Mackenzie Art Gallery Guide

Mackenzie Art Gallery Guide

Mackenzie Art Gallery Guide

Mackenzie Art Gallery Guide

Mackenzie Art Gallery Guide

Case Study

Case Study
Case Study

Case Study

Case Study

Concept

Concept
Concept

Concept

Concept

5 Minute Read

5 Minute Read
5 Minute Read

5 Minute Read

5 Minute Read

Enhancing visitor's experience of the Mackenzie Art Gallery.
Enhancing visitor's experience of the Mackenzie Art Gallery.
Enhancing visitor's experience of the Mackenzie Art Gallery.
Enhancing visitor's experience of the Mackenzie Art Gallery.
Enhancing visitor's experience of the Mackenzie Art Gallery.

ROLE

UX/UI, Research, Design, Testing

TIMELINE

Jan - Mar 2023

SECTOR

Audio, Entertainment

Empyty Hallway of Art Gallery
Problem

The Mackenzie Art Gallery Needs an Intuitive App to Compliment their Gallery

During my travels and visits to various galleries and museums, I often encountered the absence of audio guides or found them outdated and cumbersome.

Inspired by this, I focused my first Google UX Design project on improving the visitor experience at my local art gallery in Regina, Canada.

Solution

The Mackenzie
Art Gallery Guide

Mockup of Makenzie Art Gallery Guide App on Desk
Mockup of Mackenzie Art Gallery Guide App

Research

ROLE

UX/UI, Research, Design, Testing

TIMELINE

Jan - Mar 2023

SECTOR

Audio, Entertainment
Empyty Hallway of Art Gallery
Problem

The Mackenzie Art Gallery Needs an Intuitive App to Compliment their Gallery

During my travels and visits to various galleries and museums, I often encountered the absence of audio guides or found them outdated and cumbersome.

Inspired by this, I focused my first Google UX Design project on improving the visitor experience at my local art gallery in Regina, Canada.

Solution

The Mackenzie
Art Gallery Guide

Mockup of Makenzie Art Gallery Guide App on Desk
Mockup of Mackenzie Art Gallery Guide App

Research

ROLE

UX/UI, Research, Design, Testing

TIMELINE

Jan - Mar 2023

SECTOR

Audio, Entertainment
Empyty Hallway of Art Gallery
Problem

The Mackenzie Art Gallery Needs an Intuitive App to Compliment their Gallery

During my travels and visits to various galleries and museums, I often encountered the absence of audio guides or found them outdated and cumbersome.

Inspired by this, I focused my first Google UX Design project on improving the visitor experience at my local art gallery in Regina, Canada.

Solution

The Mackenzie
Art Gallery Guide

Mockup of Makenzie Art Gallery Guide App on Desk
Mockup of Mackenzie Art Gallery Guide App

Research

ROLE

UX/UI, Research, Design, Testing

TIMELINE

Jan - Mar 2023

SECTOR

Audio, Entertainment

Empyty Hallway of Art Gallery
Problem

The Mackenzie Art Gallery Needs an Intuitive App to Compliment their Gallery

During my travels and visits to various galleries and museums, I often encountered the absence of audio guides or found them outdated and cumbersome.

Inspired by this, I focused my first Google UX Design project on improving the visitor experience at my local art gallery in Regina, Canada.

Solution

The Mackenzie
Art Gallery Guide

Mockup of Makenzie Art Gallery Guide App on Desk
Mockup of Mackenzie Art Gallery Guide App

Research

ROLE

UX/UI, Research, Design, Testing

TIMELINE

Jan - Mar 2023

SECTOR

Audio, Entertainment

Empyty Hallway of Art Gallery
Problem

The Mackenzie Art Gallery Needs an Intuitive App to Compliment their Gallery

During my travels and visits to various galleries and museums, I often encountered the absence of audio guides or found them outdated and cumbersome.

Inspired by this, I focused my first Google UX Design project on improving the visitor experience at my local art gallery in Regina, Canada.

Solution

The Mackenzie
Art Gallery Guide

Mockup of Makenzie Art Gallery Guide App on Desk
Mockup of Mackenzie Art Gallery Guide App

Research

Black and white image of an art gallery
Black and white image of an art gallery
Black and white image of an art gallery
Black and white image of an art gallery
The Gallery

The Gallery Focuses on Temporary Rotating Exhibits to Attract Visitors

The gallery focuses on special exhibits and has introduced an admission fee. Art here is dynamic, attracting visitors with its ever-changing displays. This approach strikes a balance between keeping the gallery lively and providing value to visitors.

