with the user flow mapped out to ensure clarity and efficiency. Additional pages were incorporated later based on user needs and feedback, emphasizing simplicity and practicality throughout.
Prototype
Prototyping was where the app's stylistic elements and interactive features came to life, it was entirely carried out in Adobe XD. This phase focused on ensuring a consistent theme, enhancing user immersion, and refining the app's overall experience. For instance, the decision to include an animated introduction with a motion graphic of the logo emphasized the app’s vibrant and uplifting message. Various design choices, such as color schemes, iconography, and animations, were made here to create a cohesive and polished user experience. These decisions contributed significantly to the app feeling complete and engaging for its intended audience.
Usability Testing
Usability testing was conducted primarily with students specializing in data science and research documentation. Their feedback proved invaluable, especially in refining the user flow and developing the Assets page, where users can share resources publicly. Conveying information efficiently was a priority, and the inclusion of an indexed layout emerged as a direct result of these tests. This iterative process ensured the app was tailored to its users’ needs, enhancing its functionality and usability.
Final Design
The final design underwent multiple iterations before settling on a theme that connects users with the app on both functional and emotional levels. The cohesive design ensures that all elements—layout, color palette, and interactions—work together harmoniously. The user flow is intuitive and self-explanatory, making the app accessible and easy to navigate. Ultimately, the design achieves its goal of inspiring creativity while offering a seamless user experience.
Reflection
While many aspects of the project turned out well, there are areas that could be further refined. For instance, the Assets page presents a strong concept, but its layout still lacks a certain design harmony that I am keen to improve. Additional user testing will be crucial in identifying specific areas for enhancement and making necessary adjustments. Overall, this project has been a valuable learning experience, reinforcing the importance of user feedback and iteration in creating a functional and impactful design.