Muse
End to end app
Muse
End to end app
Muse
End to end app
Muse
End to end app
Muse is an app to engage, guide, and educate users about art and architecture through immersive story telling
Muse is an app to engage, guide, and educate users about art and architecture through immersive story telling
Muse is an app to engage, guide, and educate users about art and architecture through immersive story telling
Muse is an app to engage, guide, and educate users about art and architecture through immersive story telling
00
role
UX/UI Designer Researcher
category
UI/UX Design
year
2023
timeframe
4 weeks
00
role
UX/UI Designer Researcher
category
UI/UX Design
year
2023
timeframe
4 weeks
00
role
UX/UI Designer Researcher
category
UI/UX Design
year
2023
timeframe
4 weeks
00
role
UX/UI Designer Researcher
category
UI/UX Design
year
2023
timeframe
4 weeks
Background
Audio tours started with the advent of audio cassettes due to their portability and ease of recording. We have come a long way since those early days and museums have evolved, creating a myriad of museum specific apps. Most common features of these apps are; maps, historical information on the museum pieces, and the artists behind them. Despite all the Museum’s best efforts, most visitors still do not take full advantage of all this info.
An AAM study found that 91% of museums believe that audio tours are an effective way to provide information to visitors.
Users increased session duration by 74% as a result of using a new audio feature.
There is room for improvement, only 25% of museums said that their audio tours are “excellent.”
Muse [ myōoz ] verb;
- to think or meditate on some subject. - to comment thoughtfully or ruminate upon.the word muse comes from the Anglo-French muser, meaning “to gape, to idle, to muse” (Amuse has the same source.)
Problem
Museum apps have traditionally followed a costly and limited model, where each museum hires an agency to create a standalone app that users delete after their visit. Developing museum apps like this is costly and limits their functionality, providing a disservice to both museums and users.
Solution
Muse’s foundation is created by singing up multiple Museums to host content on Muse’s platform saving the museum expensive, custom apps and providing Muse a wide array of content. With more content Muse can offer users a continuous feed of new content, personalized recommendations, and the ability to follow favorite artists, art pieces, and museums.
tools
• Figma
• FigJam
• Handsketch
• After Effects
deliverables
• User Interviews
• Site Map
• Brand Style Guides
• Information Architecture
• Wireframes
• Prototype
INTRODUCTION
01
Research
Initiating the research process through conducting user interviews and a competitive analysis provided valuable insights into the perceptions of art and museums from potential users.
Competitive Analysis
Analyzing other companies, it became apparent which areas they dominated and where the industry lacked innovation. Existing apps primarily focused on offering either audio tours with minimal content or providing read-only information about artwork, leaving a gap for immersive audio content.
Vidi Guide
Has a decent amount of content but is only searchable by location. All tours are individual purchases.
VoiceMap
The best feature was the AR and map. It allows users to create and sell their own tours, which translates into some mediocre tours
Smartify
Approaches art as a whole. They have many tours and methods to experience art, has a scan feature that recognizes pieces and pulls up content.
DailyArt
An app that primarily focuses on art history through sharing a single art piece, daily. Sadly there is not an audio feature.
User Interviews
Ages 33- 50
15 questions
4 / 4
Interviewees said audio tours could change the way they learn about art & architecture
3 / 4
Interviewees said they would pay for an app with these services
1 / 4
Interviewees thought current audio tours meet their expectations
"Audio stitches a story with the art."
Cassie Zurich, Switzerland
"Seeing paintings in person is a different experience"
Brooke Portland, Oregon
"I've done an audio tour before… I'm usually looking at the wrong painting!"
Emily Sonoma, California
Key insights:
Some audio tours are confusing interrupting the users immersive experience of the art.
Users felt more connected and engaged with the art listening to audio.
Most users deleted the app after their trip.
How Might We?
1. How might we engage the user into looking at the art, not the phone?
2. How might we make the tour feel more like an adventure?
3. How might we confirm where the user is along their journey?
RESEARCH
01
Research
Initiating the research process through conducting user interviews and a competitive analysis provided valuable insights into the perceptions of art and museums from potential users.
Competitive Analysis
Analyzing other companies, it became apparent which areas they dominated and where the industry lacked innovation. Existing apps primarily focused on offering either audio tours with minimal content or providing read-only information about artwork, leaving a gap for immersive audio content.
Vidi Guide
Has a decent amount of content but is only searchable by location. All tours are individual purchases.
VoiceMap
The best feature was the AR and map. It allows users to create and sell their own tours, which translates into some mediocre tours
Smartify
Approaches art as a whole. They have many tours and methods to experience art, has a scan feature that recognizes pieces and pulls up content.
