:: Synopsis

Co.Lab is an experience where one can receive feedback on creative works in order to help people improve, develop skills, learn from mistakes, and get various sets of eyes on a project. We want participation from users; striking a balance between the quantity of feedback as well as the quality of feedback. 

:: YEAR

2019

:: TEAM MEMBERS

Simrah Farrukh

Kadi Lawson

Challenge / How Might We...

... Bridge the gap between artists and projects?

... Streamline creative collaboration? 

... Facilitate feedback on creative works?

 

Research

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We used affinity mapping to begin making connections between key ideas related to creative collaboration. We also looked into what current platforms/experiences exist that offer similar features. We looked at portfolio sites like Behance and the feedback given on creative works on sites like Reddit.com.

We decided we  wanted to create an experience where users could:

  • Displaying Portfolio work on a professional platform.
  • Connect with Freelancers to work on projects collaboratively. 
  • Give and receive direct feedback on projects.

After research, we began to prototype our experience.

Prototyping & Testing

During our initial testing phases, we took a fairly hands-off approach and let the users explore the interface and gave a few key instructions:

  • View your portfolio
  • Upload a project
  • View feedback given to you 
  • View another’s project
  • Give feedback on another’s project

The cycle of testing, receiving feedback, and updating prototypes continued over our eight-week development timeline. It continued throughout of mid and hi-fi prototypes. 

During the later stages of development, we realize that an important part of our experience, the feedback process, was underdeveloped. We performed another round of user tests, but this time, focusing on how the User will give and receive feedback.

We returned to paper testing and gave each of our Users different tools such as pens, markers, and highlighters. Then we put an example project in front of them, instructed them to speak aloud, and mark up the project in any way they felt comfortable.

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 Information Architecture

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Logo & Style

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Versions

Feed

Feed

Discover

Discover

Activity

Activity

Other User's Profile

Profile

Project Page

Project

Reflection

While developing this experience, our testest consistently reaffirmed their interest in using our experience for their own projects.  Our testers expressed that they don’t currently have systems beyond friends, family, or co-workers to present their projects for feedback. They found it more difficult to critique their peers in person because of social stigmas. However, they found that through Co.Lab they felt more comfortable giving out critiques and receiving feedback from other users. 

We also identified many other features to focus on for later, such as:

  • Archive system
  • Full portfolio integration
  • Further, develop the feedback process
  • Direct message system
  • Accommodate different mediums: writing, sound, 3D, etc.
  • Develop a desktop experience alongside mobile
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© 2021 Ben Lyons, all rights reserved.