Forge
Mobile Application Design
Embedded Files
Forge: an app for blacksmiths. Forge encourages beginner blacksmiths to practice and grow by giving them a digital narrative to complete by forging items in the real world. This gives them a direction for their creations, makes it more fun and helps them grow in their craftsmanship.
Forge: an app for blacksmiths. Forge encourages beginner blacksmiths to practice and grow by giving them a digital narrative to complete by forging items in the real world. This gives them a direction for their creations, makes it more fun and helps them grow in their craftsmanship.
Design CHALLENGE
Design CHALLENGE
This challenge was to problem solve by adapting gamification methodologies into a hybrid mobile application using a user-centric approach. The application idea and problem had to be based on a real life, underrepresented community.
PROBLEM
PROBLEM
As blacksmithing isn't something that is necessary for survival or a very common practice there aren't many exterior motivators like good health, external validation, socialisation, etc. Thus very few people participate long term even though they do have a passion for it.
SOLUTION
SOLUTION
Equip beginner blacksmiths with the tools necessary to give them a purpose, a sense of direction and incentive to progress in their craft
DESIGN FRAME
DESIGN FRAME
"How might we give beginner blacksmiths a better sense of direction for their craft?"
RESEARCH INSIGHTS
RESEARCH INSIGHTS
Most people who start doing blacksmithing do it because they are inspired by unique craftsmanship and are drawn to unique designs
Blacksmiths are also interested in role-playing/ character based hobbies like video games like Skyrim and other clubs like Dungeons and Dragons.
Beginner blacksmiths often want to make interesting items but don't always know what to make.
Beginner blacksmithers are people who like being challenged - they like excitement and new situations.
Digital wireframes
Digital wireframes
After some initial sketching, I moved on to digital wireframes and a wireflow to get a general feeling for the flow of the application and the features and functions that will be implemented
FINAL DESIGNS
FINAL DESIGNS
Forge: an app for blacksmiths. Forge encourages beginner blacksmiths to practice and grow by giving them a digital narrative to complete by forging items in the real world. This gives them a direction for their creations, makes it more fun and helps them grow in their craftsmanship. Here are some of the most important screens.
The splash screen introduces the user to the app and allows them to either log in or sign up
The user gets prompted to fill in their own personal details.
On the homepage the user can navigate, be welcomed or start a journey
The first part of a "quest" is a backstory with options for the rest of the user journey
At the end of the journey the user needs to upload a picture to prove and showcase their hard work
The user can view what other users are making, reach out to Drakon Forge and see upcoming events
When the user presses on a day, the location’s events and their own personal appointments will be displayed there
The user can talk to other users on the app
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, this design challenge was very insightful as the aim was to do research and user-oriented design. As a designer, I learned a lot about visual languages, the importance of a clear design frame and how crucial it is to include users in the design process.
In conclusion, this design challenge was very insightful as the aim was to do research and user-oriented design. As a designer, I learned a lot about visual languages, the importance of a clear design frame and how crucial it is to include users in the design process.
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