The Problem
Ravelry currently exists only as a website, which can be cumbersome to use on mobile devices. My mission was to design Ravelry’s first mobile app, modernizing the experience while preserving the platform’s rich archival nature and enhancing accessibility for its diverse user base.
High-Level Goals
Web to Mobile
Design a mobile app that brings Ravelry’s core functionality and community features to a mobile-friendly interface.
Moderniziation
Update the design to reflect contemporary mobile app standards while maintaining Ravelry’s identity.
Research
Interviews and surveys were conducted with Ravelry users, including knitters, crocheters, spinners, weavers, and dyers, to understand their needs and pain points.
Key Insights
Users loved Ravelry’s extensive database but found the website difficult to navigate on mobile devices.
Long-time users wanted to preserve familiar functionality while welcoming modern updates.
Accessibility was a major concern, particularly for users with visual impairments or limited technical proficiency.
Competitive Analysis
Other crafting and community apps were analyzed to identify best practices for mobile design, filtering systems, and community engagement.
Challenges
The primary challenge was translating Ravelry’s complex web functionality into a streamlined mobile app without losing essential features.
Ensuring the app was accessible to users with varying technical proficiency and different accessibility needs.
Maintaining the sense of community and user-driven content that defines Ravelry’s identity while enhancing its social and collaborative features for mobile.
Solution
The app design focused on creating a modern, accessible, and user-friendly experience that respects Ravelry’s crafting roots. Key features included:
A mobile-first interface with intuitive navigation and advanced filtering capabilities.
A clean, contemporary design with improved visual hierarchy and readability.
Enhanced accessibility features to ensure inclusivity for all users.
Key Features
Filtering System
The new filtering system allows users to quickly narrow down searches across patterns, yarns, and community content. It was designed to be comprehensive for advanced users while remaining approachable for newcomers.
User Interface
The app features a modern aesthetic with a focus on readability and ease of use. The design prioritizes a clean look that respects Ravelry’s heritage while making the platform more welcoming to users of all ages and technical abilities.
Community Page
The Community Page was designed to foster engagement and connection among users. It consists of two sub-pages:
Forums
A space for forum discussions categorized by topics such as techniques, patterns, and general fiber arts conversations. Users can browse categories, join discussions, and share their expertise.
Radar
A live-updating feed of forum posts from users across the platform. The Radar provides real-time updates, allowing users to stay informed about trending discussions and new posts.