Findings
  1. Transition to Paid Entry

The Mackenzie Art Gallery's shift from a free to a paid admission model significantly changes visitor expectations. Visitors now seek more enriched experiences to justify the entry fee.

  1. Focus on Temporary Rotating Exhibitions

The touring temporary exhibitions are the primary reason people visit the Mackenzie Art Gallery. They bring fresh perspectives and unique artworks to the gallery, continually attracting and engaging the audience to come back.

Findings
  1. Transition to Paid Entry

The Mackenzie Art Gallery's shift from a free to a paid admission model significantly changes visitor expectations. Visitors now seek more enriched experiences to justify the entry fee.

  1. Focus on Temporary Rotating Exhibitions

The touring temporary exhibitions are the primary reason people visit the Mackenzie Art Gallery. They bring fresh perspectives and unique artworks to the gallery, continually attracting and engaging the audience to come back.

Findings
  1. Transition to Paid Entry

The Mackenzie Art Gallery's shift from a free to a paid admission model significantly changes visitor expectations. Visitors now seek more enriched experiences to justify the entry fee.

  1. Focus on Temporary Rotating Exhibitions

The touring temporary exhibitions are the primary reason people visit the Mackenzie Art Gallery. They bring fresh perspectives and unique artworks to the gallery, continually attracting and engaging the audience to come back.

Findings
  1. Transition to Paid Entry

The Mackenzie Art Gallery's shift from a free to a paid admission model significantly changes visitor expectations. Visitors now seek more enriched experiences to justify the entry fee.

  1. Focus on Temporary Rotating Exhibitions

The touring temporary exhibitions are the primary reason people visit the Mackenzie Art Gallery. They bring fresh perspectives and unique artworks to the gallery, continually attracting and engaging the audience to come back.

Findings
  1. Transition to Paid Entry

The Mackenzie Art Gallery's shift from a free to a paid admission model significantly changes visitor expectations. Visitors now seek more enriched experiences to justify the entry fee.

  1. Focus on Temporary Rotating Exhibitions

The touring temporary exhibitions are the primary reason people visit the Mackenzie Art Gallery. They bring fresh perspectives and unique artworks to the gallery, continually attracting and engaging the audience to come back.

The Visitor

Users Want Additional, Detailed, Information About Art and the Artist

I interviewed five friends / colleagues on their thoughts of art galleries, how they take in and engage with art, if they use audio guides, and what they think could improve the experience.

Findings
  1. Users Want Additional, Detailed, Information

Visitors aren’t just looking; they’re asking, “What’s the story here?” They want the details that aren’t immediately obvious—the history, the technique, and what was in the artist’s mind.

  1. Users Want to Interact and Engage With Art

People want to do more than view art—they want to connect with it. Whether it’s through an interactive screen or hands-on activities, they’re after a two-way conversation with the art that sparks curiosity and leaves a lasting impression.

Findings
  1. Users Want Additional, Detailed, Information

Visitors aren’t just looking; they’re asking, “What’s the story here?” They want the details that aren’t immediately obvious—the history, the technique, and what was in the artist’s mind.

  1. Users Want to Interact and Engage With Art

People want to do more than view art—they want to connect with it. Whether it’s through an interactive screen or hands-on activities, they’re after a two-way conversation with the art that sparks curiosity and leaves a lasting impression.

Findings
  1. Users Want Additional, Detailed, Information

Visitors aren’t just looking; they’re asking, “What’s the story here?” They want the details that aren’t immediately obvious—the history, the technique, and what was in the artist’s mind.

  1. Users Want to Interact and Engage With Art

People want to do more than view art—they want to connect with it. Whether it’s through an interactive screen or hands-on activities, they’re after a two-way conversation with the art that sparks curiosity and leaves a lasting impression.

Findings
  1. Users Want Additional, Detailed, Information

Visitors aren’t just looking; they’re asking, “What’s the story here?” They want the details that aren’t immediately obvious—the history, the technique, and what was in the artist’s mind.

  1. Users Want to Interact and Engage With Art

People want to do more than view art—they want to connect with it. Whether it’s through an interactive screen or hands-on activities, they’re after a two-way conversation with the art that sparks curiosity and leaves a lasting impression.

