MakeSpace
a mobile app that transforms simple art exercises into lasting creative habits
Project Overview
Nearly 50% of adults don’t consider themselves to be artistic despite enjoying creative hobbies.
88% of adults who engage in creative activities find joy in completing projects, but many wish to be more creative.
Almost half (46%) of Americans use creative hobbies to relieve stress or anxiety.
MakeSpace is a mobile app that helps users carve out time for creativity through low-intensity, pressure-free art exercises. Many people want to make art but struggle to find the time, confidence, or resources to begin. MakeSpace bridges that gap by encouraging users to “make space” in both their day and their surroundings to make something creative. With simple prompts, accessible materials, and a playful progress system, the app turns everyday moments into opportunities for self-expression and builds a joyful art habit. The design includes a gamified experience, using rewards and milestones to keep users engaged and inspired to create regularly.
Duration
2 Weeks
My Role
UX + UI Design, Visual design, Branding, User flow, Research, Prototyping + Testing
Tools
Figma, Miro, Photoshop, Illustrator
Problem
Many people want to make art but struggle to fit it into their daily lives due to limited time, fear of imperfection, or lack of resources. Beginners often feel intimidated by large projects or formal lessons, leaving them unsure where to start. Even those who are motivated to improve their skills can find it difficult to maintain consistency or see progress, making it easy to give up. This creates a barrier to forming a sustainable creative habit and enjoying the benefits of regular artistic practice.
Goal
MakeSpace aims to help users build a daily art habit through short, low-pressure exercises that are accessible, fun, and manageable. The app encourages creativity without focusing on perfection or expensive materials, making it easier for anyone to start and continue creating. By providing playful prompts, “ice breakers,” and gradual skill-building exercises, MakeSpace seeks to make art a consistent, enjoyable part of users’ routines. The goal is to empower users to explore creativity, reduce stress, and feel a sense of accomplishment over time.
Outcome
Users can integrate art into their daily lives without feeling overwhelmed or pressured, creating a sustainable and enjoyable creative routine. They experience reduced stress, increased confidence, and the opportunity to develop their skills over time. The app encourages creative exploration, allowing users to experiment, play, and learn about art techniques and tools from their own space or within the “space” they make in their day. By incorporating gamified elements, MakeSpace keeps users motivated and excited. Ultimately, MakeSpace transforms short, playful exercises into lasting habits, fostering both personal growth and joy through consistent, accessible, and low-pressure creative practice.
User Interviews
Target Users
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They are beginner or casual artists looking for low-intensity, approachable exercises.
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They are regular mobile app users who want to integrate art into their daily routine.
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They are time-constrained creators seeking relaxation and self-expression in short sessions (10–20 minutes).
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They are users with limited access to art materials who prefer simple, hassle-free activities.
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They are learners motivated to improve skills through guided prompts at their own pace.
Method
In-depth interviews with users to explore their current art habits, motivations, and challenges with fitting creative practice into their daily routines.
Interview Questions
I surveyed some potentials users and asked:
Why would you want to do art regularly?
"It helps me relax after work, even if it’s just doodling for a few minutes."
"I want a fun hobby that doesn’t feel overwhelming or expensive."
"I want to improve my skills and actually see progress over time."
"I feel happier and more creative when I make art consistently."
"I want to build a portfolio and need to make art a daily habit."
Why would you want short and easy art exercises?
"I don’t have a lot of time, so something quick keeps me consistent."
"It makes starting less intimidating — I never know where to begin."
"I want to build confidence little by little without feeling stuck."
"It makes it possible to practice every day without feeling burned out."
"It would feel manageable in my schedule and a good way to unwind."
How do you feel about art "ice breakers"?
"They’re fun to take the pressure off and help me just start creating."
“I get intimidated by big projects. Ice breakers are perfect for easing in."
"They’re okay if they don’t feel childish."
"I’d enjoy them in a group setting, with friends or an online challenge."
"I’d like prompts that are simple but lead to something I can build on later."
How do you feel about exercises focused on creativity over a final piece?
"I think that's fun, but I’d also want guidance to improve my skills while exploring."
"I love the idea of playing around without worrying about perfection."
"Creative exercises where I can experiment without a finished piece? Yes please!"
