Genieously

Overview

Genieously is a advertising agency headquartered in New York, specializing in e-commerce and m-commerce solutions. As a UX/UI Design intern at Genieously, I contributed to the design process of a luxury jewelry and watch subscription service.

Problem

The challenge was to create a luxury jewelry and watch subscription service that offers clients access to pieces for special events or everyday wear, without the need for long-term commitments. The goal was to provide users with a diverse selection of high-quality products on an e-commerce platform. The key challenge was to ensure that the shopping experience remained simple, enjoyable, and luxurious.

Solution

I focused on crafting an e-commerce platform that prioritized user convenience and luxury aesthetics. By collaborating with the project manager, I designed an intuitive interface that allowed users to easily browse and rent jewelry and watches for short or long-term durations. Leveraging products from brand name jewelers, we curated a diverse collection to cater to varying preferences and occasions. Throughout the design process, I emphasized simplicity, fun, and originality, ensuring that the user experience remained seamless and luxurious.

Role

UX/UI Design Intern

Skills

Ideation

Competitive Analysis

User Behavior

UI/UX Design

Visual Design

Prototyping

Sitemapping

Date

Jul 2020 to Oct 2020 | 3 months

Team

1 Project Manager

 
 
 

Sitemapping

 

Ideation

Genieously’s client needed a shopping/rental experience for their jewelry. Utilizing tools such as Notion and Figma, I initiated the project by creating a comprehensive product description, sitemap, competitor analysis, user behavior assessment, and visual sitemap (as depicted above). Our initial vision was to cultivate a website with a clean, engaging, and distinctively unique style, drawing inspiration from contemporary millennial brands like Glossier, Hims & Hers, and Billie. Central to this vision was the emphasis on showcasing jewelry and watch rental subscriptions as the primary offerings.

Pivot

I view pivots as opportunities for growth and expansion, pushing the boundaries of my skills and challenging me to reassess my design process and overarching vision. When my project manager suggested transitioning from website to mobile design after several weeks of work, I welcomed the change. Mobile design aligns with my strengths, whether for web or app interfaces, and I saw this pivot as a chance to leverage my expertise.

 

Branding

Color

In crafting the color palette, I drew inspiration from various sources, including Pinterest color palettes, yet my affinity for neutrals emerged as the defining theme of the project. Recognizing the importance of exuding luxury, I gravitated towards neutral tones, which gave a sense of elegance while seamlessly complementing any design element. This decision was reinforced by my analysis of competitor websites, all of which prominently feature neutral color schemes, affirming their timeless appeal and association with luxury.

Typography

In selecting typography, my aim was to evoke a sense of modern luxury, drawing inspiration from Kourtney Kardashian's website logo font featured on her beauty and lifestyle blog, Poosh. While not identical, I sought a font that captured the essence of its sleek sophistication. For the prominent headers, I opted for the Bely Display font, complemented by the refined Brandon Grotesque font for body text. My search for the perfect font led me to Brandon Grotesque, characterized by its chic demeanor and readability. This choice encapsulated the elusive blend of aesthetics I envisioned, adding a unique touch of sophistication to the overall design.

Visual Design

Inspiration

My inspiration stemmed from a diverse array of sources, including Instagram, Pinterest, and upscale e-commerce platforms specializing in fine jewelry and boutique clothing. My design approach was the desire to offer users a shopping journey characterized by minimalism and ample white space. Recognizing the prevalence of cluttered and overwhelming websites in the e-commerce space, I sought to streamline the user experience by simplifying processes such as adding items to the cart and checkout. In transitioning to mobile design, where screen real estate is limited, I strategically optimized the layout to prioritize essential product details. This necessitated a thoughtful approach to design, ensuring that every element served a purpose and contributed to an intuitive and visually appealing user interface.

 

Prototyping

Final Design

 

Learnings

1. Collaborative work

Collaborating closely with my project manager, I navigated the fast-paced nature of agency projects, enhancing my ability to contribute effectively within dynamic team settings, and gained exposure to the workings of an agile agency.

2. Design expertise

Throughout the internship, I elevated my proficiency in industry-standard design tools such as Notion and Figma, leveraging them to execute complex design tasks with precision and efficiency. Delving into concepts like sitemaps and visual sitemaps, I demonstrated a keen ability to translate design requirements into actionable solutions.

3. Strategic problem-solving

Through iterative design processes and critical analysis of user impact, I showcased strategic problem-solving abilities, continuously refining designs to meet evolving project objectives. Navigating tight deadlines and project complexities honed my adaptability and fostered professional growth.

 
 

© Jannie Phan 2024