UX UI Design / Mobile App Design / Branding
Case Study
Mala CreatorTM
PROJECT
MALA CREATORTM PRODUCT DESIGN
The Mala CreatorTM is an extraordinary journey into a Virtual Mala Campus that teaches a Mala Padawan the Way of the Mala—from creative expression inside The Studio to technical skill at The Academy, from connecting with Industry Designers in The Lounge to studying esoteric topics inside The Temple.
The Mala CreatorTM product guides a Mala Padawan from apprentice to master, becoming an Industry Designer who other Mala Padawans will seek out for their sacred mala knowledge.
Roles
UI/UX Designer
UX Researcher
Brand Designer
Project Management
PRODUCT DESIGN PROCESS
The Background
The Objective
Research Methods
Competitive
Analysis
User Interviews
DEFINE
Problem Statement
Project Goals
Personas
How Might We…
PROTOTYPE
User Stories
Information Architecture
User Flow
Wireframes
Usability Results
Design Iterations
DESIGN
Style Guide
Design System
High Fidelity Design
Interactive Prototype
VALIDATE
Usability Plan
Usability Tests / Iterative Design
Minimal Viable Product (1st edition)
DISCOVER
THE BACKGROUND
Designing a mala comes with many decisions. A mala creator must first select an intention, mindfully choose beads that support that intention, ensure they have the right tools, know the stringing techniques, and finally craft a pattern that brings that intention to life.
An adventitious mala creation could produce incongruity, dissatisfaction, and frustration. For instance, if a new mala creator doesn’t possess the knowledge of metaphysical qualities of gemstones, they may, unknowingly, add a gemstone that symbolizes power and determination with a gemstone that represents relaxation and meditation. This mismatch of gemstones could cause an imbalance in the mala’s intention.
Also, a new mala creator may not have an adequate plan or the technical skills to close off the mala, a struggle many new mala creators encounter.
THE OBJECTIVE
My objective is three-fold:
- Determine how an interactive mobile product for mala creation could bridge the gap for those curious about mala creation to test drive the mala design process before investing in supplies.
- Understand how an interactive mala product may support intermediate to experienced mala creators.
- Review jewelry-making mobile products to determine how they support this niche market.
RESEARCH METHODS
COMPETITOR ANALYSIS
Design Implementation; Information Architecture
USER INTERVIEWS
COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
OBJECTIVE
Observe and evaluate the competitor landscape
In my competitive analysis, I reviewed five jewelry related mobile products. I evaluated mobile product ratings, information architecture, user experience, gamification during the jewelry making process, educational options, and overall user flow.
Below are some of my findings:
USER INTERVIEWS
OBJECTIVE
- Discern users goals for creating malas
- Understand the barriers to Mala Design
- Gather the needs of intermediate to advanced Mala Creators
I conducted user interviews by phone and Zoom with three groups. With the beginners (little to no experience), I inquired about their general interest in mala creation, paths that may assist them in their designs, and challenges they have encountered. With intermediates (1-3 years of experience) and advanced (4+ years actively creating malas for public sales), I explored features of interest, challenges they faced when starting out, and where they seek out information today.
Findings from these three groups helped to drive the product features that will be explored in the Define stage.
DISCOVER SUMMARY
All of the aforementioned Discover data set me up to move successfully into the Define stage.
DEFINE
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Creating jewelry can be a satisfying and engaging experience. New mala creators have the passion and energy to begin but may lack the know-how to get started. Often they have questions around stringing, bead sizes, what tools to use, how to compose a mala, and the best techniques to prevent mistakes.
Intermediate to experienced mala creators want to be challenged, stretch their imagination for new designs, learn what trends are happening in the industry, and delve deeper into symbolic meanings, such as gemstones, numerology, and color theory.
The challenge that the user faces to access this information is currently through a multitude of websites.
PROJECT GOALS
GUIDANCE
Guiding a Mala Padawan in composing a virtual mala using a mindful method that begins with an intention and displays gemstones/beads related to that intention.
EDUCATION
Educating a Mala Padawan on the technical skills necessary for creation, as well as the tools needed.
INSPIRATION
Inspiring a Mala Padawan by offering monthly challenges that expand their technique and encourage creative expression.
CONNECTION
Connecting a Mala Padawan to Mala Master Creators through focused articles and curated mala projects.
WISDOM
Enlightening a Mala Padawan on esoteric topics such as stone metaphysics, ancient symbology, astrology, color psychology, numerology, chakras, and alchemical elements that bring depth and acuity to their mala creations.
