Minerva Accessory
An e-commerce platform connecting emerging accessory artists with art buyers.
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CLIENT
Concept Project
TEAM
Individual Contributor
DURATION
12 Weeks
ROLE
Information Architecture
Visual Design
Prototyping
User Research
Wireframe
TOOLS
Figma
Zoom
Canva
Inspiration
Minerva Accessory was conceived to create a supportive platform for emerging accessory artists, enabling them to showcase their work and connect with art buyers seeking unique, handcrafted items. This project was inspired by the need to offer an inclusive environment that not only provides access to quality products but also fosters a learning community among artists.
Design Challenge
Creating a unified platform where buyers can easily discover and purchase unique accessories, while also providing exposure for independent artists, posed several design challenges. The aim was to facilitate an intuitive, engaging shopping experience that encourages users to learn about the artists and their stories, bridging the gap between creators and consumers.
Research Objectives
To inform the design and structure of the platform, we focused on understanding the behaviors and motivations of potential art buyers. Key research objectives included:
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Identifying what motivates users to purchase artwork.
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Discovering common browsing scenarios for art-related content.
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Recognizing opportunities to connect buyers with emerging artists.
Research Plan
The research phase involved both qualitative and quantitative methods:
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Interviews: Five in-depth interviews with art buyers explored motivations, budget preferences, and spending behaviors on art.
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Surveys: A survey distributed across Facebook and Reddit art communities collected data on art-buying habits, preferred genres, and typical information sources.|
This approach provided a well-rounded view of our target audience and their needs.
Key Insights
Through the research, we identified three critical insights
Visual Impact
Buyers are drawn to visuals that not only showcase art but evoke an emotional reaction. High-quality, varied images can enhance user engagement.
Artist Connection
Users appreciate additional context about artists, such as bios and social media links, which foster a personal connection.
Mobile Compatibility
Users often browse on mobile devices, necessitating a responsive design that adjusts well to smaller screens and preserves image quality.
UI Visual Palette
The moodboard and initial sketches emphasized a warm, welcoming theme, with carefully curated colors and imagery to resonate with the target audience's preferences.
Design Concepts
Usability Testing
Before finalizing the prototype, we prepared for usability testing with three main questions:
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How easily can users find information?
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Are the visuals and interactions intuitive across devices?
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Does the layout meet expectations for an e-commerce art platform?
Results
Key findings from usability testing included:
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Intuitive Navigation
Users quickly located product details and appreciated the visual structure.
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Visibility of Artist Information
Additional tweaks to highlight artist profiles increased user engagement.
03
Mobile Feedback
Users were pleased with the mobile interface, describing it as “clean and easy to navigate.
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Conclusion
Reflections & Learning
Designing Minerva Accessory provided invaluable insights into balancing innovative features with familiar navigation patterns. Embracing the artistry of each creator while respecting user habits led to an accessible platform that resonated well with potential buyers. I’m proud of creating a welcoming space for both artists and buyers, one that elevates handcrafted accessory shopping into a meaningful experience.