02
Client: fACTOR eARTH
Status: Complete
0 -> 1 app launch
Factor Earth publishes cultural and natural heritage content and experiences using a mixed reality interface. I began working on the project in September 2019, as a consultant to develop initial UX artifacts and create a high-fidelity proof of concept. I later joined the team as the lead designer, UX researcher, and led product sales and marketing efforts. The app has been live since July 2021.
Discovery
Research. Augmented reality is still an emerging medium for designing user experiences. Accessibility, ethics, and navigation were at the forefront of the product planning and rigorous research was conducted before development began to identify what would be our design principles. Working to create experiences in new ways that were safe for our users and respectful of the cultural content we share was paramount. I developed additional metrics and methods to measure the non-traditional dimensions of interaction facilitated by Factor Earth. My findings from this research was accepted as part of my master’s degree capstone project and as part of a presentation at the 2021 Colorado Saving Places Conference.
User Flows. The user flows served as a foundational guide throughout the project. The flows and product blueprints helped clarify how each feature would be experienced, from onboarding to advanced usage, and ensured seamless transitions between app sections. I collaborated with our development team to refine these flows, balancing user needs with technical constraints and marketing objectives.
Design
Design System & Pattern Library. Additions and modifications to the Sellers Shield Design System were implemented to help scale new features and update existing components.
Wireframes. I created detailed wireframes that served as the blueprint for user interactions across the app. These wireframes outlined key features and visual hierarchy, incorporating accessibility best practices from the start.
Prototypes. I designed high-fidelity prototypes to present a polished, interactive representation of the app to stakeholders. These prototypes showcased final visual elements, detailed interactions, and accessibility features, allowing stakeholders to experience the app as users would and provide valuable feedback before development.
Results
Augmented Reality. The application leveraged augmented reality and panoramic images to make cultural heritage content accessible and engaging. This solution addressed a key challenge faced by many heritage institutions: limited resources for making their content widely accessible. Factor Earth’s AR functionality enhanced the learning experience while creating a new way to explore to cultural content.
Partnerships and Monetization. One of my primary efforts from the beginning of the app was to develop ways to monetize it. I created features for sponsors to embed hidden rewards within app adventures, creating an engaging, interactive advertising channel. This feature benefited the app by generating advertising revenue while allowing sponsors to demonstrate support for local history, creating mutual value for both our company and our community partners.
Virtual Fieldtrips. I collaborated with a team of archaeologists and educators to create field guides for teachers, enabling them to use our app’s content in classrooms. The guides were customized for different age groups and aligned with state standards, covering multiple subjects to support a comprehensive learning experience.
Information Management. Developed a content management application to streamline content upload and adventure creation. This internal tool empowered content owners to easily upload photos, add text, and set markers, rapidly scaling the number of available adventures on the platform.