A new & improved way to digitally customize & order enamel pins.
Skills
User Research
UX Design
UI Design
AR Design
Timeframe
10 weeks
(Fall 2024)
Tools
Figma
Zapworks Designer
Adobe After Effects
Adobe Premiere Pro
Team
Solo project
Summary
As an avid pin collector, this project originates with my interest in learning how enamel pins are created. I was surprised when I learned about the long, inefficient ordering process. I set out to design a better process for pin orderers and manufacturers.
Problem:
The pin-ordering process is not optimal, consisting of days of back-and-forth & unflattering mockups.
Solution:
Design a more intuitive pin-ordering system for orderers and manufacturers.
Research
Competitive Analysis
1. An outdated pin-ordering process
The pin-ordering process results in a lot of back & forth between the orderer and the manufacturer. The standard process for ordering pins goes like this:
1: Orderer submits a quote request with pin specifications on it.
2: Manufacturers send the orderer an official quote with specifications.
3: Orderer requests an edit which repeats steps 1 and 2, or (and eventually) finalizes the order.
Pin-ordering processes (Top left: Galaxy Design Squad. Bottom left: Pins Pro Plus. Right: Vograce.)
2. Poor-quality proofs
Proofs are a visualization of what orderer's pins will look like before they order them. Manufacturing's current standard is to send a proof of your pin design after the orderer has sent a proof request, illustrating your pin design in 2D using flat colors with no visualization for its metallic plating. Orderers also are not able to compare multiple customization options with their pin design without sending multiple proof requests or edits.
Proof example: AllAboutPins
Proof example: WizardPins
Initial Solution:
Pincraft MR
Pincraft MR
A Mixed Reality enamel pin-crafting experience built for Passthrough VR headsets where people can view and compare virtual mockups of fully customizable pins in Mixed Reality. Orderers upload an illustration and choose a selection of styles, materials, platings, size, and colors. Once orderers made the perfect pin, they can order the pin knowing they’re getting exactly what they want.
At the time, the Apple Vision Pro had recently came out, making leaps in the advancement of Mixed Reality and I sought to tailor my solutions to utilize the device.
Sitemap
Wireframes:
Opening screen
1. Logo/copy.
2. Call-to-Action.
Main menu
1. Menu
2. File menu with pin thumbnail
3. Create new file
Project panel
1. Orderer's 3D pin model
2. Panel view & AR view toggle
3. Pin selector / add pin
4. Customization category
5. Customization options
6. Categories list
7. Total / Submit Order button
Mood board
Style guide
Logo iterations
Visual design iterations
Initial prototype
Reassessment
User Feedback
Knowing that a headset-based app is not an accessible solution for today, I decided to reassess this solution. I shared my prototype with a pin orderer and a manufacturer and got insight to their firsthand experience with ordering/manufacturing. This the feedback I received:
Orderers
Communication between the orderer & manufacturer provides necessary user assurance.
Students & Teachers
NYS K-12 Studies Framework affirms that 4th, 7th, & 8th grade history topics best connect with FLVM content; state & regional history.
In a field trip context, young students and teachers must both experience our content.
Design Changes
User flow:
New wireframes:
Conclusion
Final prototype:
Pin proof:
Takeaways
Don't be afraid to try an outlandish idea
The solution I came up with that utilized a VR headset was not the most practical solution, but it led me to try a larger range of ideas that pushed me further than an inside-the-box idea would've.
The capability of Augmented Reality
AR's ability to portray 3D assets creates so many possibilities and should not be thought of as a seperate form of medium, but rather as one valuable part of the experience. The ability to preview & compare custom enamel pins in real space before ordering them is an improvement to the widely standardized user flow.
Looking for full-time Product & UX Design opportunities!
© 2025 John Curley Design
