artSpydr
artSpydr is a global peer-to-peer marketplace designed to facilitate the buying, selling, and trading of original comic art while ensuring authenticity through blockchain technology. artSpydr merges the accessibility of eBay with the assurance of an auction house, offering a reliable platform for art enthusiasts worldwide.
My Role
As the product designer at artSpydr, I took care of market and user research, conducted user interviews, and crafted wireframes and prototypes.
Collaborating with a project manager, a CTO, and two React Native developers, I contributed to the design of the web and app interfaces, including a tracking system and bespoke branded packaging.
Noteworthy achievements include iterative design improvements driven by stakeholder input, securing funding, and addressing user pain points for enhanced engagement and satisfaction.
Problem
artSpydr addresses a gap in the market where collectors lack a cost-effective, end-to-end secure platform for transacting art. Current challenges include exorbitant fees from auction houses, the insecurity of peer-to-peer marketplaces, time-consuming direct transactions, the absence of indisputable provenance, and a lack of reliable valuation methods.
UX Goals
The primary goal of artSpydr is to provide a uniquely convenient and secure platform for global art transactions. The platform aims to match buyers and sellers efficiently, charging a fair commission, coordinating transactions, verifying art through a Machine Learning AI system, recording art on the Comic Art Blockchain for provenance, and offering additional services such as courier, insurance, and secure packaging.
Design Process
I initiated the design journey by testing high-fidelity prototypes. This strategic decision allowed me to uncover potential issues early on, refine design elements based on user feedback, and optimise the user interface for enhanced the usability.
Prioritising user-centricity, this phase served as a crucial foundation before diving into coding, mitigating risks, and aligning the design closely with user expectations.
A distinctive aspect of our design exploration involved testing the auction system with unique counter features using no-code platforms like Webflow. By simulating a live auction environment, we got collector interest and participation levels without committing to full-scale development.
This approach not only provided valuable insights into user interactions but also enabled me to refine features based on real-world scenarios.
Project Takeaways
Through the artSpydr project, we successfully created a secure, user-centric marketplace that addresses the pain points of collectors and artists alike. The integration of innovative technologies such as blockchain and GPS tracking elevates the platform, making it a reliable and efficient solution for the global art community. The emphasis on user experience and meticulous design choices positions artSpydr as a groundbreaking player in the comic art market.
