InkMatcher
An iOS app where users can find new tattoo artists based on location, browse through inspiration tattoos, or even get matched with artists matching their specifications.
Tools: Figma, Figjam, Maze
Role: UX/UI Researcher & Designer
Tools: Figma, Figjam, Maze
Role: UX/UI Researcher & Designer
Problem
Finding new tattoo artists can be daunting, overwhelming, and overall difficult. Social media and search engines can only do so much for finding a new artist. Users feel as though there are not enough resources for them to use.
There are over 26,000 tattoo artists in the US, but only a fraction of apps for finding artists. My research only found 2 apps specifically catered to finding tattoo artists and not just finding inspiration for your next tattoo.
There are over 26,000 tattoo artists in the US, but only a fraction of apps for finding artists. My research only found 2 apps specifically catered to finding tattoo artists and not just finding inspiration for your next tattoo.
Solution
InkMatcher is an all in one app for users to find new tattoo artists, browse through inspirational styles, see artists' portfolios, and even get matched with artists based on their criteria.
Survey
Before diving into research interviews, I first created a survey to collect initial data. The survey ended up being taken by 15 people.
Some data from the survey:
When planning a new tattoo, what is your usual way of finding a new artist?
- 60%Social media
- 60%Word of mouth
- 26.8%Write-in answers
Competitive Research & Analysis
Social media seems to be the main way users find new artists - Instagram being the most popular. An initial survey that I conducted found that 60% of participants relied on social media and/or word of mouth to find new artists.
Currently there are some similar apps to exist which are Tattoodo & inckd.
Another piece of data I found while conducting user interviews, as well as competitive research, was the issue of tattoo artists editing their social media photos, leading to unrealistic expectations.
For example, according to multiple studies, 50% - 80% of users edit their photos prior to posting on social media. 100% of my participants use Instagram to find new artists, with 60% of participants worried about how artists may edit their photos posted to Instagram.
Currently there are some similar apps to exist which are Tattoodo & inckd.
Another piece of data I found while conducting user interviews, as well as competitive research, was the issue of tattoo artists editing their social media photos, leading to unrealistic expectations.
For example, according to multiple studies, 50% - 80% of users edit their photos prior to posting on social media. 100% of my participants use Instagram to find new artists, with 60% of participants worried about how artists may edit their photos posted to Instagram.
Research Interviews
I conducted research interviews with 5 participants over Zoom & Google Meet. After conducting interviews, I gathered the data and noticed some patterns & recurring pain points, which I will highlight below.
Gathering insights
While conducting user interviews, I noticed some common frustrations user seem to have when finding new artists.
- Social mediaUsers feel that social media can be misleading & manipulative, due to artists' ability to only post very selective and overly edited photos
- Lack of resourcesFinding new artists in new cities can be overwhelming and difficult due to the lack of resources
- Vetting artistsUsers find it hard to really get to know an artist's personality beforehand, which plays heavily into the user's experience of getting tattooed
What does this all mean?
What opportunities arose from these interviews?
How might we create an app for users to not only find tattoo artists in their area who match their criteria & see their portfolio, but also provide reviews for users to read beforehand?
How might we create a space within this app for users to read reviews about their potential artist, along with better pricing transparency, so that users are able to feel more confident about their choice?
How might we create an app for users to not only find tattoo artists in their area who match their criteria & see their portfolio, but also provide reviews for users to read beforehand?
How might we create a space within this app for users to read reviews about their potential artist, along with better pricing transparency, so that users are able to feel more confident about their choice?
After going through all of my interviews, I gathered and grouped some quotes and stand-out pieces from my research interviews to create affinity mapping.
Information Architecture
Sitemap & user flows!
When thinking about the layout of my app, I wanted to think about the app itself along with the flows users would be taking. Some tasks for user testing included signing up, navigating the app to get matched with an artist, and then reaching out to a desired tattoo artist. I wanted users to feel like the app was easy to navigate, understand, and overall organized.
When thinking about the layout of my app, I wanted to think about the app itself along with the flows users would be taking. Some tasks for user testing included signing up, navigating the app to get matched with an artist, and then reaching out to a desired tattoo artist. I wanted users to feel like the app was easy to navigate, understand, and overall organized.
Wireframing
After sketching some initial screens for low fidelity wireframes, I started building them out in Figma. Here are some key screens that I built for initial usability testing. These screens include the home page, part of the questionnaire for getting matched, a results page, and an artist's profile page.
Inspiration
Before moving on to high fidelity wireframes, I first wanted to think about what inspired this app in the first place. I thought about my own tattoos, the history of tattooing, and the many different styles. Ultimately I pulled a lot of inspiration from American Traditional tattoos. I like the boldness of traditional tattooing with dark outlines, bright colors, and saturations.
High Fidelity Screens
Finally, after initial feedback from my low fidelity wireframes, I created the high fidelity wireframes for this app.
The section below are sample key screens.
The section below are sample key screens.
Usability Testing
High Fidelity Maze testing
10 participants tested the high fidelity screens with the task of finding a new artist by using the "get matched" feature of the app.
After going through the questionnaire users were tasked of choosing an artist and browsing their profile, portfolio, and reviews.
The final task was to reach out to the artist.
10 participants tested the high fidelity screens with the task of finding a new artist by using the "get matched" feature of the app.
After going through the questionnaire users were tasked of choosing an artist and browsing their profile, portfolio, and reviews.
The final task was to reach out to the artist.
- get matched90% of testers left feedback using the keywords "easy" "intuitive" or "straightforward"
- browse matchesAt least 90% completion rate on each task
- reach out100% positive feedback
Iterations
Based on user testing feedback, I went through and made a few iterations to my final high fidelity wireframes. Overall they were small changes like colors, spacing, etc. Below are some screenshots of the before & after screens with a description of the changes.
I changed the color of the "selected" tattoo style, after some feedback regarding accessibility.
Users wanted to be able to see the location & specialties of the artists without having to click on their cards.
Accessibility is important, so I changed the contrast and changed the opacity of some photos.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, I wanted to create an app that would help those either seeking out their first tattoo, or their 100th, to be able to easily find tattoo artists. Whether they are just browsing styles, or specifically seeking out an artist based on their wishes, I wanted InkMatcher to be able to help.
Something I wasn't wanting to initially add to the design was having reviews of the artists. After my research interviews, however, I realized that this mattered a lot to users, so I included that feature.
If I were to continue working on this app, I’d love to continue to work on the “find inspiration” pages, so users can really dive deeper into the different tattoo styles and really find what they like.
I think a really interesting feature to have would be “video bios” of the artists, so they can give a quick intro to who they are, their styles, etc. It could help the users get a glimpse into their personality and if they’d be a good fit or not.
Something I wasn't wanting to initially add to the design was having reviews of the artists. After my research interviews, however, I realized that this mattered a lot to users, so I included that feature.
If I were to continue working on this app, I’d love to continue to work on the “find inspiration” pages, so users can really dive deeper into the different tattoo styles and really find what they like.
I think a really interesting feature to have would be “video bios” of the artists, so they can give a quick intro to who they are, their styles, etc. It could help the users get a glimpse into their personality and if they’d be a good fit or not.