Girl looking at a pamphlet standing infromt of artwork hung up on a blank white wall
Girl looking at a pamphlet standing infromt of artwork hung up on a blank white wall
Girl looking at a pamphlet standing infromt of artwork hung up on a blank white wall
Girl looking at a pamphlet standing infromt of artwork hung up on a blank white wall
Competitor Analysis

Most Audio Guides Lack in Capabilities and Features

As a museum enthusiast, I have been fortunate enough to visit many museums and galleries across multiple countries and use many different types of audio guides. Apart from the typical plastic brick you are forced to cary, I found a few additional solutions to analyze.

Guide-ID

Lacks a variety of featuress

Basic and limited UI

Basic audio player

Easy to use "point and click"

Guide-ID

Lacks a variety of featuress

Basic and limited UI

Basic audio player

Easy to use "point and click"

Guide-ID

Lacks a variety of featuress

Basic and limited UI

Basic audio player

Easy to use "point and click"

Guide-ID

Lacks a variety of featuress

Basic and limited UI

Basic audio player

Easy to use "point and click"

Guide-ID

Lacks a variety of featuress

Basic and limited UI

Basic audio player

Easy to use "point and click"

Primary Persona

Meet Emily

The information gathered from the user interviews led into defining the primary user persona. "Emily" served as a guidepost for our design decisions, ensuring that the end product aligns with the needs and expectations of the users.

Primary Persona Card
Primary Persona Card
Primary Persona Card
Primary Persona Card
Primary Persona Card
The Challenge

How do we craft an audio guide that deepens visitor engagement with art exhibitions, ensuring it enhances rather than interrupts the experience?

North Star Principles

Guiding Fundamentals

For this project, the design philosophy is anchored in three guiding principles that serve as the compass for our user experience journey.

Seamless Integration

Integration without intrusion is key. The guide is intuitive and discreet, ensuring visitors stay immersed in the art, not the technology.

Enhance & Highlight

The design should prioritize the essence of each exhibition. The guide amplifies the story of the artwork, giving visitors meaningful insights without overshadowing the art itself.

Dynamic Adaptability

Recognizing the ever-changing nature of exhibitions and visitor preferences, the design should be flexible — adapting to different art forms, exhibition layouts.

Seamless Integration

Integration without intrusion is key. The guide is intuitive and discreet, ensuring visitors stay immersed in the art, not the technology.

Enhance & Highlight

The design should prioritize the essence of each exhibition. The guide amplifies the story of the artwork, giving visitors meaningful insights without overshadowing the art itself.

Dynamic Adaptability

Recognizing the ever-changing nature of exhibitions and visitor preferences, the design should be flexible — adapting to different art forms, exhibition layouts.

Ideation

Ideal-state User Story

Navigating Emily’s Story Shaped the Approach

I created an ideal user story for Emily during her visit to the art gallery. This highlighted the ideal situation, allowing me to work backwards in the design.

Conceptualize

The Concept of Individual Exhibits Triggered an Idea: Visualizing Each Exhibit as an 'Album'

This approach drew inspiration from popular music platforms like Spotify or Apple Music. This direction promised an immersive and familiar user experience, akin to browsing a music library.

Exhibition = Album

Think of each exhibition as an artist’s album — a compilation of 'songs' that together create the exhibition. The audio guide could present these exhibitions as collections, allowing visitors to experience the journey from 'track' to 'track,' deepening their appreciation for the artist’s 'album.'

Art Pieces = Songs

Art pieces could be presented like individual songs. Each one has a unique story and background that the guide details, similar to liner notes of a track. This approach allows visitors to delve into the ‘behind-the-scenes’ of each artwork, enhancing their understanding and connection with the piece.

Wall of vinyl records
Wall of vinyl records
Wall of vinyl records
User Journey

Typical User Journey

By utilizing my previous research and ideation I was able to visualize the flow of the app and potential screens that would be involved.

Ideal-state User Story

Navigating Emily’s Story Shaped the Approach

I created an ideal user story for Emily during her visit to the art gallery. This highlighted the ideal situation, allowing me to work backwards in the design.

Conceptualize

The Concept of Individual Exhibits Triggered an Idea: Visualizing Each Exhibit as an 'Album'

This approach drew inspiration from popular music platforms like Spotify or Apple Music. This direction promised an immersive and familiar user experience, akin to browsing a music library.