"I want to relax and enjoy the process — it’s about fun, not masterpieces."
"I enjoy trying new, even “crazy” ideas without feeling judged or constrained."
Key Insights
Tailored for Skill, Age, and Context
Users’ needs vary by experience and age: beginners need short, guided prompts; casual hobbyists prefer low-pressure exercises; and advanced users seek skill-building challenges.
Guidance & Encouragement
Step-by-step instructions and milestone celebrations help users stay confident and consistent. Positive reinforcement reduces intimidation and encourages continued practice.
Manageable Time Requirements
Short, daily exercises (5–30 minutes) fit into users’ routines and make creative practice achievable. This accommodates fatigue, short attention spans, and busy schedules.
Low-Pressure Creativity
Users are discouraged by complex projects or fear of mistakes. Low-pressure, enjoyable prompts allow them to experiment and create without stress.
Social Interaction and Sharing
Sharing work, receiving reactions, and getting feedback increases engagement across ages. Social features motivate users and make creative practice more enjoyable.
Learning, Growth, & Personal Satisfaction
Users are driven by learning and experimenting with styles. Progress and personal growth provide a sense of accomplishment and foster long-term habits.
User Persona
“I want to occupy my time now that I don't work. If I learn something new, it can keep the Alzheimer's away.”
Henry
User Story
As a retired adult, I want clear, gentle art exercises so that I can reconnect with my hobby, stay mentally active, and enjoy art at my own pace without frustration.
Problem Statement
Henry is a retired dentist who enjoys new hobbies. He needs beginner-friendly guidance and community support to keep his tactility and mental activity, connect with others, and create art without stumbling on the technology.
Pain Points
He finds complex interfaces intimidating, needs exercises that aren’t rushed, and may face challenges with fine motor skills.
Hypothesis Statement
If Henry can have a clear interface with easy art exercises, then he can enjoy his time alone and stay mentally active without feeling overwhelmed by technology or tools.
Behaviors
Henry engages in hobbies sporadically, struggles without guidance, and is often intimidated by complex technology, making consistent creative practice difficult.
Goals
He wants to relax and enjoy creating art while staying mentally engaged. He appreciates adjustable difficulty, clear instructions, and enjoys seeing his progress over time.
“I love the idea of making art, but I'm scared I'll mess up. I want to build the confidence and let loose — no stress, no pressure.”
Emma
User Story
As a busy professional who loves a hobby, I want short, fun, low-pressure prompts to relax, explore my creativity, and build a consistent daily habit without stress or high setup.
Pain Points
She struggles to start art activities due to fatigue and is intimidated by blank pages. Yet she feels guilty if she isn’t being productive. She doesn't know where to begin and worries about “doing it wrong” or "not being artistic enough.”
Behaviors
She doodles when bored or stressed, but hesitates to start projects without guidance. She waits for the "right space and time" to start. She is motivated by short, achievable prompts and prefers exercises that take 10–20 minutes.
Problem Statement
Emma is a stressed professional who needs a simple, calming creative outlet because she wants to unwind after work without feeling pressured to create something perfect.
Hypothesis Statement
If Emma can get low setting art exercises, then she will gain confidence to create regularly, embrace mistakes, and use simple, low-pressure art as a way to relax and relieve stress without feeling unproductive.
Goals
She wants to use are to unwind while cultivating a casual, enjoyable creative habit. She aims to explore her creativity without pressure or judgment and build confidence in basic techniques through a consistent practice.
User Journey
Emma's Goal: find an art idea and execute it
How Might We...
help users overcome blank-page anxiety and creative blocks?
inspire creativity on the go, outside a traditional desk or studio?
users pick up on other user's incomplete drawings
use images from a database and collage/sketch over them
take photo of something and sketch over it
follow an artist and emulate their work
warm up doodle before the real prompt
start with a paint wash first
take pics during your day to incorporate into the final art
collage digital images online
take a video during your day and sketch over frames
collect 3-5 items during your day to scrapbook
daily reminder that sets a 30-min window to submit art
join a friends group and get motivated when they post
you have to share artwork to see other's
associate app with another app
keep candle/character alive with the streak
streak count
make maintaining a daily streak rewarding while motivating users to return even after skipping a day?
