Using digital tools to empower and connect photographers. Geolocation features help local users get in touch and find new places for photo-ops.
Tools
Figma, FigJam, Microsoft Teams
Role
Project Leader, UX Designer
Method
Goal-Directed Design
Project Overview
We began by scoping out existing products in the social media and photography world to see what they do well, and what could be improved. First, a literature review helped us understand the current market, and then a competitive analysis pinpointed specific competitors. These were some of our main takeaways:
Frictionless and responsive UI is important to users.
Personalization of content is integral to similar social media platforms.
Features centered in community increase engagement.
Leading a group of four, I was central to the research and design of a social media and photography app. Over a two month period, I lead our efforts in compiling market research, interviewing five different users, and finally building out the interactive mobile prototype that became Bulletin.
Project Goal
Design an app that functions as a “photographer’s companion”, successfully satisfying common user needs.
Personal Goal
Grow my skills in UX design, user research, and leadership to better prepare for the job market.
Design Process
Market Research
User Interviews
After preliminary research, we interviewed six different people who are involved in social media and/or photography and mapped common thoughts, complaints, and behaviors we observed, which are listed below. After gathering this information, the data was plotted on “visual continuums” and synthesized into persona characteristics and goals.
Metrics are stressful, and often discourage posting.
People typically use social media in a casual, “spur of the moment” fashion.
Our users are generally beginners to photography.
Prototyping / Solutions
Using an 8 point grid, standard color palettes, and cohesive fonts, we built out the interactive prototype to bring Bulletin to life. To exercise the insights we gathered and satisfy our users’ needs, we made the following design choices:
No visible metrics. Despite their status as a multiplatform design standard, our feedback conflicted with including them in Bulletin.
To lean into the community aspect of our platform, we added a local map that displays posts with location data. Note that this feature is optional, and can be limited to friends.
To provide more tools to photographers, we created photo adjustment and filter options.
Bulletin’s main content feed is fitted with tagging features that curate posts to appeal to individual users.
Lessons Learned
The Value of Leadership
This was my first time leading a project, and the experience taught me a great deal about myself and the meaning of leadership as a whole. Here are some of my biggest insights:
Effective communication can be difficult, but is crucial. Although it adds additional layer of work, keeping a team on the same page leads to more cohesive and ultimately successful results.
Meet people where they are at. Essentially- figure out what each group member brings to the table, and push them to do their best work in that domain.
Lead with enthusiasm. As a leader, it is important to embody the mindset and behaviors you want to see in your team.
Design Takeaways
In terms of scale, this was my first time taking on a project this big. It was also my first time working with other people on a Figma project, so naturally I learned some things along the way:
Setting a design standard is essential. Different group members have varying personal expectations, and it’s important to invest the time to make everything look consistent.
Be ready to adapt, regardless of your original vision of the app. I was surprised multiple times throughout user interviews, and had to alter Bulletin to accommodate the feedback we received.