Research
After coming up with the idea for the app in a group, I first thought of the target audience and worked with my group to develop a user persona.
I began brainstorming what features should be included. As the app focuses on getting feedback on designs, I considered how someone would want to receive that feedback and from whom.
Pinterest board with ideas for interfaces and color palettes.
Possible App Features:
Post WIPs and final designs to feed
Have a page or ‘portfolio’ where all designs are displayed
Join creative communities (ex: illustration, videography, etc)
Give/receive feedback on designs
Follow other users and organizations
Community forms? - Like reddit
Gamification - Badges/Levels for completing certain tasks
Helps improve user interaction with community
Host/post tutorials in the app
Different statues for users: Student / Professional / Professor / Organization
Wireframing & Components
I developed wireframes for various pages of the app to determine the visual hierarchy and get a sense of how the app feels. I chose to design the navigation within a section of the app like a file folder to allude to flipping through a physical portfolio.
As I went, I also began creating components for elements I was reusing.
Prototyping
When I was satisfied with the look and feel of the app, I added color and content. I also prototyped the app so a tester could understand its flow.
Intro animation
Navigating a user's profile