Scratchnote
Implementing creative expression into daily life
Role:
UI/UX Designer
Timeline
July 2025 - August 2025
Project Type
Independent Project
Tools/Skills
Figma, User Research, Prototyping
overview
As a dedicated creative hobbyist and full-time student, I worked independently to design a digital application that keeps people drawing despite their busy schedules.
the problem
Have you ever put a hobby to the side to allow more time for academic or professional endeavors? Creative expression often takes a backseat as our schedules become busier and our lives more fast-paced. Finding inspiration and motivating yourself to draw can become a chore rather than an outlet, and we can lose touch with the creative habits that once brought us joy.
How might we introduce habitual drawing in our users’ routines to allow them to regain the satisfaction art provides?
research
I interviewed eleven artists (of different dedication and skill levels) to understand their drawing habits.
My goal was to understand key factors that motivate users to draw as well as pinpointing common barriers they face.
ideation
I created an affinity map to help conceptualize the problem space.
Based on my research, I decided a drawing motivator app with social and learning elements would best serve users’ needs.
user flow
I got to work mapping out key features and the user flow.
low fidelity prototype
After the user flow was mapped out, I created the low-fidelity prototype.
The lo-fi design prioritized providing the user with a consolidated plethora of inspiration and easy access to the create feature.
design system
Next, I created the design system from scratch.
I designed the branding with vivid yet calm colors associated with creativity and inspiration.
The colors are compliant with WCAG 2.1 guidelines to emphasize accessibility for all users.
final prototype
Finally, Scratchnote was realized! The final deliverable aimed to connect each design decision back to the problem statement of encouraging consistent creative expression through accessibility, community, improvement, and motivation.
prompts
profile
home
Centralized inspiration, from prompts to tutorials
post
Post with tags, add to goals, and link inspiration
Access a variety of prompts for a plethora of inspiration
create
Draw in-app for easy creativity
challenges
Daily, limited challenges to encourage participation
tutorials
View tutorials to improve skills
View past posts, saved material, and milestones
goals
Goal-setting to maintain accountability
outcomes
After viewing the prototype, 92% of users felt they would use Scratchnote!
reflection
Working on this independent project was incredibly rewarding. I challenged myself to learn new design concepts, expand my Figma skills, and ground all of my decisions with the user in mind.
My biggest takeaway from this project was the importance of iteration and being willing to refine ideas until they truly work. I also learned about the necessity of staying focused on the project’s goals and keeping user needs at the center of every decision.
Working on Scratchnote has deeply strengthened my passion for UI/UX design! I’m excited to take on more human-centered design projects that challenge me to grow as a designer and create meaningful tools for users.