The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the world's largest and finest art museums. This app is developed for visitors to use onsite during their museum visit. The MET is an app for locals and tourists while visiting The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Users can use the app without feeling tethered to a screen, easily find artwork, events, or exhibitions, and use an audio tour through an interactive map, and buy a ticket without waiting in line.
Role: UX Designer, UX Researcher
UX Design Certificate
Fashion Institute of Technology
Tools: Principle, Figma, Pencil & Paper
Team: Jen Ng
Platform: iOS
Time: 16 Weeks
Instructors
C.J Yeh (Founder & Managing Partner @ Cynda Media Labs)
Christine Shin (Partner & Design Director @ Cynda Media Labs)
Initial Research
The original MET App launched in 2014, however, was discontinued:
- Content was overwhelming and difficult to maintain.
- Overwhelming negative feedback on the map.
- The technology to make an effective map was not available in 2014.
- Not focused on the user experience onsite.
- Targeted incorrect market.
Competitor Analysis
Google Trends
We looked at Google Trends and found that there is interest in a MET app. When you compare search terms: “MET Museum app”, “Museum of Natural History App” and “Google Arts and Culture” there is far more interest in “Google Arts in Culture”, “the MET app” search term comes in second. But when you change the switch from search terms to topics, the trend reverses.
Empathic Interview Insights
- The museum is highly visited by both locals and tourists.
- Tourists need an efficient way to navigate the museum.
- Some visitors like experiencing the museum as a visual journey than reading art.
- Locals like photos of friends to share their experiences on social media.
Ethnographic Insights
- About 70-80% of visitors are holding the printed map and 35% look confused.
- Most visitors took photos with their cell phones of plaques and artwork separately.
- Visitors with the audio tour had it around their necks, not using them in the museum.
- Most visitors sitting on the benches the galleries planning what to see next on their phones.
Trip Advisor and Yelp Reviews confirmed our insights.
- Visitors were frustrated with the map
- Visitors enjoyed the vast collection but, they felt overwhelmed by the scope of the museum.
- Visitors had trouble viewing everything they had hoped to see in one day.
- Visitors want technology to enhance museum narrative without a feeling tethered to a screen.
Affinity Mapping
Target Customers
Core Product Features
1. The interactive map directs visitors through the MET with turn-by-turn navigation.
2. In-app ticket purchase.
3. Save and take notes on favorite objects and galleries for future reference.
4. Audio Tour
Information Architecture
I created an information architecture diagram to better understand how users would navigate the app.
User Flows
Using user flow diagrams, I identified what steps users will take interacting with the app.
Paper Prototype - Favorites Feature
Paper Prototype Findings
- UX writing is important.
- If the name of a menu item isn’t clear people get confused.
- We originally had the map divided into an interactive map and floor map, that ended up confusing people.
- Expect the unexpected. Users surprised us by clicking on different icons than we anticipated.
- Some test subjects said visual cues and hierarchy would have been helpful for navigation.
Final Prototype Design
Homescreen
Locals and visitors alike can easily explore and learn about featured special exhibitions, permanent collections, and current events from the home screen.
Favorites
Keep track and remember favorite artwork, exhibitions, or events with the Favorites Feature.
Special Exhibitions
Easily find and learn about current special exhibitions and selected artwork on display.
Programs and Events
Easily find programs and events taking place during your museum visit.
