The design of this product is inspired by an existing need for a tool which allows creative collaborators to maximize their working and process time with their team.
For example, dance choreography creation involves video sketches created by the dancers (often on the spot), and inspirational videos sourced from other channels. These videos, when collected into one virtual space, must also be immediately accessible, viewable in highlighted segments, and share-able.
USER'S GOAL: Use the tool as a means of organizing, communicating, and creating together, rather than dividing time between the creative energy flow and multiple tools which aim to aid in the process.
FIELD WORK: I interviewed 8 choreographers (troupe leaders) about their creative processes, the tools they were currently using, and their working needs. I also observed several of them as they worked with their groups, and noted the times when the tool(s) they were using to organize and share inspirational and concept videos were actually slowing down the creative process.
Very often a smart phone or an iPad was used to create the sketch videos of experimental choreography on the spot. These were immediately reviewed for adjustment and refinement opportunities.
PAIN POINTS: Videos sourced from movies and past shows were also used for inspiration in the dance studio. It was cumbersome to switch between the different video types, and even more difficult to only view the parts that were particularly relevant to the dancers at that specific time. Choreographer leads often shared their notes about the video snippets, which were inconveniently separated from the videos themselves.
There appeared a need for a virtual collection board of videos, which could be used during the process of creating choreographies.
UNIQUE FEATURES: Two main features which distinguish this tool from similar collection board products 1. the ability to book-end/book mark only selected frames of the video for immediate replay, and 2. the ability to add notes to individual frames, or sets of frames.
DESIGN GOAL: My main focus, as I designed the screens for this app, was to create a streamlined experience, which empowered the creatives during their working time together.
OTHER CREATIVE USERS: This product is relevant to all types of creative collaborators and individual DIYers
- Cooks may create and share recipes publicly, or create a collection board of them for personal use.
- Crafters may create and share their projects publicly, or create a board per project for their personal use.
- Sports enthusiasts may create an inspiration board of actions as a way to train and study.
