Muse
End to end app
00
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.
INTRODUCTION
01
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
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
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.
Wireframes
The following wireframes show the development of one the key functions, the Exhibit (tour preview) and Audio Playback.
Sketch Wireframes
DESIGN
05
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
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.
