Ivana J. UX/UI designer - Illustrations for Empty States

Octopus Illustrated

Platform: Native web and mobile apps

Year: 2017
Role: UX/UI designer
Tools & Software: Sketch, Adobe Illustrator, Jira

Project overview: As a UX/UI Designer, I developed a series of engaging illustrations for empty states within the company's core web application. The concept centered around an octopus character, inspired by the app's name, to create relatable and delightful visual cues that aligned with the user's current screen context. For instance, an empty chat inbox would display an illustration of an octopus greeting another, fostering a sense of connection and reducing user frustration.

Key contributions:

• Enhanced user experience through custom illustrations: Created custom illustrations that injected personality and charm into the application, significantly enhancing the user experience during empty state scenarios.

• Developed a cohesive visual narrative: Established a consistent visual narrative using the octopus theme, ensuring a unified and engaging experience across various screens and interaction points.

While the octopus illustrations were positively received and contributed a unique brand element, the product team's subsequent decision to white-label the application necessitated a more universally adaptable visual approach. Consequently, the custom illustrations were phased out. Despite this evolution, the project proved to be a valuable learning experience, allowing me to integrate my passion for illustration with UX/UI design principles.

This project reinforced my ability to create meaningful and engaging visual assets that resonate with users and enhance the overall user experience. It also provided valuable insights into the dynamic nature of product development and the importance of designing for scalability and adaptability.