PERSONAS
OBJECTIVE
From the user interviews, define Personas that represent the principal user types that may use this product
Mala Padawan
“I’m not sure where to begin. I have so many questions. What tools do I use? Where do I get the beads? What are bead sizes and how might they affect my design?”
A Mala Padawan is a new mala creator who has been hesitant to start creating personal malas due to not understanding what it all entails. Mala Padawan’s want to be guided in the process.
Mala Artisan
“I want to keep up on the community news. I’d like to hear from Industry Professionals. What are the current trends? How can I challenge myself to grow in my craft? I enjoy participating in monthly challenges that make you think outside the box for a new mala design.”
The Mala Artisan is a seasoned mala creator—most likely has an Etsy store and may even sell locally at Farmers Markets. Mala Artisan’s love the meditative practice of mala creation, plus they enjoy keeping up with the mala trends, seeing innovative designs, and joining mala communities.
Outcome
Personifying users in this way kept them top of mind. It allowed me to ask them for guidance through an active imagination technique (Jungian psychology tool) when creating the product’s design and features.
‘HOW MIGHT WE’ QUESTIONS
OBJECTIVE
Brainstorm solutions to solving users’ pain points
From understanding the users, I created the following ‘how might we’ questions as a way to seed ideation for the Prototype stage in the Product Design Process.
DEFINE SUMMARY
In the Define stage, I clarified who this product would be for, what their current pain points are, and why they would use this product to solve their current pain points. Next up is the Prototype stage that is the initial attempt to solve the users’ pain points.
PROTOTYPE
USER STORIES
OBJECTIVE
Understand the tasks a user wants to accomplish with the product
Outcome
This step was essential to organizing and prioritizing the features that would show up in the MVP (minimal viable product).
INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE
OBJECTIVE
Create a high-level sitemap based on the priorities in the User Stories
USER FLOW
OBJECTIVE
Highlight all the paths a user takes to complete tasks
Outcome
A User flow was key to sketching out the first iteration of product design and highlighted the composition of each screen.
WIREFRAMES
OBJECTIVE
Establish user flow and features before spending too much time on design
Outcome
In wireframe format, I was able to see the majority of the user interface (UI) components needed for high fidelity design.
In usability testing, three main iterations became evident:
Iteration 01
Section labels were too similar
Solution: Innovate the User Flow to mirror building names on a fictional university campus
Iteration 02
Users were confused on how to add beads to the board
Solution: Add instructions
Iteration 03
Focus categories were confusing to new mala creators
Solution: Add Focus Definitions
PROTOTYPE SUMMARY
In Discover, I tested the viability of the product concept. In Define, I tested the product features. At the end of Prototype, I have a working solution for the product.
DESIGN
STYLE GUIDE
OBJECTIVE
Create a reference document that combines all brand elements to review during design
DESIGN SYSTEM
OBJECTIVE
Create a reference document that combines all UI guidelines and components to review during designing
The Design System was developed in Figma and used to make all Figma components for faster design.
HIGH FIDELITY DESIGN
OBJECTIVES
Create Final Stage Product for Usability Testing
Aesthetics were united with wireframes to ensure design continuity and prepare the product for user testing.
INTERACTIVE PROTOTYPE
OBJECTIVE
Link all design screens for interactivity
DESIGN SUMMARY
In the Design Stage, the Style Guide and UI Components were created, aesthetics were merged with the wireframe, the design system was built, and accessibility standards were addressed culminating in an interactive initial prototype to be used in the Validation Stage.
VALIDATE
USABILITY PLAN
OBJECTIVE
Prepare for and provide a professional and organized usability test
Plan Highlights
Ideal participant characteristics were clarified and participants were recruited through my network. A testing script with an introduction, scene scenario, 15 tasks, and wrap-up questions was employed.
Five top-level items were tested:
- Product Red Routes
- Observe paths users take to complete tasks
- Validate the Information Architecture
- Discern Cognitive Load of the design
- User comprehension of product
USABILITY TESTS
OBJECTIVE
Record common user issues and iterate design for next usability test
Validate Product
Usability Test Results
Round One: 3 test sessions with 14 tasks completed per session
Critical item requiring iteration:
- Ability to Clear Mala Board with 1 click
Minor items requiring iteration:
- Add Metaphysical Qualities to Bead Descriptions
- Bell Notification for ‘Out of Stock’ Items
Round Two: 2 test sessions with 15 tasks completed per session
Minor items requiring iteration:
- Consistency of Button Shape
- Ensure all links are the primary color of the design system
MINIMAL VIABLE PRODUCT (MVP)
Below I walk you through the main features for the Mala CreatorTM MVP.