encourage focusing on the process rather than the final product?
upload 6 pics/videos before uploading the final art
2 daily submissions: work in progress & final
1 weekly prompt with multiple different submissions required
final work submitted with a text reflection
Value Propositions
Motivation & Engagement
notification reminders to submit
language of encouragement
milestones celebrated
daily submissions
Learning & Skill Development
prompts and can be switched
guided videos
short exercises
low setting, low material
Community & Social Features
sharing, reacting & commenting
inclusive of all ages
Usability & Experience
clear and easy interface
progress tracking
Competitive Market Analysis
to compare art apps and learn from gamified platforms
Simply Draw
Description & Features
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Direct competitor
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Targets kids to young adults who enjoy step-by-step visual instructions, playful engagement, and creative expression
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Step-by-step video-guided pencil drawings
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Focus on skill development and creativity
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Available on phone and tablet
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Option to draw digitally within the app
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Community boards for sharing and curating drawings
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Simple material needed (pencil and paper)
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Free and paid membership options
Strengths
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Accessible, beginner-friendly tutorials with clear visual guidance
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Encourages creativity in a low-pressure, self-paced format
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Minimal material make it easy to start
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Digital drawing option adds flexibility
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Sharing boards create a sense of community and motivation
Weaknesses
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Feels too childish for older users
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Very beginner level and allows for limited creativity
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Limited variety in drawing styles and subjects
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Personalization options are shallow and repetitive
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Forces users to pay for membership to access more lessons
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Only available in landscape mode
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Competes poorly with free, more diverse tutorials available on YouTube
Daily Art
Description & Features
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Indirect competitor
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Targets young adults and older art enthusiasts who enjoy microlearning or bite-sized daily content
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Provides daily doses of art history with a personalized “art of the day”
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Available in 23 languages
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Allows liking, sharing, and saving artworks to a personal board
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Widget integration showing the 3 most recent days
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Supports light and dark modes and landscape view
Strengths
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Simple, intuitive navigation
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Promotes daily learning
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High accessibility through language support and widgets
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Encourages social sharing and easy connection to the phone’s home screen
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Content is concise, readable, and visually engaging
Weaknesses
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Full access and sharing lists require a paid subscription
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Limited browsing and sorting options
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Ads sometimes obstruct viewing experience
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Pushes users toward paid trials
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Minimal interactivity or community engagement (no quizzes or discussions)
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Not meant to teach you to make art but know about art discourse
Duolingo
Description & Features
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Indirect competitor
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Targets casual learners who want a gamified, bite-sized approach
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Daily, bite-sized, gamified language lessons
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Available on phone, tablet, and web
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Personalized progress tracking and streak system
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Build a custom avatar and profile
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Join clubs to compete and encourage others
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Friendly mascot (Duo) sends reminders and motivation messages
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Free access with optional upgrades
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Widget with progress tracking
Strengths
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Game-like experience makes learning fun and engaging
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Strong global community and social interaction features
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Clear visual progression and milestones
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Consistent motivation through streaks and rewards
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Recognizable, friendly brand identity
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Accessible to beginners and casual learners
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Strong branding and marketing
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Language tailored to progress
Weaknesses
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New energy-based point system feels restrictive and discouraging
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Limited value for advanced learners
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Gamification can sometimes prioritize streaks over deep learning
Goal Statement
The creative app will let users complete daily art exercises in response to short and easy prompts, which will affect everyone interested in this creative outlet by building their confidence, reducing stress, having fun and establishing a habit. Effectiveness will be measured by tracking daily engagement rates, exercise completion rates, user streaks, and self-reported confidence and stress levels through in-app surveys.
User Flow
User Task: putting an outfit together and purchasing it
Big Picture Storyboard
The app aims to help users develop a habit of creating art regularly without overthinking the process.
"I am so bored. I really want to be productive and get creative."
"But what do I do or where do I even begin?"
"MakeSpace just sent me today's prompt!"
"This is fun! Let me take progress pictures as I go."
"I'm so happy with the final work. Perhaps it doesn't look pretty or make sense but I loved doing it."
"Let me share with others online and see if they like it or made their own version."
