ROLES:
• Research
• Ideation
• Prototyping
• Testing
• Visual Design
TECHNOLOGIES:
Adobe XD, Sketch, InVision, Balsamiq, Optimal Workshop, paper wireframes, card sorting, Screencast-O-Matic, Slack, UsabilityHub
BRIEF:
Because tattoos are incredibly personal, permanent, and with 17% of people getting tattoos at least partially regretting their body art, it is crucial for users to get a tattoo that is unique to them and is well executed by a professional artist.
Tattoo seeking users need a way to search for inspirational photos, find a style and subject that would be personal to them, and an artist in their vicinity that would be able to do the work that they will be proud to show off.
SOLUTION:
Whether they are on a desktop, laptop or cell phone, the Ink Tank site will allow users to browse inspirational photos by either style, subject, artist, or keywords. Images of interest can be saved to an inspiration board for later. Users will also be able to find peer-reviewed artists through photos of their work or by a listing of artists that can be refined with filter options. Once a user is signed in, connecting with an artist will be seamless with the messaging feature.
RESEARCH:
UX Competitive Analysis – I analyzed the potential competitors, Tattoodo (https://www.tattoodo.com/) and InkHunter (http://inkhunter.tattoo/).
The Tattoodo app and website offer thousands of inspirational photos of tattoos, ways to find a tattoo artist, and share body art with others along with updated content about tattoo culture, and offers exposure to tattoo artists who join.
InkHunter is a free app which allows users to virtually try on black and white tattoos through augmented reality with the use of the user’s cell phone. While there isn’t a lot of interaction through the website, the InkHunter site has a brief overview of the app, and then it directs users to download it from Google Play or iTunes – the glowing reviews on these stores act as their primary focus for promotion.
SWOT Profile – Both competitors still leave market opportunities for connecting local tattoo artists through messaging and images of their work on a more personal level, allowing users build a sense of trust with their potential tattoo artist.
Personas – To develop reliable and realistic reference representations of essential user groups, data was used from in-person interviews, remote interviews, and online surveys of six people between the ages of 20 and 50 who are either looking to get a tattoo or are a tattoo artist.
IDEATION:
User Flow – User flows were designed to visualize the processes a user goes through to accomplish their goal.
PROTOTYPING:
Refining the Sitemap with Card Sorting – I used Optimal Workshop to do online card sorting tests. The results informed me of cards that were confusing to some users and groupings that they find more logical. Through the post-test questions, I was given suggestions of alternative card names. Armed with this information I changed “Image Board” to “My Board,” added a search function for “Studios Near Me,” and reworked the flow to better align with the through the pattern of the users.
Low-Fidelity Mobile Navigation – Using heuristics, I developed a visually consistent navigation that works throughout the Ink Tank mobile site. My goal was to create a simplified way for users to achieve their goal and easily move around the app screens.
High-Fidelity Clickable Prototype – With the insights from the wireframes, refinements had been made to the layout, and I used Sketch and InVision to create a clickable prototype to allow me to give my test participants a more realistic feeling when I start testing Ink Tanks usability.
TESTING:
Usability Testing – The initial hypothesis was tested on the most critical features and functionality for the following Objectives.
• Determine if participants understand what the mobile site is about quickly and efficiently
• Observe and measure the task of login in
• Observe and measure how users:
– navigate to artist and find directions to the studio
– accomplish the task of bookmarking an image
Tests were moderated by remote user testing was conducted March 26 to April 1, 2018. The six participants’ tasks on the InVision prototype were recorded by computer using Skype and Screencast-O-Matic. The participants consisted of men and women ranging in age from 26-35 to 49+. Five out of the six have one or more tattoos. All of them and are looking to get more soon.
VISUAL DESIGN:
Design Language Systems – The Ink Tank responsive web page is the place for people who are looking for inspiration for their first, or next tattoo. Users are able to find inspirational tattoo imagery and talented local tattoo artists. All of the elements listed in the Design Language System are designed to support the modern, fresh, and vibrant look of this product. They are also intended to ease any pain points users may have in the navigation of this product and to enhance their experience.
Polishing the Design – From concept to developer ready files, the UX/UI designs are continuously being improved. The following shows the process so far.
