Curate: Art exhibition tracking app and website
The exhibition experience With the rise of digital spaces and electronic devices in everyday lives, the experience of art, galleries and exhibitions has been completely transformed. Simultaneously, the relevance of art-focused galleries declines due to the increasing cost of real estate and internet access. This means museums, collectors and viewers are moving into digital spaces, which makes art both more and less accessible. More, since everyone can view online exhibitions, less, because there are fewer opportunities to see art in real life. One solution to the problem could be ease of use and instantaneousness, both very craved and practically expected parts of the everyday. For my MA diploma project, I chose to design an exhibition tracking app and website, a single platform which would allow users to gain access to all art exhibitions and events in one place. The project encompasses research, complete product design and brand identity.
Motivation
My primary motivation behind this project was to make art more accessible to everyone interested in art - individuals, schools, universities and institutions - and provide a platform for both less-known and established artists and galleries. At the core, Curate focuses on providing and facilitating educational and leisure experiences, therefore, the aim of the platform is to act as a bridge between users and galleries, ultimately moving people out of the digital space and into the real world and real-world experiences. This is also why I called it Curate. The user becomes a curator of their own virtual in-app museum, establishing their own art experience, taste, and space.
Even though there are similar apps and websites on the market, there is no single platform which prioritises exhibition experience and ease of use. Curate allows the user to search for, view, follow, like and purchase tickets for art exhibitions, workshops and events, as well as read about artists, galleries and famous pieces of art, while artists and galleries can promote their events. Its algorithm scans for upcoming and current exhibitions, shows, events and workshops and provides updated information about the art scene. Most importantly, it makes it possible to purchase tickets to all art venues through a single application.
Design
The main challenge was creating an identity full of intention and meaning, that could fit into any art style without overshadowing it. To visualise the brands' aim of curating experiences and connection to the art world, I build the identity on the idea of visual and metaphorical perspective, using ever-changing frames and lines.
The dynamic logo design allows for collaborations between Curate and other museums or institutions, in keeping with the design system.
