TOOLS: Word, Powerpoint, Adobe XD, Adobe Illustrator
ROLE: Project Manager, UI Designer, and Product Manager
Metarri is a decentralized placeholder for virtual world and experiences. It's a marketplace where CREATORS and EXPLORERS can explore, purchase, and download DAaps of all kinds. The objective is to create a home for the many blockchain-related applications (including AR/VR applications for use in the metaverse).
THE DIGGING
The idea sounded like what we already knew about the Playstore and Applestore but had a touch of blockchain, decentralization, Web3.0, and the metaverse. So, we got digging. What could be out there that looks similar?
We thought OpenSea
That was the first thing that came to our minds as it utilizes the Ethereum blockchain network to mint and sells NFTs. We studied the user interface and the user experience design. We also found that NFTs were related to artworks while what we are working on is totally not art-related.
Then we found PlayMarket
First, it was shocking someone beat us to the race. But still, ideas and inspirations aren't proprietary. Plus now we have an exact replica of our thoughts already fleshed out. All we needed to do is add one or two things to be able to stand out.
WE KNEW SO LITTLE
The more we dug, the less we realized we knew. For starters, Web3.0 is any virtual platform that leverages any decentralized technology. Blockchain is the technology that made decentralization possible. Think of it as not being controlled by a third-party individual or institution. So, the likes of Playstore have all the data controlled and managed by one central authority; Google. What we are trying to build has none; hence DECENTRALISATION.
The developer is a CREATOR
In an immersive world, the virtual environment and interactions are made to closely imitate reality. Thus, we could not help but think of the developers behind it as CREATORS. They serve as a backbone to the success of the entire project, so we came up with a persona based on that mutual interest for endless creativity.
The user is an EXPLORER
Just like App Stores where we go to download and make use of apps that are being or have been developed, we tend to explore to find options that resonate with our being. From this established reality, we understand that the user, with immersion added to the experience, is an EXPLORER. And that birthed another group enough to form a user persona.
NOW, WE UNDERSTAND!
We summarized it all in a Presentation slide.
We needed a PROTOTYPE
It was then time to visually represent all our understanding. We thought, how can we explain it to someone who has no idea what this is all about. So, we adapted all we have seen and learned from others to create a low fidelity wireframe of Metarri.
We also needed a GUIDE
Prototypes are not just enough for an aspiring Product Manager as we came to learn. There was a need to understand what is to be worked on when it is to be delivered, and how must that pan out. The PRD (BRD in our case) was then developed.
THE RESULT
My teammates, Harriet and Mariam, worked on delivering a White Paper while I focused on developing the wireframes.
First, COLOUR SCHEME
I thought of coming up with a brand identity for Metarri. Luckily, the client already had a logo, so I needn't start it all from scratch. I simply adapted the colours from the logo to serve as colour schemes for the entire design. I was also careful not to use colours that the competition was already making use of.
Second, I.A.
That's one thing I also thought was mis-spelled. But it wasn't. In fact, I.A. is a term in product design that translates as Information Architecture. It is a quick way of visualizing the navigation and flow of a digital product. We considered a lot of factors from the competition, rinsed and adapted into the design.
Then, THE WIREFRAME
Using the colour scheme and Information Architecture, I began to redesign the wireframe for Web and Mobile.
THE WORK CONTINUES
As an aspiring PM, the journey of the product is just beginning. We need to know how this will pan out for the users. The developers need to be in sync with the creative possibilities. The market needs to be prepped for what we are bringing to it. More features and collaborations need to be planned into the road map. A lot of questions to be answered. It all starts by taking little steps. And we have taken one of it.
