YourPix
POSITION: UI/UX Designer PROJECT TIMELINE: Dec - Feb 2023 TOOLS: Figma COURSE: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence - UT Austin
Artificial Intelligence Prototyping Wireframing User Research Graphic Design
OVERVIEW
I co-developed YourPix, an AI-based app at the University of Texas at Austin. It lets users create personalized variations of beloved Pixar films by contributing reviews and drawing from a pool of movie insights. YourPix empowers 16 AI personalities to shape new films, resulting in unique scripts, characters, music, and more. Experience the magic of Pixar and AI with YourPix.
RESEARCH
To revive Pixar's success, we studied movie trends and audience preferences through interviews and research. Our goal was to align Pixar's creative direction with evolving moviegoer expectations.
What we found:
When searching for a movie, people generally look for several key factors, including elements that resonate with their own experiences and identities. These aspects include:
RELATABILITY
Individuals seek movies that reflect their own lives, struggles, or aspirations. They are drawn to stories and characters they can identify with, which provide a sense of connection and empathy.
REPRESENTATION
Inclusivity and diverse representation are increasingly important to audiences. People want to see movies that portray a range of cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives, allowing for greater representation and fostering a more inclusive viewing experience.
THEMES AND MESSAGES
Movies with thought-provoking themes, powerful messages, or social relevance often attract attention. Audiences appreciate films that explore meaningful topics, spark discussions, or shed light on important issues.
EMOTIONAL ENGAGEMENT
People seek movies that evoke emotions and make them feel something. Whether it's laughter, tears, excitement, or inspiration, the ability to evoke a genuine emotional response is highly valued.
ESCAPISM AND ENTERTAINMENT
Movies offer a form of escapism and entertainment, providing a break from daily routines and a chance to immerse oneself in a different world. People gravitate towards films that offer a captivating and enjoyable experience.
PERSONAL GROWTH
Movies that stimulate personal growth, encourage self-reflection, or provide valuable insights into life can resonate deeply with audiences. They appreciate films that offer meaningful lessons or perspectives that enrich their own lives.
CULTURAL RELEVANCE
Movies that explore and celebrate specific cultures, traditions, or historical events can strongly appeal to individuals who seek a deeper understanding of different societies or wish to connect with their heritage.
EMPOWERMENT AND INSPIRATION
Many people look for movies that empower and inspire them. Films that showcase characters overcoming challenges, pursuing their dreams, or making a positive impact can instill a sense of motivation and inspiration.
USER INTERVIEWS
USER 1
USER 2
ANALYSIS OF USER RESEARCH AND INTERVIEWS
When searching for a movie, people want relatable, inclusive, thought-provoking, emotional, and empowering films that reflect their lives, provide diverse perspectives, explore meaningful topics, evoke genuine emotions, offer an enjoyable escape, stimulate personal reflection, celebrate different cultures, and inspire. Filmmakers should consider these factors to create impactful movies that resonate with audiences, fostering connection, enrichment, and an immersive viewing experience.
IDEATION
USER FLOW
With the concept solidified, we proceeded to embark on the development of the app's flow, centered around the captivating notion of harnessing distinct Artificial Intelligence personalities to unleash their creativity in crafting variations of films.
VISUAL DESIGN
Drawing inspiration from this vibrant color palette, we envisioned creating an app that evoked a sense of energy, and delivered a visually engaging and cohesive user experience. Combining the inspiration from this color palette, we further brought our creative vision to life through sketches that reflected the dynamic energy and design of the envisioned app.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
PROTOTYPING
After finalizing the visuals, we integrated components to create a complete prototype with login, homepage, personality, and movie pages. This prototype demonstrated the app's functionality and flow, helping us test and gather feedback for a smooth user experience before development.
TAKEAWAYS
Throughout the process of creating the YourPix project, several key takeaways emerged:
User-Centered Design:
Prioritizing the needs and preferences of the users was essential in crafting a successful app. Conducting thorough user research, creating user personas, and considering user feedback during the design iterations helped ensure the app resonated with its target audience.
Iterative Design Process:
Adopting an iterative approach allowed for continuous improvement and refinement of the app's design. By gathering feedback, conducting usability testing, and iterating on the prototype, we were able to address user pain points, enhance usability, and deliver an improved user experience.
Visual Design and Branding:
The visual design played a crucial role in creating an appealing and cohesive user interface. By leveraging visual design principles, such as color theory, typography, and iconography, we established a consistent and visually appealing brand identity that aligned with the app's purpose and target audience.
Prototyping and User Testing:
Creating interactive prototypes enabled us to simulate the app's functionality and gather valuable insights through user testing. By observing users' interactions, collecting feedback, and making iterative improvements, we were able to refine the app's design and ensure its usability and effectiveness.
Collaboration and Communication:
Effective collaboration among team members and clear communication throughout the project were key factors in its success. Regular meetings, sharing progress updates, and seeking input from the individuals we interviewed ensured a cohesive vision and alignment among team members.
Attention to Detail and Quality Assurance:
Paying close attention to detail and conducting thorough quality assurance checks helped ensure a polished final product. Regularly reviewing designs, checking for consistency, and conducting comprehensive testing across different devices and platforms helped maintain a high level of quality.
These takeaways serve as valuable lessons that can be applied to future projects, emphasizing the importance of user-centric design, iterative improvements, collaboration, and attention to detail for delivering successful and impactful digital experiences.