February 6th 2024–March 20th 2024
Team
Diego Reyes-Alicea, Caroline R., Valerie F.-A., Vedant D.
ROLE
Observational researcher, user interviews, quantitative/qualitative data analysis, research artifacts
Project Overview
I contributed to a team that explored user needs in a technology-based solution that helps artists, designers, and hobbyists address creative blocks.
The Problem
Creatives & designers struggle to overcome mental fatigue and lack of structure during creative blocks, and existing tools fail to support their full creative process.
The Solution
My team and I's study revealed five key design implications that outline how future tools can better assist creatives in managing and overcoming creative block.
Key Success Metrics
70%
Average failure of all 3 tasks
2.2/5
Represents the website's low confidence score reflecting poor usability
Research Methodology
First we conducted scenario-based observations, where we observed users reenacting a creative block and how they handled it. These sessions highlighted various themes for our semi-structured interviews, allowing us to learn more about how users navigate creative block through qualitative data analysis. The project closed with details on design implications needed for a creative assistant app.
Scenario-based Observation
Semi Structured Interviews
Data Analysis
Design Implications
Observation Activity
We tasked participants with showing us their process to overcome this creative block via the Zoom screen-sharing feature.
Data Analysis Method
Affinity Diagram
Sequential Task Analysis
Identified Themes From Observations
Preparation
Creative Process
Environment
Relaxation
Mental Check-ins
Breaks
Tools Used
Digital & Physical tools
Most Effective Tools
Creative Block
Confidence
Experience
Question Themes
Usage of digital/physical tools
Latest creative experience
Sources of inspiration
Work/hobby activities
Data Analysis Method
Thematic Coding
Affinity Diagram
Codebook
Research Artifacts
From our interviews/observations, our team created two personas, two scenarios, experience maps, and a priority matrix from our qualitative data analysis (one of them is below).
The experience map visualization created a holistic view of creative block, and potential users’ needs for a technology-based solution.
Experience Map
Design Implications For A Creative Assistant
Preparation
Consider user’s current environmental needs and support an established routine to manage future creative blocks.
Allow user inputs for a creative task routine
Encouragement to clear their space
Prompt to gather tools
Relaxation
A solution should help users relax and decompress from their creative work to return refreshed after a creative block.
Timer
Ability to pause given creative task
Self-reflection reminder
Inspiration
A solution must provide personal and meaningful inspirations, and offer advice from trusted peers.
Uniquely tailored inspiration
Prompts to get organized
Social features
Process Structuring
Provide a hierarchical analysis of a current project at both macro and micro levels and integration across platforms.
Personalization
Task management
Task structure
Reflection & Future
Expand Research
Conduct user research with a greater set of participants based on age, occupation, and creative experience to better understand the target audience.
Prototype Testing
Test a prototype with potential users for greater understanding of its feasibility and use, and its effectiveness in overcoming creative blocks to make improvements.
