PRODUCT DESIGN | FALL 2023
Frame
Reimagining mobile photography and editing with Frame app.
MY ROLE
Product Design
User Research
TEAM MEMBERS
Individual
TOOLS USED
Figma
TIMELINE
2 months
Illustrator
User Experience
Usability Testing
Background
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital photography, the line between professional photographers and passionate amateurs has increasingly blurred, thanks to the advent of sophisticated mobile cameras and editing tools. Yet, a gap remains—a space where the complexity of professional-grade software meets the intuitive simplicity required by novices. This is where Frame enters, a revolutionary mobile app designed to bridge this divide by offering an unprecedented mix of accessibility and advanced capabilities.
Frame is not just another photo editing app; it is a comprehensive platform that caters to the diverse needs of the photography community. From those taking their first steps in photography to seasoned professionals seeking to streamline their workflow on-the-go, Frame offers something for everyone. With its rich suite of editing tools, Frame empowers users to unleash their creativity, turning every snapshot into a masterpiece.
The Problem Space
The gap between professional-grade photo editing tools and user-friendly interfaces for novices stifles creative expression and learning in photography.
The Solution
A mobile application designed to bridge the gap between complexity and accessibility in photo editing, helping users of all backgrounds unlock their creative potential. Achieved through a blend of intuitive design, comprehensive tools, and a collaborative platform, it nurtures creativity, skill development, and community engagement, making professional-grade editing achievable for everyone.
Design Values
How might we design an app that makes professional photo editing accessible to all, while encouraging community engagement and creative monetization?
Most tools today offer either advanced functionality at the expense of usability, or a user-friendly experience lacking in professional capabilities. Recognizing this gap, the following values informed my design practice:
Accessibility
Ensuring that the app's interface and features are intuitive and easy to navigate for users of all skill levels, removing barriers to entry for novice editors while satisfying the demands of professionals.
Community
Building a platform that not only serves as a tool for photo editing but also as a space for learning, sharing, and collaborating, fostering a supportive and inspiring community of photographers.
Sustainability
Designing a business model that supports the app's continuous improvement and growth, ensuring a sustainable ecosystem through subscriptions, marketplace transactions, and partnerships.
USER RESEARCH
Target Audience
I began by diving into understanding the diverse needs of our target audience, comprising photography enthusiasts, professional photographers, and content creators. Through a series of structured interviews, surveys, and usability testing sessions, I gathered insights into their daily challenges, aspirations, and behaviors around mobile photo editing. This process highlighted a common desire for a tool that balances professional-grade capabilities with ease of use, alongside a craving for a platform that encourages learning, sharing, and monetization of creative work.
User Journey
USER 01
Photography
Enthusiasts
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Users who enjoy photography as a hobby and want to enhance their skills.
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Seek easy-to-use tools, tutorials, and inspiration from a creative community.
USER 02
Professional
Photographers
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Established photographers aiming to streamline their mobile editing workflow.
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Interested in advanced editing features, customizable presets, and monetization opportunities.
USER 03
Content
Creators
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Social media influencers, bloggers, and marketers.
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Require tools for creating visually appealing content quickly and efficiently.
RESEARCH
Precedents
I conducted an environmental scan and competitive analysis of mobile photo editing apps like Adobe Lightroom Mobile and VSCO. These apps, while powerful, often intimidate beginners and lack a supportive community. Additionally, they miss opportunities for user-driven content monetization and collaboration, highlighting the need for a more accessible and community-focused editing platform.
Competitive analysis of other photo editing apps + tools
RESEARCH
Screen Flow
From my research in management approaches and creative precedents, I was then able to create the screen logic for the interface.
User flow of Frame app
RESEARCH
User Testing
I user-tested the interface and workflow of the app by inviting friends to interact with the prototype using a screen mirroring application. Observing their navigation patterns and gathering feedback on their experience provided invaluable insights into the app's usability and intuitive design.
Furthermore, I surveyed my peers to discover what strategies they prefer for enhancing their creativity and motivation, including aspirational activities and hobbies outside the digital realm. This helped me tailor the app's features to support and inspire users in their photography journey, ensuring it resonates with their real-world passions and interests.
Key Insights:
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Intuitive Navigation: Users preferred easy and logical access to features, leading to a streamlined app layout for reduced complexity.
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Community Engagement: The feedback highlighted a demand for sharing and collaboration tools, emphasizing the need for community-focused features.
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Customization: A strong preference for personalized editing experiences informed enhancements in workflow customization and preset management.
FINAL DESIGNS
Mood Board
Design System
Logo Design
Frame's logo embodies the app's essence with striking simplicity and clarity. This design choice reinforces the brand identity and symbolizes the app's purpose: to highlight and enhance users' photographic artistry.
Splash Screen
Login and Sign Up
Home screen
Search screen
Editing
Marketplace
The marketplace within the app serves as a dynamic hub where users can buy and sell custom photo editing presets. This innovative feature enables photographers to monetize their unique styles and allows users to diversify their editing techniques by accessing a wide range of creative presets.
The marketplace fosters a vibrant community of innovative exchange, empowering users to elevate their photography with fresh, community-driven styles.
Profile
The profile section of the app features a customizable grid, offering users unprecedented control over the presentation of their work. Unlike traditional, fixed layouts, this editable grid allows photographers to curate their portfolios to reflect their unique style and vision best.
With the flexibility to adjust their images' size, arrangement, and appearance, users can create a personalized visual narrative, showcasing their photography in a layout that truly resonates with their artistic identity.
CONCLUSION
Takeaways
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Community Drives Engagement: Building features that encourage interaction and sharing can create a self-sustaining ecosystem of content and collaboration.
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Flexibility in Design: Offering customizable elements, like the editable profile grid, empowers users to express their individuality and enhances their connection to the app.
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Iterative Development: Continuous improvement based on user input can significantly refine and perfect the app experience, ensuring the product remains relevant and valuable to its audience.
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