Accessible antiques
Historical artifacts celebrating diplomacy
Role
UX Designer
Focus
UX, Information Architecture
Duration
2018–2019
Challenge
Thousands of beautiful historical artifacts that are hundreds of years old lost their connection with people who had no idea they exist.
Often delicate, these items exist as part of the Diplomatic Reception Rooms at the U.S. Department of State. Security barriers make them mostly inaccessible to the general public. Despite these challenges, my team set out to explore ways to showcase the artifacts with people around the world.
Role
I worked with content and brand strategists to create a web experience for the Diplomatic Reception Rooms. It was important for me to underscore the antiquity of the pieces, while honoring their historic context.
Process
My initial sketches helped me map out content and patterns for each room. I analyzed high fashion sites like Dover Street Market, GOAT and StockX to derive an interface that felt exclusive, but also supported the content as a backdrop. I drew inspiration from tangible things, like high-end jewelry cases.
Collaboration
Working with the brand strategists and external museum partners helped us build a cohesive experience. The external partners rendered each artifact as a 3D model so that visitors felt like they were interacting with the objects in detail.
I simplified the layout so that the 3D renderings provided value at each interaction level. Details and metadata were revealed at the highest level, while smaller microinteractions were available at lower levels.
Results
I completed a number of wireframe sets for usability testing, feasibility and client approval. While there were constraints to create a Wordpress site for self-management, I still created something that felt unique and appropriate for the subject matter.
The modular structure allows for quick updates, and long session duration due to the immersive patterns. With a clear interface, there is always something to see or click on, and each layer is designed to progressively reveal more details.
The site is easily maintained by the moderators with a CMS, so the structure stays in place as the add or modify artifacts. It is a perfect example of merging physical and digital, while also setting up clients for success long after the project is complete. This project continues to help a number of stakeholders, from internal to educational facilities to external historians across the world.