Exhibition = Album

Think of each exhibition as an artist’s album — a compilation of 'songs' that together create the exhibition. The audio guide could present these exhibitions as collections, allowing visitors to experience the journey from 'track' to 'track,' deepening their appreciation for the artist’s 'album.'

Art Pieces = Songs

Art pieces could be presented like individual songs. Each one has a unique story and background that the guide details, similar to liner notes of a track. This approach allows visitors to delve into the ‘behind-the-scenes’ of each artwork, enhancing their understanding and connection with the piece.

Wall of vinyl records
User Journey

Typical User Journey

By utilizing my previous research and ideation I was able to visualize the flow of the app and potential screens that would be involved.

Ideal-state User Story

Navigating Emily’s Story Shaped the Approach

I created an ideal user story for Emily during her visit to the art gallery. This highlighted the ideal situation, allowing me to work backwards in the design.

Conceptualize

The Concept of Individual Exhibits Triggered an Idea: Visualizing Each Exhibit as an 'Album'

This approach drew inspiration from popular music platforms like Spotify or Apple Music. This direction promised an immersive and familiar user experience, akin to browsing a music library.

Exhibition = Album

Think of each exhibition as an artist’s album — a compilation of 'songs' that together create the exhibition. The audio guide could present these exhibitions as collections, allowing visitors to experience the journey from 'track' to 'track,' deepening their appreciation for the artist’s 'album.'

Art Pieces = Songs

Art pieces could be presented like individual songs. Each one has a unique story and background that the guide details, similar to liner notes of a track. This approach allows visitors to delve into the ‘behind-the-scenes’ of each artwork, enhancing their understanding and connection with the piece.

Wall of vinyl records
User Journey

Typical User Journey

By utilizing my previous research and ideation I was able to visualize the flow of the app and potential screens that would be involved.

Design

Sketches

Rapid Brainstorm Sketches

Quick sketches were developed using the user journey to slowly turn the functions of the design into form.

Sketch wireframe of Gallery Guide App
Sketch wireframe of Gallery Guide App
Sketch wireframe of Gallery Guide App
Low-Fidelity Wireframes

Variations Were Boiled Down to Showcase the Exhibits on Now

Since the primary function was to display the exhibitions that were showing, this was determined to be top priority and should be front and center to grab the user's attention.

Lowfi wireframe of gallery guide homepage
Lowfi wireframes of gallery guide app
Lowfi prototype showing the attatchments between screens
Low-Fidelity Prototype

Testing with Prototypes

After creating a low fidelity prototype to showcase the main features of the design, I began the first round of usability testing.

Sketches

Rapid Brainstorm Sketches

Quick sketches were developed using the user journey to slowly turn the functions of the design into form.

Sketch wireframe of Gallery Guide App
Sketch wireframe of Gallery Guide App
Sketch wireframe of Gallery Guide App
Low-Fidelity Wireframes

Variations Were Boiled Down to Showcase the Exhibits on Now

Since the primary function was to display the exhibitions that were showing, this was determined to be top priority and should be front and center to grab the user's attention.

Lowfi wireframe of gallery guide homepage
Lowfi wireframes of gallery guide app
Lowfi prototype showing the attatchments between screens
Low-Fidelity Prototype

Testing with Prototypes

After creating a low fidelity prototype to showcase the main features of the design, I began the first round of usability testing.

Sketches

Rapid Brainstorm Sketches

Quick sketches were developed using the user journey to slowly turn the functions of the design into form.

Sketch wireframe of Gallery Guide App
Sketch wireframe of Gallery Guide App
Sketch wireframe of Gallery Guide App
Low-Fidelity Wireframes

Variations Were Boiled Down to Showcase the Exhibits on Now

Since the primary function was to display the exhibitions that were showing, this was determined to be top priority and should be front and center to grab the user's attention.

Lowfi wireframe of gallery guide homepage
Lowfi wireframes of gallery guide app
Lowfi prototype showing the attatchments between screens
Low-Fidelity Prototype

Testing with Prototypes

After creating a low fidelity prototype to showcase the main features of the design, I began the first round of usability testing.

Sketches

Rapid Brainstorm Sketches

Quick sketches were developed using the user journey to slowly turn the functions of the design into form.

