CRIT.

Research

In order to find a solution to this problem, I began by trying to better understand it. I conducted in-depth research through a public survey and interviews with three artists who have not been able to connect with other artists for critiques with hopes of finding out the pros and cons of the platforms they currently post to and what is missing from their experiences.

Here are my main takeaways:

• 80% of artists appreciate receiving constructive criticism on their work

• 95% of artists would like to have more opportunities to participate and connect with other artists in a constructive way

• Almost 100% of surveyors posted their art to Instagram as their main sharing platform for feedback

Competitive Analysis

Reviewed other art-sharing apps:

• Instagram

• Reddit Art Forums

• DeviantArt

• WetCanvas
  
  

Main Disadvantages:

• Platforms are not fine art specific

• Algorithms can be discouraging and can have a negative affect on users

• Ads are distracting

• Too many categories or topics that are unrelated to fine art

Exploring Problems Through User Interviews

Conducting interviews with artists and writing user stories from their responses helped me to narrow down and define the problems they were facing.

• Users are frustrated there isn’t a more accessible way to participate in giving and receiving feedback on fine art

• Users are not fulfilled by posting on Instagram and other platforms because comments are typically received as positive and complimentary, not constructive

• Users feel nervous and particular about receiving criticism on their artwork from just anyone

After reviewing the user problems and writing the user stories I was able to lay out three main user goals.

• Participate in giving and receiving feedback on fine art

• Engage with artists working in the same medium

• Learn about and become more comfortable giving and receiving constructive criticism

The Artists

After talking with various artists, I was able to better understand their problems with the existing platforms and really get to the core of what they need from an art sharing platform.

Let me introduce you to Leo.

Leo represents users who are seeking constructive criticism and feedback on their artwork. They are beginner artists who recognize the importance of discussing artwork in a constructive way. Due to having a busy schedule, they are frustrated, finding it hard to connect with artists. They are seeking an outlet that provides an artist community and ways to give and receive feedback on artwork. They are looking to make new connections through critiques and gain experience discussing artwork.

Now let's meet Olivia.

Olivia represents users who are seeking to engage and network with other artists that work in the same medium. They are intermediate artists who are settled into their careers and have a preferred style so they need to be able to search under their preferred medium. Although intermediate in their medium, they are frustrated that they haven’t had more opportunities to participate in critiquing artwork. They are looking to improve their critique skills and vocabulary. They are motivated to have opportunities to connect with like-minded artists one on one or through messaging.

Ideation

It was hard to decide where to start approaching this product. Eventually, through talking with artists, I decided that the MVP should be a platform that focuses on critiques.

"How might we create a product that encourages art critiques?"

I took to pen and paper and began to draft ideas. I knew that artists loved to post to instagram, but I focused on what was missing and what they needed instead of what they already had.

Artist Profile and Critique Posts

The MVP of the project is to rethink the virtual process of critiques and provide a space where artists are excited to interact and connect by giving each other feedback.

If you've ever been in a critique, you know that it's like a conversation, with many different perspectives, suggestions and ideas flying around, people are agreed and disagreeing.

This is one of the most important aspects to try to capture digitally. To create this experience for the artist.

How might we do this? Comments and replies of course, but also by adding an upvote and downvote to each comment (similarly to reddit). This provides a wide variety of ways to participate with the post, it creates a deeper discussion.