DailyArt
An app that primarily focuses on art history through sharing a single art piece, daily. Sadly there is not an audio feature.
User Interviews
Ages 33- 50
15 questions
4 / 4
Interviewees said audio tours could change the way they learn about art & architecture
3 / 4
Interviewees said they would pay for an app with these services
1 / 4
Interviewees thought current audio tours meet their expectations
"Audio stitches a story with the art."
Cassie Zurich, Switzerland
"Seeing paintings in person is a different experience"
Brooke Portland, Oregon
"I've done an audio tour before… I'm usually looking at the wrong painting!"
Emily Sonoma, California
Key insights:
Some audio tours are confusing interrupting the users immersive experience of the art.
Users felt more connected and engaged with the art listening to audio.
Most users deleted the app after their trip.
How Might We?
1. How might we engage the user into looking at the art, not the phone?
2. How might we make the tour feel more like an adventure?
3. How might we confirm where the user is along their journey?
RESEARCH
01
Research
Initiating the research process through conducting user interviews and a competitive analysis provided valuable insights into the perceptions of art and museums from potential users.
Competitive Analysis
Analyzing other companies, it became apparent which areas they dominated and where the industry lacked innovation. Existing apps primarily focused on offering either audio tours with minimal content or providing read-only information about artwork, leaving a gap for expansive audio content.
Vidi Guide
Has a decent amount of content but is only searchable by location. All tours are individual purchases.
VoiceMap
The best feature was the AR and map. It allows users to create and sell their own tours, which translates into some mediocre tours
Smartify
Approaches art as a whole. They have many tours and methods to experience art, has a scan feature that recognizes pieces and pulls up content.
DailyArt
An app that primarily focuses on art history through sharing a single art piece, daily. Sadly there is not an audio feature.
Research
Initiating the research process through conducting user interviews and a competitive analysis provided valuable insights into the perceptions of art and museums from potential users.
Competitive Analysis
Analyzing other companies, it became apparent which areas they dominated and where the industry lacked innovation. Existing apps primarily focused on offering either audio tours with minimal content or providing read-only information about artwork, leaving a gap for expansive audio content.
4 / 4
Interviewees said audio tours could change the way they learn about art & architecture
3 / 4
Interviewees said they would pay for an app with these services
1 / 4
Interviewees thought current audio tours meet their expectations
"Audio stitches a story with the art."
Cassie Zurich, Switzerland
"Seeing paintings in person is a different experience"
Brooke Portland, Oregon
"I've done an audio tour before… I'm usually looking at the wrong painting!"
Emily Sonoma, California
Key insights:
Some audio tours are confusing interrupting the users immersive experience of the art.
Users felt more connected and engaged with the art listening to audio.
Most users deleted the app after their trip.
How Might We?
1. How might we engage the user into looking at the art, not the phone?
2. How might we make the tour feel more like an adventure?
3. How might we confirm where the user is along their journey?
RESEARCH
01
Research
Initiating the research process through conducting user interviews and a competitive analysis provided valuable insights into the perceptions of art and museums from potential users.
Competitive Analysis
Analyzing other companies, it became apparent which areas they dominated and where the industry lacked innovation. Existing apps primarily focused on offering either audio tours with minimal content or providing read-only information about artwork, leaving a gap for expansive audio content.
Vidi Guide
Has a decent amount of content but is only searchable by location. All tours are individual purchases.
VoiceMap
The best feature was the AR and map. It allows users to create and sell their own tours, which translates into some mediocre tours
Smartify
Approaches art as a whole. They have many tours and methods to experience art, has a scan feature that recognizes pieces and pulls up content.
DailyArt
An app that primarily focuses on art history through sharing a single art piece, daily. Sadly there is not an audio feature.
Research
Initiating the research process through conducting user interviews and a competitive analysis provided valuable insights into the perceptions of art and museums from potential users.
Competitive Analysis
Analyzing other companies, it became apparent which areas they dominated and where the industry lacked innovation. Existing apps primarily focused on offering either audio tours with minimal content or providing read-only information about artwork, leaving a gap for expansive audio content.
4 / 4
Interviewees said audio tours could change the way they learn about art & architecture
3 / 4
Interviewees said they would pay for an app with these services
1 / 4
Interviewees thought current audio tours meet their expectations
"Audio stitches a story with the art."
Cassie Zurich, Switzerland
"Seeing paintings in person is a different experience"
Brooke Portland, Oregon
"I've done an audio tour before… I'm usually looking at the wrong painting!"
Emily Sonoma, California
Key insights:
Some audio tours are confusing interrupting the users immersive experience of the art.
