Founder’s Design Case Study

The website created by Su Barikan — an overview of the Contemporary Art Magazine project

Company: Abstract State

Involves: Conceptualizing and designing the user experience, branding, and the self-publishing magazine. Selecting artists, curating content, promoting and selling the magazine.

Deliverable: Presenting a research-backed, fully conceptualized UX/UI design and branding project, showcasing the full scope of creative direction, editorial leadership, and digital publication.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

This project involved designing and launching the Abstract State a contemporary art magazine, digital and print experience. As the founder and product designer, I led every aspect of the project, from curating artists and planning editorial content, to designing the website UX/UI, branding, and print layouts. The project also included promotion, sales strategy, and self-publishing, creating a complete creative platform that merges digital product design with real-world publication.

Comprehensive research and curation

I designed the magazine’s UX/UI, visual identity, and print and digital layouts to meet the needs of both readers and featured artists

Delivering a cohesive product that unites digital and print experiences while establishing Abstract State’s editorial and brand presence

PROJECT DETAILS

Duration: Ongoing

Role: Product Designer & Founder

Client: Abstract State

Mentor: Su Barikan Led the project independetly

Type: UX Fundamentals Project

PROJECT SCOPE

Challenge

Creating a contemporary art magazine and platform from the ground up without existing infrastructure or external support. The challenge was to design and build both the digital and print presence, while also curating artists, shaping the editorial direction, and developing a sustainable model for publishing and promotion.

Deliverable

A fully developed contemporary art magazine and platform, including a responsive website, digital editions, and physical print publications. Additional deliverables included a cohesive visual identity, curated artist features, and an editorial framework to support ongoing issues and brand growth.

RESEARCH & DESIGN PROCESS

User Research

Conducted user interviews and usability testing to identify pain points in the current platform

Analysis

Analyzed insights to identify opportunities for improving content accessibility, artist visibility, and overall user engagement

Design Solutions

Designed the website, visual identity, and print/digital layouts, ensuring a cohesive and engaging experience across mediums

Client Presentation

Published both digital and physical issues, curated artist features, and built an editorial framework to sustain future growth

KEY UX IMPROVEMENTS

Streamlined Loan Discovery

Problem: Users struggled to find relevant loan options among complex offerings.

Solution: Redesigned the program discovery flow with improved filtering, clearer categorization, and personalized recommendations based on user goals.

Enhanced Loan Calculator

Problem: Complex financial calculations created confusion and reduced user confidence.

Solution: Simplified the calculator interface with real-time updates, clear breakdowns, and transparent fee structures to build user trust.

Improved Information Architecture

Problem: Users had difficulty navigating between different platform sections.

Solution: Restructured the navigation and created clear user flows that guide users through the loan application process step-by-step.

Trust & Transparency Features

Problem: Users expressed concerns about loan terms and hidden fees.

Solution: Added transparency sections, FAQ integration, and clear communication about terms to address user concerns and build confidence.

Streamlined Loan Discovery

Problem: Users struggled to find relevant loan options among complex offerings.

Solution: Redesigned the program discovery flow with improved filtering, clearer categorization, and personalized recommendations based on user goals.

KEY UX IMPROVEMENTS

Problem: Users struggled to find relevant loan options among complex offerings.

Solution: Redesigned the program discovery flow with improved filtering, clearer categorization, and personalized recommendations based on user goals.

Streamlined Loan Discovery

Enhanced Loan Calculator

Problem: Complex financial calculations created confusion and reduced user confidence.

Solution: Simplified the calculator interface with real-time updates, clear breakdowns, and transparent fee structures to build user trust.

Problem: Users had difficulty navigating between different platform sections.

Solution: Restructured the navigation and created clear user flows that guide users through the loan application process step-by-step.

Improved Information Architecture

Problem: Users expressed concerns about loan terms and hidden fees.

Solution: Added transparency sections, FAQ integration, and clear communication about terms to address user concerns and build confidence.

Trust & Transparency Features

Streamlined Loan Discovery

Problem: Users struggled to find relevant loan options among complex offerings.

Solution: Redesigned the program discovery flow with improved filtering, clearer categorization, and personalized recommendations based on user goals.

KEY UX IMPROVE
MENTS

Streamlined Loan Discovery

Problem: Users struggled to find relevant loan options among complex offerings.

Solution: Redesigned the program discovery flow with improved filtering, clearer categorization, and personalized recommendations based on user goals.

Enhanced Loan Calculator

Problem: Complex financial calculations created confusion and reduced user confidence.

Solution: Simplified the calculator interface with real-time updates, clear breakdowns, and transparent fee structures to build user trust.

Improved Information Architecture

Problem: Users had difficulty navigating between different platform sections.

Solution: Restructured the navigation and created clear user flows that guide users through the loan application process step-by-step.

Trust & Transparency Features

Problem: Users expressed concerns about loan terms and hidden fees.

Solution: Added transparency sections, FAQ integration, and clear communication about terms to address user concerns and build confidence.

Streamlined Loan Discovery

Problem: Users struggled to find relevant loan options among complex offerings.

Solution: Redesigned the program discovery flow with improved filtering, clearer categorization, and personalized recommendations based on user goals.