…and talks about it.
…and talks about it.
Designing an asset management app for creatives
Designing an asset management app for creatives
A desktop app for streamlining video & game production process by improving team coordination with creative asset management
A desktop app for streamlining video & game production process by improving team coordination with creative asset management
Industry
Media Production
Dates
Aug - Nov 2021
Client location
Belgium
Team
2 designers, 1 business analyst, 1 project manager
Our client, a video production studio, wanted to build a product that would help creative teams by automating tasks and simplifying workflows
Our client, a video production studio, wanted to build a product that would help creative teams by automating tasks and simplifying workflows
It would manage the complete workflow from the initial project setup to artist management with tracking and versioning, providing a seamless integrated conversion between digital content creation software (DCC) and the real-time engine (Unity3d).
They have already created a basic tool for internal use to validate their ideas. Then they made the decision to develop a SaaS product that includes a desktop app and several plugins.
Two designers were involved in the project: I worked on the desktop app, while the other designer focused on the plugins and artist workspaces.
It would manage the complete workflow from the initial project setup to artist management with tracking and versioning, providing a seamless integrated conversion between digital content creation software (DCC) and the real-time engine (Unity3d).
They have already created a basic tool for internal use to validate their ideas. Then they made the decision to develop a SaaS product that includes a desktop app and several plugins.
Two designers were involved in the project: I worked on the desktop app, while the other designer focused on the plugins and artist workspaces.
We spent a significant amount of time engaging with industry experts and professionals to gather insights and clarify any complexities.
We spent a significant amount of time engaging with industry experts and professionals to gather insights and clarify any complexities.
This deep dive into the industry allowed us to develop a comprehensive understanding of the terminology and workflows involved.
This deep dive into the industry allowed us to develop a comprehensive understanding of the terminology and workflows involved.
We took a dive into what other asset management tools looked like, and discussed their strengths and weaknesses with stakeholders.
We took a dive into what other asset management tools looked like, and discussed their strengths and weaknesses with stakeholders.
Finding gaps in the current tool
Finding gaps in the current tool
I created a survey to learn more about what artists and admins like and dislike about the current tool, and presented results to stakeholders.
Based on insights from the research and discussions with stakeholders, we mapped out a flow
I created a survey to learn more about what artists and admins like and dislike about the current tool, and presented results to stakeholders.
Based on insights from the research and discussions with stakeholders, we mapped out a flow
Over insights from many discussions with stakeholders and product manager, we iterated on the design in stages
Over insights from many discussions with stakeholders and product manager, we iterated on the design in stages
We decided to use dark theme in the UI because most artists use dark theme when working in DCCs. The accent color is the brand color, the rest were carefully selected to compliment each other and ensure that there's enough contrast.
We decided to use dark theme in the UI because most artists use dark theme when working in DCCs. The accent color is the brand color, the rest were carefully selected to compliment each other and ensure that there's enough contrast.
Admin users create a new workspace for their team
Admin users create a new workspace for their team
They have permissions to add artists or managers, customize workflows, manage integrations, etc. The setup process is a bit more technical but admins have the skills and knowledge to do it successfully.
They have permissions to add artists or managers, customize workflows, manage integrations, etc. The setup process is a bit more technical but admins have the skills and knowledge to do it successfully.
When everything is set up, admins and managers can create new projects
When everything is set up, admins and managers can create new projects
Since all technical stuff was covered during initial setup, creating a new project only takes a couple of minutes.
Since all technical stuff was covered during initial setup, creating a new project only takes a couple of minutes.
Each project is populated and presented as a flow chart that represents how assets are built
Each project is populated and presented as a flow chart that represents how assets are built
Sculpting step can have multiple iterations. When asset is updated by artist in their software tool, the plugin pushes changes to this project library. This way all assets are always up to date.
Sculpting step can have multiple iterations. When asset is updated by artist in their software tool, the plugin pushes changes to this project library. This way all assets are always up to date.
Additionally, there's the Subscriptions view that allows product managers to see how and where assets are used. For example, we can see that the character Riki is used in 50 shots and 3 environments.
This view can be helpful to eliminate unnecessary assets that are rarely used or to track dependencies when making decisions.
Additionally, there's the Subscriptions view that allows product managers to see how and where assets are used. For example, we can see that the character Riki is used in 50 shots and 3 environments.
This view can be helpful to eliminate unnecessary assets that are rarely used or to track dependencies when making decisions.
Sometimes assets can be bought or reused from previous projects
Sometimes assets can be bought or reused from previous projects
We decided to create an asset library where different assets can be stored and easily sent to DCC tools with only a couple of steps.
We decided to create an asset library where different assets can be stored and easily sent to DCC tools with only a couple of steps.
During the presentation of the final prototype, we received positive feedback from both artists and managers
During the presentation of the final prototype, we received positive feedback from both artists and managers
We have prepared a demo for clients to showcase to potential investors. Currently they are looking for funding opportunities.
We have prepared a demo for clients to showcase to potential investors. Currently they are looking for funding opportunities.