Sketch wireframe of Gallery Guide App
Sketch wireframe of Gallery Guide App
Sketch wireframe of Gallery Guide App
Low-Fidelity Wireframes

Variations Were Boiled Down to Showcase the Exhibits on Now

Since the primary function was to display the exhibitions that were showing, this was determined to be top priority and should be front and center to grab the user's attention.

Lowfi wireframe of gallery guide homepage
Lowfi wireframes of gallery guide app
Lowfi prototype showing the attatchments between screens
Low-Fidelity Prototype

Testing with Prototypes

After creating a low fidelity prototype to showcase the main features of the design, I began the first round of usability testing.

Sketches

Rapid Brainstorm Sketches

Quick sketches were developed using the user journey to slowly turn the functions of the design into form.

Sketch wireframe of Gallery Guide App
Sketch wireframe of Gallery Guide App
Sketch wireframe of Gallery Guide App
Low-Fidelity Wireframes

Variations Were Boiled Down to Showcase the Exhibits on Now

Since the primary function was to display the exhibitions that were showing, this was determined to be top priority and should be front and center to grab the user's attention.

Lowfi wireframe of gallery guide homepage
Lowfi wireframes of gallery guide app
Lowfi prototype showing the attatchments between screens
Low-Fidelity Prototype

Testing with Prototypes

After creating a low fidelity prototype to showcase the main features of the design, I began the first round of usability testing.

Test

Moderated Usability Study
Method
  • Moderated task flows

Task(s)
  • General usability

  • App navigation

Participants
  • 5 Participants

  • Age: 18 - 32

two poeple standing and looking at art on a gallery wall
Usability Study

Testing the Design: Addressing the Oversights

User testing revealed crucial gaps in our design. Participants wanted the flexibility to explore without pausing their audio experience, a search feature to streamline their journey, and text alternatives for audio content to support varied user needs. These insights were pivotal in refining the app to deliver a more thoughtful, inclusive, and user-friendly service.

1.

Testing Insight

Browse While Listening

Some users wondered if they closed the exhibit would the audio keep playing while browsing other parts of the app. This suggests a need for a more flexible browsing experience.

lowfi wireframe of gallery guide audio player
Improvements

Background Audio Continuity

I enhanced the design by allowing audio to continue playing even when users navigate away from the current exhibit's screen. This means visitors can listen as they explore additional features within the app, ensuring an uninterrupted experience.

2.

Testing Insight

Most Users Want Search Capability

A few of the users looked for a search function to quickly find specific exhibits or artworks of interest. This suggests that incorporating search function could improve user engagement.

Lowfi wireframe of gallery guide homepage
Improvements

Search Functionality Integrated

Listening to user feedback, I introduced a search function to help visitors quickly locate specific exhibits or pieces.

3.

Testing Insight

Expanding Accessibility

One piece of feedback I received highlighted the need for inclusivity in the app's design. A user suggested adding closed captioning for audio content to cater to those who are hard of hearing or prefer reading over listening.

lowfi wireframe of gallery guide audio player
Improvements

Audio and Text Sync

In response to accessibility needs, I added closed captioning for audio content. This ensures that all users, regardless of hearing ability, can engage with the stories being told. By synchronizing text with the spoken word, the app caters to diverse learning preferences, providing a more inclusive experience.

Moderated Usability Study
Method
  • Moderated task flows

Task(s)
  • General usability

  • App navigation

Participants
  • 5 Participants

  • Age: 18 - 32

two poeple standing and looking at art on a gallery wall
Usability Study

Testing the Design: Addressing the Oversights

User testing revealed crucial gaps in our design. Participants wanted the flexibility to explore without pausing their audio experience, a search feature to streamline their journey, and text alternatives for audio content to support varied user needs. These insights were pivotal in refining the app to deliver a more thoughtful, inclusive, and user-friendly service.

1.

Testing Insight

Browse While Listening

Some users wondered if they closed the exhibit would the audio keep playing while browsing other parts of the app. This suggests a need for a more flexible browsing experience.

lowfi wireframe of gallery guide audio player
Improvements

Background Audio Continuity

I enhanced the design by allowing audio to continue playing even when users navigate away from the current exhibit's screen. This means visitors can listen as they explore additional features within the app, ensuring an uninterrupted experience.

2.

Testing Insight

Most Users Want Search Capability

A few of the users looked for a search function to quickly find specific exhibits or artworks of interest. This suggests that incorporating search function could improve user engagement.

