(1) NAPKIN is where you record current moments on.
(2) STACK is a personal gallery where you can manage & grow your accumulated projects.
(3) EXPLORE allows you to share project processes and learn from others unfiltered journeys.
I adopted a full-width, uncluttered layout for stacks list, which gives every project its moment in the spotlight. This is to evoke the sensation of strolling through an art gallery, and to foster a sense of pride and ownership, rather than quickly sifting through monotonous folders like the ones in computers.
Inside Stack, Timeline View makes the 'abstract' process 'structured'.
Coupled with Search Bar and Stickers to refine your navigation and foster an efficient reflection process.
I took a refreshing deviation from passive scrolling of traditional social media feeds.
Aside from your saved Stacks, you'll need to search by keywords or unique access codes to unlock others' open-source projects. This added layer of intentionality is to elevate the value of shared projects and bring a delightful sense of discovery and exclusivity.
The act of seeking and finding enhances connection and respect for the creativity that lies within.
Since the lockdown, I picked up a new hobby of experimenting with Ceramic Glazes. 🧪🔥
Each time I fire a piece, it's always a surprise to see the final texture that varies depending on the firing temperature and ingredient ratios. So I've been taking lots of photos and notes with an expectation to see my knowledge grow over time and to create a library of glaze recipes for future reference. But after a while, my motivation to keep track of these experiments was dying out.
* Too many tools were involved - paper notes/ photos/ web links are scattered everywhere.
* High effort to archive and organize fragmented records.
* Lack of quick and delightful reviewing experience.
To understand people's Motivations and identify their Frictions during the process documentation, I sent out surveys (92) and interviewed (6) individuals who have been recording their passion projects / hobbies over 3 months.
While the survey offered quantitative insights and broader patterns, qualitative interviews painted a detailed picture of users' experiences with their recording tools.
When various devices and tools are required to document a process comprehensively, the recorded pieces are scattered across different platforms and devices. Increased difficulty to manage scattered assets causes frustration and give-ups.
Each format has its strengths and limitations, and while they can be used together to give glimpses into a project journey, they can't provide the level of organization and continuity to effectively present a project journey as a whole.
80% interviewees have gained valuable learnings by looking at others' project processes, as it allows for a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in a particular field, as well as the chance to gain inspirations. Social media provides an easy and quick outlet for curated project highlights, but it's not the ideal place for lengthy & less-perfect processes. As a result, those looking to learn from others' journeys may not get a full and accurate picture of the process, leading to unrealistic expectations and disappointment.
A common UI pattern of the existing recording tools is that, as they expand to support more media formats, their input fields or canvases tend to grow in size. This often necessitates users to make manual inline style adjustments, leading to a cumbersome experience.
Moreover, "the large blank canvas often cause me feelings of incompleteness", says an interviewee.
The concept of 'Napkin Idea' perfectly encapsulates the ideal recording experience: a simple and low-pressure medium to put down fleeting, fragmented moments in a quick and intuitive way, without worrying too much about making them look polished or final.
Leveraging this metaphor, I turned multimedia into semi-structured modules, ready to be stacked organically within an expandable 'Napkin'. Starting as an unassuming square, Napkin eases the pressure of filling vast blank spaces, making inline editing straightforward and hassle-free.
Version 1.0 🖍️
I looked into the Archive Structures of existing documentation tools. By analyzing their layout patterns, I learnt and applied different visual affordance in Napkin's key screens.
Version 2.0 💬
Then, I run user tests of the 'pink-box' prototypes and further modified the page layouts according their feedback.
Stack is a stage, shinning spotlights on your projects and celebrate accumulated journeys.
So, rather than overwhelming with lengthy lists, I kept it short yet informative, sprinkling in engaging tidbits to keep the user intrigued and connected.
The archive isn't just about looking back; it's about cherishing the narrative of creation.
For napkin's visual style, there's a deliberate play on modularity and perception.
As napkins linger in the "Loose Sheets," they are designed for an in-depth read. Instead, they serve as glanceable cues, a gentle nudges user's memory, emphasizing remind-ability over readability.
