In the vast realm of the art world, access and exposure are key. African art and music, rich in history and cultural significance, have often been underrepresented on the global stage. This was the problem that ARTSPLIT sought to address, and I, as the Product Designer, was tasked with the responsibility of bringing this vision to life.

Our mission at ARTSPLIT was simple yet ambitious: to democratize access to valuable African artworks and music, while simultaneously elevating the global profile of African artists. To do this, we aimed to leverage technology to create a platform where individuals could trade, invest, and earn from fractions of these artworks and music pieces

UI Design, testing and iterations

I was directly involved in the design of three main components: the website, the mobile apps, and the admin dashboard. Designing the website, my priority was to create a user-friendly and aesthetically appealing interface that showcased the richness and diversity of African art and music. I curated a design language that harmoniously blended traditional African motifs with modern design elements. The result was a visually striking website that not only enabled easy navigation but also celebrated African artistic heritage.

Next was the design of the mobile apps. Given the growing trend of mobile art consumption, it was crucial that our platform was easily accessible on handheld devices. I designed the mobile interface with a strong focus on usability and engagement. Features such as smooth navigation, clear categorization of art pieces, and a seamless transaction process were incorporated to provide a delightful mobile user experience.

The third component was the admin dashboard, a vital tool for managing the platform. Designing this involved understanding the needs of our admin team and creating a system that allowed for efficient management of artworks, user accounts, and transactions. The dashboard was equipped with robust analytics tools to monitor user engagement and track the performance of different art pieces and music.

Outcome

Beyond these direct design responsibilities, I also played a pivotal role in user testing and feedback integration. I led multiple testing sessions to understand user interactions with our platforms and leveraged this feedback to continuously refine our design.

In conclusion, the ARTSPLIT project was a unique intersection of art, technology, and design. My work contributed significantly to the platform's success in democratizing access to African art and music, elevating African artists to the global stage. The project offered a significant learning experience, reaffirming the power of design in breaking barriers and creating inclusive experiences. It's a testament to the potential of technology in transforming how we appreciate and engage with art, and I am proud to have played a part in this revolution.