Shared Canvas
A cooperative online platform for artists and biologists
Project challenge and approach
Shared Canvas is a collaborative online platform designed for artists and biologists. The integration of these diverse groups has the potential to produce remarkable outcomes.
I developed and animated the user interface for the application. Design case studies were conducted through interviews, usability testing, and prototyping. While prototyping presented challenges, particularly with paper prototypes used in usability tests, it ultimately facilitated a better understanding of user behavior.
The development of Shared Canvas highlighted its adaptability across various devices, though it operates most effectively on a tablet. The tablet offers the advantage of drawing with a stylus, which is the preferred method of interaction within the application.
Methods and Design
We used a Design Case Study framework which is divided into a Pre-Study, Design and Appropriation phase. Starting with the Pre-Study, we explored the design and problem space. We began by conducting literature research about the target groups and currently available technologies. In order to get an understanding for our target groups and their work context, we conducted semi-structured interviews with two artists. While exploring our target groups and their work contexts we realized that both use drawing as a method. Knowledge sharing and providing inspiration is another important part of our platform. Thus we decided that the collection and integration of all their work, input and data in a database is crucial. So not only does SharedCanvas offer the possibility to collaboratively draw but it also fosters knowledge exchange in a broader scope by allowing access to all data for all users of the platform.
Conclusion
Compared to other platforms and applications SharedCanvas provides a suitable and specific
design to cater to the needs of both target groups and allows for easy integration into their
workflow. With SharedCanvas we present an open collaboration space that is accessible and
useful in a larger scope and lets the users profit regardless of whether they directly cooperate
and work together or just browse through projects.