Collection Pedagogique

Overview

During my Master’s in UI/UX Design, I collaborated with my classmates on a project for the Biological Collection at Sorbonne University, curated by Professor Santiago Aragon. This collection, relocated to the campus in 2016, serves as an educational resource, providing students with access to a wide range of biological specimens.

Our task was to enhance visitor engagement with the collection, focusing on the critical issues of biodiversity and human impact during the Anthropocene. The project aimed to foster meaningful conversations within the exhibition space, while highlighting the scientific value of the specimens and their role in environmental education.

My contribution

UX exploration
User research
User interface design

The team

4x UI/UX Designer

Year

2024

Process

UX Exploration

For this initial phase, we started by interviewing Professor Santiago Aragon to gather the full brief and understand the key needs and challenges of the project. We also practiced shadowing by attending one of his lectures to observe the interactions between students and the collection. Additionally, we conducted interviews with students to gain deeper insights into their expectations and experiences.

Based on our research findings, we developed personas that accurately represented the needs and behaviors of our target users. We then analyzed user journeys and created low-fidelity wireframes to map out key interactions. To support the design process, we built a content tree that organized all the information to be included, ensuring a clear and intuitive structure for the application.

Wireframing, Design System and Prototype

In the creation process, we first developed a wireframe of the entire application and continuously iterated among ourselves to reach consensus on the overall structure. Using a design sprint, we collaboratively built the app’s style guide, selecting colors, shapes, imagery, and tone of voice to establish a cohesive visual identity.

Once finalized, we began prototyping. To streamline our work, we coordinated around a shared design system, ensuring that all four team members could collaborate efficiently and keep the components up to date throughout the project.

Outcome

In conclusion, our work on the Biological Collection at Sorbonne University has led to the development of a multifaceted application designed to enhance visitor engagement and foster ongoing exploration of the collection. The app features a quiz system that facilitates communication between students and professors, encouraging deeper interactions and learning outside the exhibition space.

Additionally, all visitors can explore the extensive database of species, broadening their understanding of biodiversity. The application also includes an instant identification scanner, enabling users to quickly recognize specimens and access detailed information about each one. Each specimen page is thoughtfully divided into three main sections: the first discusses the species as a whole, the second provides specific details about the specimen—including its history, preservation process, age, and origin—and the third explains its significance in the context of the Anthropocene.

By integrating these features, the application not only enriches the educational experience but also inspires a greater appreciation for the natural world and the urgent need for conservation efforts.