Feature 01 /
Sorted categories and key information allows 3D enthusiasts to easily find the exact type of 3D product they are looking for.
Feature 02 /
Feature 03 /
Any 3D Enthusiasts Can Learn How to Create
To allow inclusive design, 3D buyers can learn how to sell and print their own files of 3D models.
Feature 04 /
3D Buyers Can Request Any 3D Custom Parts
3D buyers have the ability to request any 3D custom made parts from talented 3D experts.
Design Journey /
Opportunity /
How Much Do Consumers Care About 3D Printed Products?
95%
Consumers reported that they are excited about buying 3D printed products.
79%
Consumers would spend even more money at a store that offered product customization through 3D printing.¹
$66B
The global 3D printing market is projected to grow 66 billion USD by 2029.
Competitors /
What's Missing
Users are not able to buy the 3D product printed, forcing them to 3D print the product themselves.
3D buyers are not able to request product customization for 3D models from 3D experts.
What They're Good At
Cults3D has a good search filter for users to be able to find the categories of 3D files they are interested in.
Provides key information of the product files that customers are going to purchase.
What's Missing
3D buyers are not able to find the specific 3D printed product they are looking for.
There is no separation between buying 3D files and 3D printed products, making it difficult to filter.
What They're Good At
Allows 3D buyers to purchase both 3D printed products and 3D files to satisfy their use case.
Interviews /
Interview with a 3D Buyer
"
Full Interview
Gained Insights
3D buyers look for key information of the 3D product to know if the 3D product is right for them.
Most 3D buyers are also enthusiasts, so most of them want to learn how to 3D print as a hobby.
Interview with a 3D Seller
"
3D custom parts helps industries solve problems."
Full Interview
Gained Insights
3D sellers say they have the ability to create 3D custom made parts for their customers.
3D sellers show the importance of applied materials and dimensions when 3D printing.
Contextual Inquiry /
What Is The Process Like To 3D Print?
Personas /
John Garnier, 3D Buyer
Age 46
Relationship Wife and Children
Occupation Plumber
Location Paris, France
Needs
John needs a 3D marketplace that can help him easily find the 3D printed products he is looking for.
John wants to request 3D parts with custom materials, and precise measurements.
Pain Points
Stephen Smith, 3D Seller
Age 32
Relationship Girlfriend
Occupation 3D Expert
Location Atlanta, Georgia
Needs
Stephen needs a marketplace to be able to sell both 3D files, 3D printed products, and custom parts.
Stephen needs to be able to see his earnings and his best selling 3D printed products.
Pain Points
Stephen does not have a platform to sell 3D products and teach 3D printing.
How might we /
Initial ideations /
When finding 3D products, buyers look for 3D files and printed products. The product page includes details buyers find important.
Requesting Custom Parts
When requesting custom parts, we integrated keywords that buyers need when connecting with 3D experts.
Usability tests /
Problem #1
Overwhelming Search Features
Most users felt overwhelmed by the amount of features to search. They only used the search and filter when finding their 3D products.
Problem #2
Difficulties Finding Custom Parts
80% of users had trouble finding 3D custom parts. They expected to buy custom parts in the buyers navigation.
Initial Solution
Solution
Simplifying search features and repositioning custom parts, enhanced discoverability for custom parts & simplicity finding 3D products.
Iteration #1
Search Button Used Frequently
The search button was used more than the filter when both show equal importance. The search button needed more prominence.
Iteration #2
Could Not Filter After Search
When finding a 3D product, users need to first categorize by 3D types before using the search. However, we had search at the top.
Outcome
Connecting the Filter With Search
By swapping the categories with search bar, users are able select types of 3D products and search within the filtered types.
Design Deliverable /
How might we /
Usability tests /
Before
After
Redesigning an Unorganized Layout
Most users found the layout for selling to be unorganized. After understanding the priorities from actual 3D sellers, the layout was then reorganized to establish a clear hierarchy.
Before
After
Overwhelming Information
Most users were overwhelmed by the balance page information. My solution was to nest the secondary information into buttons to emphasize the metrics of seller's total and recent earnings.
Requesting custom parts Flow /
1. Sellers will receive custom parts requests based on the buyer's offer.
2. Sellers oversee tasks and requests within the custom parts category.
3. Sellers have clear communication throughout the whole process.
4. Sellers share their progress with buyers during the creation process.
