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.
Without a push to create, artistic pursuits can fade in the face of efficiency — but creative hobbies provide us with important benefits, such as relaxation, community, and a sense of accomplishment.
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.
I found that users were motivated by improving their skills, external incentive, and community.
Common barriers to drawing included lack of energy and structured approach to creating. Many mentioned that they simply only remembered to draw when there was a piece of paper in front of them.
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.
home
create piece
prompts
goals
upload photo
profile
Photo uploads allow users to post pieces whichever way is most convenient
Posts created from a prompt are automatically tagged
Consistency is awarded through milestones
challenges
tutorials
Diverse tutorials allow for ongoing skill-building
Easy access to Create mechanism from most screens
In-app drawing tool makes doodling and drafting accessible
Throwbacks and milestones surface directly on home page to encourage progress
Accessible feed tab offering view of friends’ work
Prominently placed streak counter to reinforce habit formation
Archive of past sketches gives users an easy way to reflect on growth
Progress is celebrated through badges in the milestone gallery
Prompts, tutorials, and unfinished sketches can be stored for later in the ‘Saved’ tab
Goals kept visible on front page
Streamlined creation flow for simple defining personal milestones
Prompts provide a range of inspiration through visual references and community tab
Challenges are open for 24-hour windows, pushing users to engage
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.