Site Map
Paper Wireframes
Onboarding Flow
Homepage Ideas
Add Entry
Profile
Low Fidelity Wireframes
The lo-fi wireframe and prototype represent the second iteration and have been updated based on user feedback.
Sign In & Setting Up
Adding Entry
Step 1
Step 2
Step 4
Step 5
Gallery
Diary
Step 3
Step 6
Step 7
Explore
Notification
User Feedback
“If I miss a day, can I still see what my friends posted before?”
Social & Engagement Features
Users like that they can connect with friends.
Users also appreciate the inclusion of widgets and reminders.
Personalization & Flexibility
Users would like the option to set goals as part of their setup. Not all users want to create every day; some prefer flexibility in their streaks.
"What happens if I miss today's entry?
Language & Clarity
Users are unfamiliar with specific terms. Language should be accessible: use “Browse Tools” instead of “Browse Media” and “What do you usually create with?” instead of “What is your preferred media?”
"What if I don’t want to post daily? I want to set my own streak intervals. I won’t be able to post for my streak every day."
Motivation & Missed Days
Users are concerned about losing motivation if they miss a day.
Motivating Features for Users
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Widgets, reminders, and prompt countdowns provide structure and help users stay consistent.
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Motivational language, personalized messages and celebratory feedback after each entry.
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Social features like connecting with friends, posting before viewing others, and receiving feedback encourages participation and build community engagement.
4
Users submit process entries, not just final work, to earn points with their streak.
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The logo doubles as a process tracker, reinforcing progress visually.
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A visual diary or archive that showcases progress over time.
Design Kit
Color Palette
The color palette draws inspiration from apps like BeReal and Locket, which use a dark theme as their core UI. This approach supports an image-centered experience while creating a polished, focused, and energy-efficient environment—especially suited for creative or habit-driven apps often used at night.
The yellow accent color (#F2BB00) was chosen for its warm, optimistic, and attention-grabbing qualities. It contrasts against dark backgrounds, establishing clear visual hierarchy and naturally drawing attention to key interactive elements such as buttons, icons, and notifications. Psychologically, yellow evokes energy, creativity, and positivity, aligning with the app’s goal of inspiring users to create and share moments. It adds vibrancy without overwhelming the interface, maintaining a playful yet balanced tone that enhances usability.
Accessibility
The combination of yellow (#F2BB00) with black and white meets WCAG contrast guidelines, ensuring visibility and inclusivity across all devices and lighting conditions. This color provides excellent contrast in both light and dark modes, achieving a balance of emotional warmth and functional clarity—ideal for a creative, community-centered app that prioritizes both expression and accessibility.
Graphics & Typography
The typography balances playfulness and clarity, reflecting the app’s creative and social tone. MuseoModerno is used for the logo to convey a fun, quirky, and expressive personality. Nunito is used for headings and section titles, with its soft, rounded shapes keeping the interface approachable. DM Sans is applied to body text, providing a clean and neutral look that ensures comfortable reading across different screen sizes. Together, these fonts create a friendly, modern, and approachable visual language that feels casual, creative, and community-driven.
The icons follow a rounded, minimal style to complement the typography’s approachable character and maintain visual consistency. Imagery focuses on authentic, in-the-moment content, echoing the candid and creative spirit.
High Fidelity Wireframes
Fun fact: all the artwork you are seeing is mine!
What I Learned
I learned how to setup an extensive but not overwhelming onboarding process.
I learned how to work in a dark mode UI while meeting accessibility guidelines.
I learned how to gamify an app experience and make users want to return frequently.
I learned how visual hierarchy and tone can influence motivation and creative engagement.
I learned how to integrate graphics, specifically the logo, with the theme and use of the app.
What I Would Do Differently
I would conduct usability testing with both creative and non-creative users to better understand diverse needs.
I would iterate more on micro-interactions to make the app more playful.
Next Steps
I plan to animate the logo to reflect the user’s progress and add a playful sense of achievement.
I plan to work with engineers to design widgets that reflect the user’s streak status and reinforce motivation.
I plan to track user activity over several months to test engagement, understand if users enjoy the experience or are focused mainly on streaks, see how often they invite friends, and analyze their participation intervals.