OnBoarding
FEATURE
A quick tutorial of the Mala Campus inside the Mala CreatorTM product. This introduction can be skipped if desired.
Programming Considerations:
Anticipate if they are a new user or a returning user. Show the appropriate screen per user type.
Homepage
FEATURE
A pathway to what is inside the Mala CreatorTM that highlights current content within each station.
Future Considerations:
May streamline page to be a map of the campus (content strategy theme)
The Studio – Starting a Mala Design
FEATURE
Guides the user to create a virtual mala with intention and focus. This process narrows down the bead selection per chosen focus.
Future Considerations:
Ability to search a focus or intention for designing a mala
The Studio – Focus Descriptions
FEATURE
Educates the user on Focus options
The Studio – Creating, Naming, & Saving Mala Design
FEATURE
Through drag and drop technology, a user adds beads to the bead board.
The user can name and save their mala design for later retrieval.
Programming Considerations:
Malas must have unique names for easier retrieval
Future Considerations:
Add a symmetry on/off selector that repeats the pattern on the opposite side
The Studio – Add Beads to Bead Tray
FEATURE
Within the design process, a user can add additional beads to their bead tray.
Future Considerations:
Click on bead name to retrieve more in-depth information; such as the information found inside The Temple
The Studio – Clear Board
FEATURE
Allows the user to clear the board efficiently.
The Studio – Guru Bead
FEATURE
Guides the user to select their final bead, the guru bead
Future Considerations:
- Brainstorm more complicated guru arrangements
- Once the Mala is designed, have another perspective available to see the finished design on a virtual person
Add to Cart
FEATURE
Once a user is satisfied with their design, they can purchase the components to make the mala.
Future Considerations:
Inside cart have a feature to add a “Mala Kit”; comes with all the tools needed to start creating malas (helpful for first time creators)
Out of Stock Notification
FEATURE
Notifies the user when an item they want is back in stock; uses the profile email address.
*The most requested feature in usability tests during the checkout process.
Programming Considerations:
Phone notifications will be utilized to let the user know an item is back in stock
Future Considerations:
Add a wishlist option for beads
Purchase
FEATURE
A simple shopping experience to purchase mala components.
Future Considerations:
- Streamline the process to one page
- Add a Paypal or Venmo payment option
The Academy
FEATURE
A place where the user can learn about the tools and techniques for creating malas. Plus a monthly challenge as requested in my user surveys.
The Lounge
FEATURE
A place where the user can learn more about industry mala designers, read informative articles by the industry designers, participate in designer-lead projects, and pursue an inspirational gallery updated by industry designers.
Future Considerations:
Add student mala gallery
The Temple
FEATURE
A place where the user can study esoteric wisdom that will inform them in creating malas with depth and meaning.
Future Considerations:
- Add a link to complimentary stones per Temple Page
- Add Mala History/Lore
- Add Meditations
- Add Key Terms
NEXT STEPS – Closing Thoughts and Reflections
Developing and Designing Mala CreatorTM was an adventure in creative strategy and imagination. There is nothing quite like this product on the market. I thoroughly enjoyed pushing my limits to what could be possible while keeping my focus on creating a minimal viable product (MVP).
The most challenging aspect of this project was the section titles. My wireframe usability tests confirmed that the language used was too similar for users to comprehend the nuances between the sessions. Yet, the most challenging aspect became a glorious success.
Through a guided meditative exercise, I imagined a campus with each building possessing a unique offering. What arose from this guided meditative exercise was the new information architecture of “The Studio,” “The Academy,” The Lounge,” and “The Temple.”
My high-fidelity usability tests validated that this innovative structure was easy for users to comprehend and navigate.
Post MVP Considerations
While I attempted to highlight many of the future considerations within the features section above, these items are additional features.
A majority of this list comes from the users during usability testing:
- Add an area within the profile to upload finished Mala Designs and compare them to the virtual mala design as a before and after feature
- On the bead board screen, display a tag that lets you know if the design was purchased
- Add a repurchase option to purchased design malas
- Share Mala Designs to social media with a hashtag (#malacreator)
- Add a social media component allowing students and industry designers to connect
- Allow users to develop a Mala Avatar to use within the Mala CreatorTM
Thank you
I am eternally grateful to my supporters from design mentors to copywriters, from usability testers to friends and family volunteers. Without their help, I would not have been able to create a successful MVP of Mala CreatorTM.