Users felt more connected and engaged with the art listening to audio.
Most users deleted the app after their trip.
How Might We?
1. How might we engage the user into looking at the art, not the phone?
2. How might we make the tour feel more like an adventure?
3. How might we confirm where the user is along their journey?
RESEARCH
02
Ideation
Storyboard
Muse goes even further by offering customized suggestions. By analyzing user preferences and interests, Muse is able to provide personalized recommendations on artworks, exhibits, and events that users may find interesting. This feature ensures that users never miss out on any hidden gems or must-see pieces in the museum. With Muse, the possibilities are endless, and the user's journey through the museum becomes a truly unique and enriching adventure.
Storyboard showing Muse's primary objectives, custom user-based audio tours - Images are AI generated
IDEATION
02
Ideation
Storyboard
Muse goes even further by offering customized suggestions. By analyzing user preferences and interests, Muse is able to provide personalized recommendations on artworks, exhibits, and events that users may find interesting. This feature ensures that users never miss out on any hidden gems or must-see pieces in the museum. With Muse, the possibilities are endless, and the user's journey through the museum becomes a truly unique and enriching adventure.
Storyboard showing Muse's primary objectives, custom user-based audio tours - Images are AI generated
IDEATION
02
Ideation
Storyboard
Muse goes even further by offering customized suggestions. By analyzing user preferences and interests, Muse is able to provide personalized recommendations on artworks, exhibits, and events that users may find interesting. This feature ensures that users never miss out on any hidden gems or must-see pieces in the museum. With Muse, the possibilities are endless, and the user's journey through the museum becomes a truly unique and enriching adventure.
Storyboard showing Muse's primary objectives, custom user-based audio tours - Images are AI generated
IDEATION
02
Ideation
Storyboard
Muse goes even further by offering customized suggestions. By analyzing user preferences and interests, Muse is able to provide personalized recommendations on artworks, exhibits, and events that users may find interesting. This feature ensures that users never miss out on any hidden gems or must-see pieces in the museum. With Muse, the possibilities are endless, and the user's journey through the museum becomes a truly unique and enriching adventure.
Storyboard showing Muse's primary objectives, custom user-based audio tours - Images are AI generated
IDEATION
03
Information Architecture
Feature Roadmap
Roadmap defining what is necessary for the app vs. nice features that can come latter
Site Map
Muse empowers the user to have full control of the museum tour by prioritizing user flexibility and customization. Flexible IA through use of favoriting cards (art pieces, exhibits, artists, or museums) allowing the user to make their own tours. Emphasis was taken away from the phone screen while playing audio content letting the user to fully immerse themselves into the art experience.
Muse's site map showing the card IA
User Flow: User searches and adds content to a existing tour
INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE
03
Information Architecture
Feature Roadmap
Roadmap defining what is necessary for the app vs. nice features that can come latter
Site Map
Muse empowers the user to have full control of the museum tour by prioritizing user flexibility and customization. Flexible IA through use of favoriting cards (art pieces, exhibits, artists, or museums) allowing the user to make their own tours. Emphasis was taken away from the phone screen while playing audio content letting the user to fully immerse themselves into the art experience.
Muse's site map showing the card IA
User Flow: User searches and adds content to a existing tour
INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE
03
Information Architecture
Feature Roadmap
Roadmap defining what is necessary for the app vs. nice features that can come latter
Site Map
Muse empowers the user to have full control of the museum tour by prioritizing user flexibility and customization. Flexible IA through use of favoriting cards (art pieces, exhibits, artists, or museums) allowing the user to make their own tours. Emphasis was taken away from the phone screen while playing audio content letting the user to fully immerse themselves into the art experience.
Muse's site map showing the card IA
User Flow: User searches and adds content to a existing tour
INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE
03
Information Architecture
Feature Roadmap
Roadmap defining what is necessary for the app vs. nice features that can come latter
Site Map
Muse empowers the user to have full control of the museum tour by prioritizing user flexibility and customization. Flexible IA through use of favoriting cards (art pieces, exhibits, artists, or museums) allowing the user to make their own tours. Emphasis was taken away from the phone screen while playing audio content letting the user to fully immerse themselves into the art experience.
Muse's site map showing the card IA
User Flow: User searches and adds content to a existing tour
INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE
04
Design
Branding
Muse’s branding captures the essence of elegance and tradition with thin lines and a gently sloping arch reminiscent of ancient Roman architecture. The timeless color palette added depth, warmth, and contrast, immersing the user in the world of art with a touch of refined sophistication.
Style board showcasing the overall look and feel of the app
Branding guidelines
Wireframes
The following wireframes show the development of one the key functions, the Exhibit (tour preview) and Audio Playback.
