Problem

Mina System is an artist with a website on an HTML based CMS, Cargo Collective. Having relied on multiple domains, and the limitations of an HTML CMS, Mina was ready to explore further options.

Vision

Facing limitations of their current CMS, Mina System needed a new way to approach their website. The final product would need to be able to switch between English and Japanese, showcase 3D models, and have the ability to create a custom footer.

Brief

HokaHoka took on the challenge of renovating Mina System’s web presence. I began with conducting research on competitor artist sites, and building a solid understanding of best practices in terms of usability and accessibility. Designing and prototyping were done on Figma to communicate with the client effectively. The site was built on WordPress utilizing custom PHP, JS, CSS, and HTML.

Competitive Analysis

Competitive analysis was conducted with several professional artists with web presences that were successful.

Target Audience Analysis

Target audience analysis was conducted on Reddit, Craigslist, and Facebook. Posts from artists showcasing their websites were analyzed for effective and impressive UXUI implementations. Artist profile pages on renowned gallery websites were also analyzed for standardization.

Results

The analyses were synthesized into trends and compiled into an overarching user problem statement.

User Problem

“I am looking for a talented artist, and I need assistance in finding one online.”

Solution

Mina System is the artist for your next group show, or even a potential new artist for your roster.

Features to Implement

• Inviting landing page
• Feature work on landing page
• Easily navigable site menu
• Artwork photo documentation galleries
• Exhibition photo documentation galleries
• Contact page
• Artist Statement
• CV

Goals

Utilizing screenshots of the prototype on Figma with AI generated images and stock images, I was able to create a user experience test. Using this I gathered data regarding the usability and accessibility of the website.

Process

User tests were conducted on specific demographics, including: graduate students entering the art world, gallerists looking for new artists, and university admissions professors. By focusing on these demographics and utilizing the prototype as the basis for the study, I was able to find crucial key points in improving the design of the site.

The original HTML website can be viewed here.

Results

By leveraging this prototype, I was able to gather valuable data pertaining to the website’s usability and accessibility. The test provided insights into how users interacted with the interface, how easily they could navigate through the content, and whether the design elements were intuitive and visually appealing. The results obtained from this user test will inform future improvements and optimizations to enhance the overall user experience of the website.

Wireframes

Wireframes were created to refine the MVP and affirm critical red routes.

Prototype

The prototype was refined to be closer to a high fidelity model.

Style Guide

Architecture

The architecture of Mina System’s website follows a user-centered design approach, ensuring a seamless and intuitive browsing experience for visitors. By prioritizing user needs and efficient information retrieval, the architecture of Mina System’s website aims to create a user-friendly platform that effectively showcases their expertise and drives engagement.

Stack

Platform: WordPress
DB: MySQL
Backend: PHP (WordPress Admin was used as a CMS.)
Frontend: HTML / CSS / JS
Digital Asset Management: WordPress Media Library

Integrations (plugins, etc.)

Header/Footer/Post Injections by Stefano Lissa
Responsive Lightbox & Gallery by dFactory
Three.JS plugin

SEO Integrations

Yoast SEO was used to evaluate the SEO score of the website and changes were made to improve performance

Keywords/Phrases

• Art
• Artist
• Contemporary Artist
• Contemporary Art
• Gallery Artist
• Emerging Artist
• Studio Artist
• Artwork
• Art Portfolio
• Video Art
• Installation Art
• Drawing
• Painting
• Sculpture
• 3D Art
• Animation

Meta

Artist | Contemporary Art | Studio Art | Video, Sculpture, Drawing, Installation and much more. – New York, NY & Brooklyn, NY.

Accomplishments

A screen recording of the final product is viewable below.

Through my comprehensive web design, web development, and SEO work on the Mina System project, I achieved significant outcomes and accomplished key milestones. Overall, my efforts have contributed to positioning Mina System as a reputable, professional, and talented artist.

Web Presence Revamp

Concerning web design, I created a visually appealing and user-friendly website that effectively showcases Mina System’s artwork, exhibitions, and dossier. The seamless web development implementation ensured smooth navigation and optimal performance across various devices.

SEO

My strategic SEO efforts led to improved search engine rankings, increased organic traffic, and enhanced online visibility for Mina System, resulting in a broader reach and higher conversion rates.