Project Overview
Bridging Creativity in Rural Communities
MOBILE DESIGN
INTERACTION
USER RESEARCH
The Challenge
Creatives in rural areas face significant challenges in networking and collaborating on projects due to geographical isolation and limited access to resources. This hinders their ability to find like-minded collaborators, share their work, and track progress efficiently.
The Solution
Step Out addresses these challenges by creating a location-based networking app tailored for creatives. The app offers an intuitive user interface, personalized recommendations, and seamless project management tools. It enables users to discover local events, connect with other creatives, and track collaborative efforts in real-time, thereby fostering a vibrant and supportive artistic community.
Discovery & Research
User Research: I engaged with artists currently attending secondary institutions within the Cedar Valley in Iowa. I uncovered their unique challenges through surveys and interviews, such as isolation and difficulty finding local collaborators. This direct interaction revealed the deep-seated need for a supportive and connected creative community.
Competitive Analysis: Studied successful networking platforms to identify features that could be tailored to the creative industry. This analysis helped pinpoint opportunities to innovate and provide value that existing platforms lacked.
A networking platform for artists, by artists
Concept Development & Ideation
Problem Definition: With the research I gathered I was able to articulate the core issues faced by rural artists—lack of networking opportunities, showcasing, and tools for collaborative project management. I then defined a clear, user-centered problem statement to guide the design process.
Brainstorming Sessions: I facilitated micro-sessions with select multifaceted individuals involved, to generate creative solutions. Focused on ideas that would foster community and collaboration among artists. Developed user personas and journey maps to visualize how these solutions would be experienced
Design & Prototyping
Wireframes: Created low-fidelity wireframes to explore various design options. Emphasized intuitive navigation and ease of use to address the identified user pain points.
High-Fidelity Prototypes: Developed detailed prototypes incorporating user feedback and accessibility standards. Ensured the design was visually appealing and functionally robust.
Event: - Held an event to create a showcase for local Iowan artists, allowing them to expand their network and collaborate with other artists. With over 100+ attendees, we were also able to let the attendees test the app while at the event
Usability Testing: Conducted testing sessions with target users to gather feedback on the prototypes. Iteratively refined the design based on user insights, focusing on enhancing usability and ensuring the app met user needs.
Key Achievements
Enhanced User Experience:
Intuitive Navigation: Simplified the user interface to make event planning more accessible and enjoyable.
Seamless Integration: Integrated with the creatives and was easily adopted like similar social media platforms, allowing users to manage events effortlessly.
Personalized Recommendations: Implemented AI-driven recommendations to help users discover events tailored to their interests.
Increased Engagement:
Interactive Features: Added social sharing and collaboration tools to foster community engagement.
Real-time Updates: Enabled real-time notifications and updates to keep users informed and engaged. Kept active at the Step Out initial event to test interactivity and usability
Impact
User Feedback and Growth:
Positive Reception: Tested at an in-person event, StepOut received enthusiastic feedback on usability and accessibility from first-time users, significantly boosting engagement.
Increased Sign-ups: The event saw a surge in user registrations for further testing, indicating strong interest and potential for community growth.
Media Recognition: Step Out was featured in the school newspaper and various blogs, highlighting its innovative approach to connecting creatives in underrepresented areas.
Testimonials: Users praised Step Out's ability to foster community and provide a platform for creatives to connect and collaborate.
Summary:
StepOut has effectively empowered creatives by providing a user-friendly platform for connection and collaboration, receiving widespread positive feedback and media recognition.
