Dreamcatcher is a social media app and visual discovery engine that allows users to discover, save, and share products and inspiration in the form of images. Unlike specific searches, discovery searches allow the user to browse similar products based on keywords or image cues thus reaching a larger market of products and manufacturers. The app offers tools that optimize the product search process making it more intuitive and streamlined, enhancing user experience, and making it easier to find what they’re looking for. This app aims to help people search more effectively, thus minimizing the need for new variations of objects that negatively contribute to overall pollution.
Purpose
The claim
This is a personal project that aligns with my design views. I believe that not all things have been invented but most things people want are to some extent already created. In the field of design, my views and focus lie in addressing real-life issues rather than contributing to the growing environmental pollution by creating yet another lamp, chair, table, etc.. Not all designers want or are fortunate enough to work on those purposeful projects, thus I do condone those kinds of projects (chairs, lamps,…) for talent and earning living purposes.
The problem
Some fields are oversaturated with similar products. Competition is always welcomed but we need to ask ourselves what is good for the environment in the end. The things that let this problem continue are the price of the object, the availability, trends, and the lack of research. Some businesses thrive on making similar designs at lower costs, some products were manufactured in the past and discontinued and aren’t available anymore. Also, the emergence of businesses often corresponds to people’s demand, which can be influenced by current trends. Those can’t be controlled, but we can create a good research tool for the user to find their specific desired product.
Market research
How do people find their desired products?
There are numerous ways in which people find a product that they desire. Many turn to search engines like Google, typing in specific keywords or phrases related to the item they want. Social media platforms also play a significant role, as people seek recommendations and reviews from friends and influencers. Others just find the product directly in the store. Ultimately, the quest to find the desired product involves a mix of online research, personal preferences, luck, and trusted recommendations, ensuring satisfaction with the final purchase.
Why?
Why do people search the web for products?
The primary motivation is to find specific items they need or desire. The internet provides a vast marketplace where people can explore a wide range of products and brands from the comfort of their homes. Online search allows individuals to compare prices, features, and customer reviews, enabling them to make informed purchasing decisions. Additionally, people search for products to discover new trends, explore different options, or seek alternatives to items they already own. The web also offers convenience and accessibility, as online shopping allows for 24/7 availability and doorstep delivery. Overall, searching the web for products offers convenience, choice, and the ability to find the best deals, making it a popular and efficient way to fulfill shopping needs.
Other notable answers
“ To avoid face-to-face conversations.”
“Convenience of Delivery: Online shopping offers the convenience of doorstep delivery.”
“Online shopping allows you to quickly find specific products, saving you time compared to physically visiting multiple stores.”
How?
How do people search the web for products?
There is no straightforward way of searching for a specific product on the web. Missing information defines our search. There are instances where we rely on the use of keywords. On other occasions, we opt to search by image, leveraging visual cues to refine and narrow down our exploration. These approaches allow us to adapt our search methods to suit the specific context and enhance the precision of our findings.
Competitive analysis - Web search
Here we compare the System Engine Optimisation (SEO) of Google and Pinterest. SEO involves using specific techniques to improve the content, structure, and overall quality of a website, so it becomes more attractive to search engines. By doing this, websites can get more visitors and be easily discovered by people searching for relevant information or products.
Discovery search intent
Pinterest works by conducting keyword research to identify relevant and popular terms that users are searching for. These keywords should be strategically incorporated into pin titles, descriptions, and image alt tags. Additionally, creating high-quality, visually appealing pins with engaging content increases their chances of being shared and discovered by users. Regularly engaging with the Pinterest community, including repinning and commenting on relevant content, can enhance visibility. Pinterest also considers factors like pin quality, domain quality, and pinner quality when determining search rankings.
Specific search intent
Google SEO involves optimizing websites to improve their rankings in search results. This is done by considering factors like keywords, content quality, user experience, and website authority. Google Panda, introduced in 2011, is an algorithm update that targets low-quality and thin content websites. It aims to reward high-quality, relevant, and original content while penalizing practices like keyword stuffing and duplicate content. Google regularly updates its algorithms to provide better search results and prioritize valuable content and user experience. The goal is to ensure users find accurate and valuable information when searching.
Akinator
Guessing search intent
Akinator is an online game that functions as a virtual “mind reader.” It is known for its ability to guess a real or fictional character that a player is thinking of by asking a series of questions. The game uses a combination of artificial intelligence and user-provided answers to narrow down the possibilities and make an accurate guess. Akinator has a vast database of characters and can guess well-known celebrities, fictional characters from books, movies, and TV shows, as well as lesser-known individuals. It has gained popularity for its intriguing and often accurate guessing abilities, providing an entertaining and interactive experience for players.
Flow diagram
This is a simple flow diagram of the main task that the user can do. The full diagram can be found below including all the steps and decisions that the user needs to make to register a trip. There are two important flows, one for underground trips and other for terrestrial trips. Here is presented the underground flow.
High-fidelity UI Design
Here we will explore the app by trying to find the Stool 60 by Alvar Aalto using a simple search query “Wooden stool with 3 bent legs”. In this scenario (Specific search), the user doesn’t know the name of the product but they know how it looks.
Keywords or Image search
There are two ways to search for the desired product, using keywords or by image search which can be selected by taking a picture of the product or uploading an image from the phone’s library.
Advanced settings
The user can create a Quick trip or swipe up for more advanced settings. Everyday mundane trips can be saved and whether they are tired or out of focus, the app will notify the user when to get off.
Focus mode
The user can create a Quick trip or swipe up for more advanced settings. Everyday mundane trips can be saved and whether they are tired or out of focus, the app will notify the user when to get off.
To test the prototype effectively, access it using a desktop computer for the best user experience.
UI Style Guide
A simple UI Style Guide was chosen to let the user to focus on the product they are searching for. The color contrast was tested with the “Contrast Checker” by WebAIM.