Welcome!

My name is Monika and this is my project portfolio for Design: Creation of Artifacts in Society, one of the online courses in Coursera.org. 

I currently work in a digital company. I am interested in graphics and web design but have no experience yet. I hope through this course I can hone my design skills and apply them in future projects.

Assignment #7.1 Beta/Final Prototype

Naming my artifact was easy because we already have a name for the digital printing business. It is called "Print On Me", which has all the qualities for a good brand name. It is easy to pronounce, memorable and evokes the correct ideas of what the service is about - to print any design on any customizable item. Thus, I have decided to call my artifact the "Print On Me Online Shop" which is very direct to the point.

The actual website can be viewed on this link: http://printonme.wix.com/home.

Here are some screenshots explaining the different features and with annotations of what needs they address.

Print On Me Online Shop: Home Page

Print On Me Online Shop: News and Promos page

Print On Me Online Shop: Product Catalog/Portfolio (from Concept B)

Print On Me Online Shop: Price List

Print On Me Online Shop: Order Form

Print On Me Online Shop: Contact/Feedback Form

Print On Me Online Shop: Frequently Asked Questions

To recap, this is the gap I was trying to address: "In what way might I create a user-friendly website for a digital printing business?"

Below are the key user needs (see complete list here):

The website is informative/has information about the business.
The website is helpful/makes the ordering process easier.
The website lists methods on how to contact the company.
The website is intuitive especially for first-time users.
The website is pleasing to the eyes.
The website is interactive.

Even if I don't possess web development skills, I was able to create a free website through wix.com. However, not all features were available in a free account such as changing the page title and bulk upload of content. My next step is to find an experienced web developer and to reserve a domain. I will also be populating the photo gallery with images of the actual products and will also add more features with social media integration. I will also search for different widgets and applications online that I can add to the website. All these premium functions come with a price but it's worth paying in order to improve our service to our customers and ultimately drive in more sales. 

Assignment #6.1 Alpha Prototype

My Gap: A user-friendly website design for a digital printing company that allows readers to get information on the products, make inquiries and place orders

Alpha Prototype: http://printonme.wix.com/home

Screenshot of Home Page:

Please take note that this website is only an alpha prototype and does not yet contain actual and accurate information about the business. The aesthetics look different from the previous concepts and prototypes submitted due to my limited knowledge in web development, but in terms of design, the arrangement/layout and functions are still the same. All information is readily accessible and it helps in making the ordering process easier and more convenient.

Assignment #5.1 Concept Testing - One Concept

Chosen Concept/s: Combined Magazine and Catalog

Concept Test and Results:

I created an online survey that includes prototypes of the three concepts with the descriptions of the available features. It combines the two types of concept tests: Forced Choice - wherein I asked the users which website design they preferred; and Purchase Intent - with a five-point scale of how the chosen concept met the primary user needs (see complete list here). I was able to get responses from the target users, who are the actual customers of the business. I did this by posting the web link of the survey in the company's official Facebook page. I also asked my family and friends to answer since I value their opinion on this. By personally sharing the survey link to them, we were also able to discuss their ideas more clearly and with additional inputs.

I was surprised about the results! Some respondents chose concepts that were not my personal preference. It was amazing how they also added their own suggestions on how to improve it. Some also suggested to combine features of different concepts. The survey also showed me the different preferences of the users in terms of how informative and/or helpful the website is.

Concept J was the most preferred, although many people suggested to combine the components of the other concepts. I took the good points of Concept A (how all necessary information were immediately available on the home page) and Concept B's catalog/photo gallery.

Assignment #4.2 Prototyping - 3 Concepts

Problem Statement/Gap: In what way might I create a user-friendly website design for a digital printing business?

Primary User Needs (see complete list of user needs here):
The website is informative/has information about the business.
The website is helpful/makes the ordering process easier.
The website lists methods on how to contact the company.
The website is intuitive especially for first-time users.
The website is pleasing to the eyes.
The website is interactive.

Concept Sketches from last week:

Prototypes:

Concept A: Online Brochure
Main Features: Company Info, Contact Info, Product List, Order Form, Payment and Delivery Options

Concept B: Product Catalog
Main Features: Contact Info, Photo Gallery, Order Form

Concept J: Events Magazine
Main Features: News and Events Calendar, Photo Gallery, Promos and Discounts