Sketch Wireframes
Finding an Audio Tour
based on user location
DESIGN
04
Design
Branding
Muse’s branding captures the essence of elegance and tradition with thin lines and a gently sloping arch reminiscent of ancient Roman architecture. The timeless color palette added depth, warmth, and contrast, immersing the user in the world of art with a touch of refined sophistication.
Style board showcasing the overall look and feel of the app
Branding guidelines
Wireframes
The following wireframes show the development of one the key functions, the Exhibit (tour preview) and Audio Playback.
Sketch Wireframes
Finding an Audio Tour
based on user location
DESIGN
04
Design
Branding
Muse’s branding captures the essence of elegance and tradition with thin lines and a gently sloping arch reminiscent of ancient Roman architecture. The timeless color palette added depth, warmth, and contrast, immersing the user in the world of art with a touch of refined sophistication.
Style board showcasing the overall look and feel of the app
Branding guidelines
Wireframes
The following wireframes show the development of one the key functions, the Exhibit (tour preview) and Audio Playback.
Sketch Wireframes
Finding an Audio Tour based on user location
DESIGN
04
Design
Branding
Muse’s branding captures the essence of elegance and tradition with thin lines and a gently sloping arch reminiscent of ancient Roman architecture. The timeless color palette added depth, warmth, and contrast, immersing the user in the world of art with a touch of refined sophistication.
Style board showcasing the overall look and feel of the app
Branding guidelines
Wireframes
The following wireframes show the development of one the key functions, the Exhibit (tour preview) and Audio Playback.
Sketch Wireframes
Finding an Audio Tour based on user location
DESIGN
05
Design Iteration
Usability Insight
5 participants
Ages 30 - 50
Tasks
• Find the museum Louvre
• Favorite the museum Louvre
• Find the audio tour on Jacques-Louis David
• Play the audio tour
• Skip to the second painting
User testing showed that most tasks were easy for the user to accomplish, however, when asked to skip to the second painting no users looked to see what it was because the UI gave no indication that there was more content below. Revising he layout to a vertical orientation drew the user to scroll down and look at all the pieces on the tour.
Design Iteration
Usability Insight
5 participants
Ages 30 - 50
Tasks
• Find the museum Louvre
• Favorite the museum Louvre
• Find the audio tour on Jacques-Louis David
• Play the audio tour
• Skip to the second painting
User testing showed that most tasks were easy for the user to accomplish, however, when asked to skip to the second painting no users looked to see what it was because the UI gave no indication that there was more content below. Revising he layout to a vertical orientation drew the user to scroll down and look at all the pieces on the tour.
Design Iteration
Usability Insight
5 participants
Ages 30 - 50
Tasks
• Find the museum Louvre
• Favorite the museum Louvre
• Find the audio tour on Jacques-Louis David
• Play the audio tour
• Skip to the second painting
User testing showed that most tasks were easy for the user to accomplish, however, when asked to skip to the second painting no users looked to see what it was because the UI gave no indication that there was more content below. Revising he layout to a vertical orientation drew the user to scroll down and look at all the pieces on the tour.
Design Iteration
Usability Insight
5 participants
Ages 30 - 50
Tasks
• Find the museum Louvre
• Favorite the museum Louvre
• Find the audio tour on Jacques-Louis David
• Play the audio tour
• Skip to the second painting
User testing showed that most tasks were easy for the user to accomplish, however, when asked to skip to the second painting no users looked to see what it was because the UI gave no indication that there was more content below. Revising he layout to a vertical orientation drew the user to scroll down and look at all the pieces on the tour.
Art is front & center
Highlighting the Art
A carousel highlighting recent artwork at the forefront, enticing users with novel inspiration as the main priority of Muse
Deep dive
Text rich information is set back a few clicks deep to avoid overwhelming a user who is just perusing
Favorites
Favorites
Muse is driven by favorites so minimal input is needed from the user. Muse will categorize Favorites and present them back to the user as Museum, Art Movements, Artists, etc. customized to each individual
DESIGN ITERATION
Prototype
WATCH THE VIDEO
Looking back
Lessons
I am pleased with the way this case study turned out. Incorporating the branding into the UI was quite satisfying. However, the biggest takeaway; focus on the core concepts and don't try to design an entire app, worry less about making it "feel real."
Also, without the aid of those close to me who participated in research and testing, I wouldn't have been able to make this project happen; I am forever in their debt.
Next Steps
I’d like to explore more screens and task flows on how a user at a museum would upload information or audio content to the platform.
whew!
That was a lot, thanks for reading this far!
That was a lot, thanks for reading this far!
