Lasered Panes
Crafting using print-on-demand services took off during the pandemic but the stained-glass hobby has always been held back by how long it takes to cut the glass. My project was a solution via the web to make cutting stained glass easier for hobbyists.
My Role
In this solo project, I led user research, site architecture design, and lo-fi prototype usability testing. These insights shaped the final hi-fi prototype, creating a robust stained-glass print-on-demand experience.
| Scope | Individual Multi-Course Project |
| My Role | User Research, Info. Architecture, Prototyping, Presentation |
| Time Constraints | 26 Weeks |
| Tags | Ecommerce, App design, Print-on-Demand |
The Problem
User Problem
Lasered Panes aims to simplify the stained-glass process for new and seasoned hobbyists by managing the labor-intensive and potentially hazardous glass cutting, which can constitute up to 80% of the total time needed to complete a piece.
Business Opportunity
Solving the glass-cutting challenge positions Lasered Panes to capture an untapped market opportunity in stained-glass print-on-demand, securing a valuable revenue source.
Stakeholder Overview
The Client – Lasered Panes
Lasered Panes is an online laser-cutting service, specifically designed for stained-glass. Unlike traditional print-on-demand services that focus on applying images to surfaces, Lasered Panes’ platform allows users to convert their designs into actual stained-glass pieces.
The User – Stained-glass Hobbyists
Lasered Panes’ audience encompasses stained-glass hobbyists as well as individuals interested in making stained glass who are hesitant to start due to the craft’s complexity.
Design Process
1. User Research
Through interviews with stained-glass hobbyists, I gathered the following insights:
- Many hobbyists prefer to compose their designs on paper and will need the design editor to have a scanned-image upload feature so Lasered Panes’ laser cutters can cut their pieces.
- Offering stained-glass kits with all necessary tools and materials for assembling cut glass could make the hobby more accessible to newcomers.
- Offering an in-house assembly option for an extra fee could attract stained-glass designers who prefer not assembling their pieces themselves, further broadening Lasered Panes’ appeal.
2. User Flow
I architected the user flow for a complete stained-glass print-on-demand process which details how hobbyists can create their designs, add them to the cart, and complete the checkout process to have their pieces cut and shipped.
3. Wireframing & Usability Testing
I developed a lo-fi wireframe based on the print-on-demand user flow and conducted usability testing to address key questions:
Key Question 1
- Can users correct design errors that would make their piece impossible to laser-cut?
- Users were able to correct design errors but suggested merging the Design Errors menu into the Layers menu to avoid redundancy.
Key Question 2
- Do users understand that they have two manufacturing options (DIY cut glass kit or extra-fee in-house assembly)?
- Users were overwhelmed by the complexity of the manufacturing options so I decided to eliminate the in-house assembly option. This allows Lasered Panes to focus the user experience on stained-glass kits.
Final Recommendation
I capped off my UX design process by crafting a final prototype that illustrates the complete stained-glass print-on-demand user experience. Key highlights of the final prototype features include:
- The design editor features all the tools hobbyists will need to create intricate stained-glass designs. These include:
- Full vector-editing tool set
- Extensive palettes of glass colors and textures
- Shape layers menu
- Stained-glass photo preview
- Users can manage their designs in the Design Manager and have complete control in:
- Creating new designs in the Design Creator
- Viewing their design collection
- Editing designs
- Deleting designs
- Stained-glass kits are fully-customizable so users can select only the tools and materials they’ll need in assembling their cut glass.
