Design an engaging and interesting Auction app that supports the accessibility for certain users while still feeling modern and fun.
The Product
Art Auction app is a auction service for art enthusiasts to find and discover artwork in a no hassle digital auction setting. It has been streamlined to be equally approachable for both experts and novice collectors.
Get to know the users
User research
I conducted interviews and created empathy maps to understand users who could benefit from an art auction app. One user group that was identified were individuals with busy schedules or who worked off hours and were unable to participate in regular auctions.
I also noticed a need for support for users with visual impairments as they may be less able to understand the images on screen if displayed at a small scale. This could limit their ability to participate as they would have difficulty visualizing the artwork up for auction
Pain Points
Individuals with tight schedules may not be able to partipate in their preferred auctions as they cannot shift their working hours accordingly.
Users with visual impairments may not be able to properly read the auction catalogue as the images may be too small for them to see
Gallery Owners may be interetsed in teaching clients more histroical significance about the artwork. It would be a good opportunity to give the catalogue more detailed artwork descriptions
User journey map
Mapping Meghan’s user journey informed areas for improvement and support to clients with tight schedules. It also showed possibile instances where additional care can be taken to design for clients with visual impariments
Usability Findings - Round 1
Users found navigation confusing
Audio description functionality wasn’t obvious
Artwork detail page needs update to communicate information better
Usability Findings - Round 2
Users found some text hard to read
Most users wanted more audio description optoins
Concept Development
P & P Wireframes
UI Updates
IA & Wireflow
Style Guide
Paper wireframes
Started with paper wire frames to outline the initial look and layout of the ArtAuction app. I used references from other apps and services to define the look, but tried to maintain a unique layout so as to highlight the important features.
UI Updates
Based off of user feedback attention was taken to improve the UI organization and accessability considerations. I improved contrast to highlight key functions and add more focus to the active areas of the UI.
UI - Round 1
home page
artwork detail
bidding conformation
UI - Round 2
home page
artwork detail
bidding confirmation
Wireflow
Built out Wireflow in Figma to generate an interacitve prototye to test with users. Focus was given on how areas flow together with seamless navigation and IA.
Style Sheet
Generated consistent UI and color pallete create a high end aesthetic that maitains a fun flavorful approach that reflects the nature of art and design.
Extra attention was paid to the contrast ratios, image sizes, and font sizes to mantain the best level of readability for users with visual impairments or visual limitations.
Next Steps
Conduct another round of usability studies to focus on additonal features that may help complete the art discovery process
Refine and finalize the navigation style and visual design