Lowfi wireframe of gallery guide homepage
Improvements

Search Functionality Integrated

Listening to user feedback, I introduced a search function to help visitors quickly locate specific exhibits or pieces.

3.

Testing Insight

Expanding Accessibility

One piece of feedback I received highlighted the need for inclusivity in the app's design. A user suggested adding closed captioning for audio content to cater to those who are hard of hearing or prefer reading over listening.

lowfi wireframe of gallery guide audio player
Improvements

Audio and Text Sync

In response to accessibility needs, I added closed captioning for audio content. This ensures that all users, regardless of hearing ability, can engage with the stories being told. By synchronizing text with the spoken word, the app caters to diverse learning preferences, providing a more inclusive experience.

Moderated Usability Study
Method
  • Moderated task flows

Task(s)
  • General usability

  • App navigation

Participants
  • 5 Participants

  • Age: 18 - 32

two poeple standing and looking at art on a gallery wall
Usability Study

Testing the Design: Addressing the Oversights

User testing revealed crucial gaps in our design. Participants wanted the flexibility to explore without pausing their audio experience, a search feature to streamline their journey, and text alternatives for audio content to support varied user needs. These insights were pivotal in refining the app to deliver a more thoughtful, inclusive, and user-friendly service.

1.

Testing Insight

Browse While Listening

Some users wondered if they closed the exhibit would the audio keep playing while browsing other parts of the app. This suggests a need for a more flexible browsing experience.

lowfi wireframe of gallery guide audio player
Improvements

Background Audio Continuity

I enhanced the design by allowing audio to continue playing even when users navigate away from the current exhibit's screen. This means visitors can listen as they explore additional features within the app, ensuring an uninterrupted experience.

2.

Testing Insight

Most Users Want Search Capability

A few of the users looked for a search function to quickly find specific exhibits or artworks of interest. This suggests that incorporating search function could improve user engagement.

Lowfi wireframe of gallery guide homepage
Improvements

Search Functionality Integrated

Listening to user feedback, I introduced a search function to help visitors quickly locate specific exhibits or pieces.

3.

Testing Insight

Expanding Accessibility

One piece of feedback I received highlighted the need for inclusivity in the app's design. A user suggested adding closed captioning for audio content to cater to those who are hard of hearing or prefer reading over listening.

lowfi wireframe of gallery guide audio player
Improvements

Audio and Text Sync

In response to accessibility needs, I added closed captioning for audio content. This ensures that all users, regardless of hearing ability, can engage with the stories being told. By synchronizing text with the spoken word, the app caters to diverse learning preferences, providing a more inclusive experience.

Moderated Usability Study
Method
  • Moderated task flows

Task(s)
  • General usability

  • App navigation

Participants
  • 5 Participants

  • Age: 18 - 32

two poeple standing and looking at art on a gallery wall
Usability Study

Testing the Design: Addressing the Oversights

User testing revealed crucial gaps in our design. Participants wanted the flexibility to explore without pausing their audio experience, a search feature to streamline their journey, and text alternatives for audio content to support varied user needs. These insights were pivotal in refining the app to deliver a more thoughtful, inclusive, and user-friendly service.

1.

Testing Insight

Browse While Listening

Some users wondered if they closed the exhibit would the audio keep playing while browsing other parts of the app. This suggests a need for a more flexible browsing experience.

lowfi wireframe of gallery guide audio player
Improvements

Background Audio Continuity

I enhanced the design by allowing audio to continue playing even when users navigate away from the current exhibit's screen. This means visitors can listen as they explore additional features within the app, ensuring an uninterrupted experience.

2.

Testing Insight

Most Users Want Search Capability

A few of the users looked for a search function to quickly find specific exhibits or artworks of interest. This suggests that incorporating search function could improve user engagement.

Lowfi wireframe of gallery guide homepage
Improvements

Search Functionality Integrated

Listening to user feedback, I introduced a search function to help visitors quickly locate specific exhibits or pieces.

3.

Testing Insight

Expanding Accessibility

One piece of feedback I received highlighted the need for inclusivity in the app's design. A user suggested adding closed captioning for audio content to cater to those who are hard of hearing or prefer reading over listening.

lowfi wireframe of gallery guide audio player
Improvements

Audio and Text Sync

In response to accessibility needs, I added closed captioning for audio content. This ensures that all users, regardless of hearing ability, can engage with the stories being told. By synchronizing text with the spoken word, the app caters to diverse learning preferences, providing a more inclusive experience.

