User Experience Design

Case Study: Louis Dow Studio

1. Project Overview

Client/Project Name: Louis Dow Studio

Objective: Design a seamless and visually engaging website for selling artwork online.

Role: UX Designer / UI Designer

Tools Used: Figma, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, WordPress, Google Analytics, Hotjar

2. Research & Discovery

Target Audience Personas

A. The Art Collector

Background: A passionate art enthusiast who seeks unique and limited-edition pieces.

Goals: Invest in high-quality artwork that appreciates in value and supports emerging artists.

Pain Points: Difficulty verifying authenticity and limited access to exclusive collections.

Needs: Detailed descriptions, artist background, and a smooth purchasing process.

B. The Casual Buyer

Background: A young professional or home decorator looking for affordable prints and decor.

Goals: Find stylish and accessible artwork to personalize their space.

Pain Points: Overwhelming choices, unclear pricing, and uncertainty about quality.

Needs: Easy browsing, clear pricing, and visual previews of how the artwork fits in a room.

C. The Interior Designer

Background: A professional designer sourcing art for residential or commercial projects.

Goals: Curate a cohesive collection that fits a specific aesthetic or theme.

Pain Points: Difficulty finding artwork with the right dimensions, color schemes, or licensing terms.

Needs: Advanced filtering options, high-resolution images, and bulk purchasing options.

Competitive Analysis

• Reviewed top artist websites and e-commerce platforms

• Noted best practices: minimalistic design, large visuals, easy checkout

Key Insights

• Users want large, high-quality images with zoom functionality

• A simple navigation system with clear categories improves the buying experience

Mobile-friendly design is crucial (many users browse on smartphones)

3. Information Architecture & Wireframing

4. UI & Visual Design

Brand Identity

• Used a neutral color palette to make artwork stand out

• Selected modern typography for an elegant feel

High-Fidelity Mockups

• Designed image-first layouts to prioritize artwork

• Added hover effects for interactive engagement

5. Prototyping & Usability Testing

Interactive Prototype

• Built a clickable prototype in Figma

• Included shopping cart interactions

User Testing Results

• Users appreciated the clean layout and easy filtering system

• Some requested more payment options (PayPal, Apple Pay, etc.)

• Adjusted button placements for smoother checkout

6. Development & Launch

Implementation

• Developed using WordPress for an easy-to-maintain storefront

• Optimized images for fast loading speeds

Launch & Iteration

• Monitored site analytics (Google Analytics, Hotjar)

• Collected feedback for continuous improvement

7. Results & Takeaways

Increased engagement – Bounce rate dropped by 30%

Higher conversion rate – More users completed checkout

Positive user feedback – Easier browsing and purchasing experience

Next Steps:

• Explore AR/VR previews for a more immersive art-buying experience

• Implement email marketing for repeat customers


Additional UX Samples


LargeUp

LargeUp is the global platform for Caribbean music, arts and culture. Founded by New York-based selector Dave “DJ Gravy” Susser and New York/Kingston-based photographer/artist Martei Korley, with journalist Jesse Serwer as its longtime editor, LargeUp.com has been capturing the unique sounds, styles and flavors of the Caribbean since 2009. Through its website, LargeUp.com, and YouTube channel LargeUp TV, LargeUp delivers original content with in-depth reporting, striking photography, a distinct street sensibility, and a unique level of access to this highly influential but often overlooked cultural arena.

Designed a multipage navigation system with Figma, HTML, CSS, and JS that enhanced reader engagement, increasing article views by 10x.

Produced and edited a documentary on Jamaican skateboarding, inspiring Jamaica’s first skate park and growing YouTube subscribers to 24K.


AutoNation

As America’s most admired automotive retailer, AutoNation is transforming the automotive industry through bold leadership, innovation, and comprehensive brand extensions. The company is committed to hiring driven, diverse associates and supporting their career growth within AutoNation. It offers paid training, competitive pay and benefits, and a culture that prioritizes investing in its associates’ professional futures.

With over 300 locations nationwide, AutoNation provides numerous career opportunities. It has sold over 14 million vehicles, becoming the first automotive retailer to achieve this milestone. AutoNation’s success is driven by its dedication to delivering an exceptional customer experience through customer-focused sales and service processes.

The company is also deeply committed to giving back, with every car sold contributing to cancer research and treatment awareness through the Pink Plate initiative. AutoNation has proudly raised over $40 million to help drive out cancer, increase awareness, and support critical research.

As a UX Designer, I conducted user research, qualitative usability testing to inform data-driven designs, increasing monthly positive reviews by 50%.

Enhanced onboarding flows, improving lead generation by 150%.

Directed competitive analysis to modernize UX, aligning client websites with industry standards.


Parmenter Realty Partners

Parmenter Realty Partners is a real estate investment, management and development company founded in 1989 by Darryl Parmenter. Parmenter operates a series of institutional investment funds and separate account investments focused in the sun-belt of the U.S.

Parmenter Realty Partners is a developer of many high-profile real estate assets, and has a well-earned reputation for quality and performance. The company identifies and acquires under-performing properties, and through its vertically-integrated platform, increases value on behalf of its investors and partners.