“People ignore design that ignores people.”
— Frank Chimero
User Experience and User Interface is a digital design aspects that captured my interest the moment I crossed paths with it. The psychology behind the design, the importance of good design and its contribution to end goals as well as the improvements of the design through user testing all intrigued me and got my creative juices flowing.
Below are just a few of the UX/UI projects I have constructed so far during my short career as a designer.
Shopping Pal App - App Design
Shopping Pal was my final major project at University and my proudest project to date. With the freedom to chose any project to do as my final major project, I took this opportunity to explore and create a user friendly mobile app.
The premise of the app was to help users navigate any major supermarket with ease. With functions such as product finder, shopping list creator and route planner, the idea was that users would never be left wondering where an item is or forget what they need.
To accompany this idea, I created a business plan. Through looking at competitors, working out the strengths and weaknesses and discovering the demand for this idea; I was able to highlight what aspects are important and adapt the design accordingly.
Furthermore, I would look into design psychologies and apply them where applicable within my design. With my interests captured by the psychology behind design through button placement and colour theory, my dissertation was based around this and its effects on its users.
Video Displays:
Click image above to view short video of Shopping Pal in use.
Supporting Visuals:
Winchester City App - App Design
The Winchester City app was the first group app project I worked on at university. Our client for this project was Winchester City Council, who tasked us with creating an Augmented Reality (AR) app that brings Winchester’s landmarks to life and encourages people to Visit Winchester.
My role within my group was to design the app layout ensuring good UX and UI design so that the app would be usable by a wide range of users.
Although not my finest work, I believe every piece of work you create is a steppingstone for what you do next. I am proud of this being my first dabble in UX and UI design and this is what ignited my passion.
Unfortunately, this idea was pulled by Winchester City Council, so the app was never fully produced. However, I relished this project and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to liaise with a real-life client and begin my journey into UX and UI design, with my imagination captured by everything that goes into a good user centred design.
Video Displays:
Supporting Visuals:
Ocado Navigation Bar - Web Design
(Personal Project, May 2023)
In order to develop my learning curve using Figma, I decided to challenge myself by redesigning a popular brand navigation bar. I chose to use Ocado. Ocado is known for their cutting-edge technologies. Due to this, I saw them as a perfect test subject to analyse and develop. I tasked myself to analyse and create a set of suggested improvements to the current design.
My approach to this project was to complete the following tasks:
Task 1 - Analysis
Task 2 - Research
Task 3 - Design
Task 4 - Reflect
Click HERE to read more about this project.
Redesign 1:
Redesign 2:
Transmedia Website – Website Design
The Transmedia show is an annual event for the Digital Media Department at the University of Winchester. Each year the second-year students come together as a cohort to set up this event. Designed to show off the skills and abilities of Winchester University students from first years to Masters.
My role was to design and prototype the website for the whole show. Working alongside the developers within my group as well as my peers and staff members, I had to ensure the design incorporated all the different sectors of our cohort, made up of Designers, Developers, 3D animators and CAD designers.
Overall, I was pleased with the outcome of my design. Ensuring I kept to the decided colour schemes, included the dedicated logo and created a profile function for each individual student. The website was designed for both students and external users. Simple locations and times of the event were provided, as well as simple navigation of student profiles. Keeping in line with the premise of the show, promoting the Digital Media students.
Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 outbreak, the Transmedia show was cancelled. This was a great shame for all the students who had worked hard to prepare. The final website ended up with a slightly different design due to small tweaks and additions that were made during the development period of the website.
Video Displays:
Supporting Visuals:
The IoT Lab Website - Website Design
The IoT Lab were a new technology and data company who aimed to bring data to life in a real time display. This was the first time I took on a client project as a solo designer. A successful outcome for this project required me to create brand guidelines, logo design and website design.
Throughout the project, I ensured I liaised with the client weekly; this enabled me to keep them up to date with my progress and make the necessary decisions to shape the project. In addition to this, I gathered regular feedback ensuring my designs were regularly critiqued in order to keep on track.
Upon completion of this project, I had created the necessary components required by the IoT Lab. Being my first go at a solo project in general as well as first time at creating brand guidelines, I learnt so much. From understanding myself as a designer, the way I work and learning all the features of a set of brand guidelines. Furthermore, developing my existing skills in logo and website design.
Overall, I was pleased with my first solo project. Looking back now it is nowhere near the standard I strive to be at, but everyone starts somewhere and I’m proud of this stepping stone.