LoopyLoop: Fiber Arts Website

Introducing an all-in-one platform to buy or sell materials, pattern instructions, and pre-made items.

My role: UX Writer, UX Researcher, UX Designer

LoopyLoop

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LoopyLoop 〰️

Key Features

Integrated Marketplace:

  • A catalog of materials, tools, and patterns for fiber arts.

  • Designer details, credits, and verification.

  • Options to purchase pre-made kits containing all necessary materials for specific projects.

Material Finder Tool:

  • Analyzes images and suggests a list of items and quantities required for the project, making purchasing easier.

  • A Chrome extension that allows users to select images from big retail e-commerce sites and have the material finder run for them on the same page, making the process even smoother.

  • Measuring guides for designers and pattern creators.

Pattern Writing Interface:

  • Makes pattern writing less daunting by providing a Notion-esque structure to craft patterns that can be potentially sold.

  • Beginner-friendly guides for selecting materials and getting started.

Seller Tools:

  • Easy-to-use interfaces for listing  materials, patterns, or finished goods

  • A Seller could also be a customer if they wish

Design Process 

1) Primary Research - Observations, Interviews, Participatory Design, Auto-Ethnography

2) Secondary Research - Retail Marketplaces, Crafting Websites, AI Material Identifier Tools 

3) Data Analysis - Experience Maps, Storyboards, Task Analysis 

4) Ideation & Prototype - Sketches, Hi-Fi Prototype

5) Usability Testing - Roleplaying, Iteration 

6) Written Documentation

Social and Ethical Implications 

The potential impact of LoopyLoop extends beyond simplifying crafting to addressing broader social, ethical, and environmental considerations. By streamlining the crafting process, supporting creators of all experience levels, and empowering small businesses, the platform fosters creativity, accessibility, and economic growth. At the same time, we acknowledge critical areas for improvement, such as inclusivity for visually impaired users and the promotion of sustainable materials. Here, we reflect on balancing innovation with ethical responsibility, ensuring a positive and meaningful contribution to the crafting community and beyond.

 

Streamlined Process: LoopyLoop simplifies crafting by serving as a one-stop platform for all crafting needs, saving time and effort. By consolidating materials, tools, and patterns in one place, it makes the crafting experience more accessible and hassle-free.

 

Catering to All Experience Levels: The platform supports crafters of varying expertise by offering a customized filtering system based on experience level. This approach fosters creativity, encourages learning, and promotes skill development, making crafting enjoyable for everyone.

 

Skill Development and Personalization: Tailored guidance and tools

empower users to grow personally and professionally, helping them refine their skills and explore new crafting possibilities.

 

Supporting Small Businesses: LoopyLoop provides small businesses and independent crafters with a platform to showcase and sell their creations. This not only promotes economic growth in local communities but also highlights unique, handcrafted products, celebrating creativity and individuality.

 

Design Credit and Ethical Use of AI: To honor creators, the platform includes design credits for all items and materials. While our Material Identifier feature and Chrome extension utilize AI to identify materials, we recognize the potential concerns around intellectual property and copyright issues. Some designers may feel uneasy about disclosing materials so easily. In future iterations, we will explore nuanced solutions to address these concerns while balancing accessibility and ethical considerations.

 

Accessibility & Sustainability: Our current design lacks voice commands and considerations for visually impaired users, which may create a barrier to entry. Addressing this is a priority for future updates. Additionally, while acrylic yarn is affordable and widely available, it is not environmentally friendly. In the future, we aim to promote more sustainable materials, aligning with our "one-box" philosophy to reduce waste and minimize environmental impact.