Overview

Are.na, a platform for organizing research, was created around the idea of generosity. Are.na aims to provide a healthy way of using the internet and to help users organize their research. For this assignment, we’ll work within the constraints of an existing product (Are.na) and design and prototype a feature to it. We’ll start by sketching out ideas, move into a higher-fidelity wire frame, and finally test out the feature in a Figma prototype that matches Are.na’s existing design system.

This project is adapted from a similar project taught by Barron Webster and Carolyn Zhang at The School of Visual Arts.

Learning Goals

• Develop a feature that’s built on an existing product
• Work within a visual language and system
• Reflect on issues in the current technological landscape
• Explore the wireframe to prototype process

Suggested Reading

• Exclusive Design – Vasilis van Gemert
• At Talkspace, Start-Up Culture Collides With Mental Health Concerns – Kashmir Hill and Aaron Krolik
• New Ways of Seeing – James Bridle
• Co-Matter Podcast: The Story Behind Are.na
• Owning Ethics – Jacob Metcalf, Emanuel Moss, danah boyd