For this app development project, I was tasked with choosing a problem in my surroundings I want to see changed. As part of a Human and Computer Interaction course, I worked with a group to identify a core problem: students in STEM or non-art related fields may not have access to create expression (which can lower anxiety, depression, and burnout).
At that point, we did preliminary research with a focus group of 20 non-art students - they expressed interest in creativity, but weren’t sure how to access it. They didn’t want an addicting new social media, but liked the idea of guided prompts so they had motivation to utilize creative expression in their busy schedules.
From there, Art-ish was born. We wanted this app to function as a short, sweet daily system. Much like Wordle, BeReal and daily horoscopes which have become more popular, this app would have a daily artistic activity that is easy to do and allows a burst of connection with others (without becoming a new Pinterest or Instagram).
The key moods for the apps visuals: soothing, evocative, stylish.
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weekly projects allow individuals to explore a specific artistic style/project more deeply - complete with a supply list and professional advice, this gives bigger goals without a huge variety of overwhelming content.
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daily prompts offer a way to let out creative energy in fun ways, exploring the ways we answer creative questions. individuals can then see a social feed with their friends’ work, which refreshes after the day’s end.
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study sessions provide a mechanism to express creative energy and boost serotonin without intruding on a busy schedule. users work on their own time with periodic, intentional creative prompts throughout.
video walk-through of one user path: the daily prompt.