Moderated Usability Study
Method
  • Moderated task flows

Task(s)
  • General usability

  • App navigation

Participants
  • 5 Participants

  • Age: 18 - 32

two poeple standing and looking at art on a gallery wall
Usability Study

Testing the Design: Addressing the Oversights

User testing revealed crucial gaps in our design. Participants wanted the flexibility to explore without pausing their audio experience, a search feature to streamline their journey, and text alternatives for audio content to support varied user needs. These insights were pivotal in refining the app to deliver a more thoughtful, inclusive, and user-friendly service.

1.

Testing Insight

Browse While Listening

Some users wondered if they closed the exhibit would the audio keep playing while browsing other parts of the app. This suggests a need for a more flexible browsing experience.

lowfi wireframe of gallery guide audio player
Improvements

Background Audio Continuity

I enhanced the design by allowing audio to continue playing even when users navigate away from the current exhibit's screen. This means visitors can listen as they explore additional features within the app, ensuring an uninterrupted experience.

2.

Testing Insight

Most Users Want Search Capability

A few of the users looked for a search function to quickly find specific exhibits or artworks of interest. This suggests that incorporating search function could improve user engagement.

Lowfi wireframe of gallery guide homepage
Improvements

Search Functionality Integrated

Listening to user feedback, I introduced a search function to help visitors quickly locate specific exhibits or pieces.

3.

Testing Insight

Expanding Accessibility

One piece of feedback I received highlighted the need for inclusivity in the app's design. A user suggested adding closed captioning for audio content to cater to those who are hard of hearing or prefer reading over listening.

lowfi wireframe of gallery guide audio player
Improvements

Audio and Text Sync

In response to accessibility needs, I added closed captioning for audio content. This ensures that all users, regardless of hearing ability, can engage with the stories being told. By synchronizing text with the spoken word, the app caters to diverse learning preferences, providing a more inclusive experience.

Polish

Polish

Polish

Mockup of Mackenzie art gallery guide
Mockup of mackenzie art gallery guide
Art Gallery
Problem

The Mackenzie Art Gallery Needs an Intuitive App to Compliment their Gallery

Solution

The Mackenzie
Art Gallery Guide

Mockup of Mackenzie Art Gallery Guide on a desk
Mockups of Mackenzie Arty Gallery Guide
Mockups of Mackenzie Arty Gallery Guide
Mockups of Mackenzie Arty Gallery Guide
Mockup of Mackenzie art gallery guide
Mockup of mackenzie art gallery guide
Art Gallery
Problem

The Mackenzie Art Gallery Needs an Intuitive App to Compliment their
Gallery

Solution

The Mackenzie
Art Gallery Guide

Mockup of Mackenzie Art Gallery Guide on a desk
Mockups of Mackenzie Arty Gallery Guide
Mockups of Mackenzie Arty Gallery Guide
Mockups of Mackenzie Arty Gallery Guide
Mockup of Mackenzie art gallery guide
Mockup of mackenzie art gallery guide
Art Gallery
Problem

The Mackenzie Art Gallery Needs an Intuitive App to Compliment their
Gallery

Solution

The Mackenzie
Art Gallery Guide

Mockup of Mackenzie Art Gallery Guide on a desk
Mockups of Mackenzie Arty Gallery Guide
Mockups of Mackenzie Arty Gallery Guide
Mockups of Mackenzie Arty Gallery Guide
Mockup of Mackenzie art gallery guide
Mockup of mackenzie art gallery guide
Art Gallery
Problem

The Mackenzie Art Gallery Needs an Intuitive App to Compliment their Gallery

Solution

The Mackenzie
Art Gallery Guide

Mockup of Mackenzie Art Gallery Guide on a desk
Mockups of Mackenzie Arty Gallery Guide
Mockups of Mackenzie Arty Gallery Guide
Mockups of Mackenzie Arty Gallery Guide
Mockup of Mackenzie art gallery guide
Mockup of mackenzie art gallery guide
Art Gallery
Problem

The Mackenzie Art Gallery Needs an Intuitive App to Compliment their Gallery

Solution

The Mackenzie
Art Gallery Guide

Mockup of Mackenzie Art Gallery Guide on a desk
Mockups of Mackenzie Arty Gallery Guide
Mockups of Mackenzie Arty Gallery Guide
Mockups of Mackenzie Arty Gallery Guide