Duration
9 weeks
Role
UX Designer / User Researcher
Tools
Figma
Team
Ryan Baaldoz, Chloe Padilla, Freddy Coolidge
Taming the Digital Canvas Chaos of
Ever stared at a digital art program with its endless panels, sliders, and cryptic icons, feeling more like you're piloting a spacecraft than creating art? You're not alone. Our research revealed this "feature paralysis" affects everyone from first-time hobbyists to seasoned professionals.
We embarked on a journey to balance power with accessibility in digital creation tools. By shadowing artists during their creative process, we discovered the critical moments where complexity hindered rather than helped. Our redesign introduced progressive disclosure of features, intelligent tool suggestions based on usage patterns, and customizable workspaces that evolve with the artist's journey from novice to master. The result? Beginners created their first satisfying artwork 3x faster, while professionals reported saving an average of 45 minutes per project through our streamlined workflows—all without sacrificing the depth that makes digital art tools powerful.
Take a look at how we transformed intimidating art software into an intuitive creative companion for artists at all skill levels!
User Research Findings
We interviewed Wenavi Maagma, a digital artist who has recently opened a small business and relies on Procreate and Photoshop to design her products and Leonardo Bolanos a lead director for illustration and account services!
Problem
📌 Digital art apps are packed with numerous features, making them overwhelming for beginners and experienced users
📌 Inconsistent Interfaces and Lack of Tutorials
📌 Touchscreen Usability Issues
📌 Procreate’s color profile options are limited and cannot be changed after starting a project
📌 The need to switch between apps for different tasks disrupts the creative workflow
Professional digital artists working under tight deadlines experience significant stress and creative limitation when software learning curves interrupt their creative flow, often resulting in them avoiding new techniques that could enhance their work.
Solution
📌 Simplify app interfaces to make features more accessible
📌 Improving Transition Between Apps
📌 Enhancing Touchscreen Usability
📌 Color Profile Integration
📌 Conduct further interviews with stakeholders to identify common pain points on what makes certain apps more user-friendly
📌 Explore ways to streamline workflows by reducing the need to switch between apps for different tasks
Personas
We created persona 1 based on the idea of a new artist looking to familiarize themselves with the digital art space
Persona 2 was crafted with the idea of a professional in the creative field that often faces issues remembering the different layouts and features of each app they utilize
User Flow
Beginners are guided through fundamental tutorials covering basics like controls, brushes, and layers, with options to advance to specific features or practice exercises for specific tools.
Experienced users can skip to Procreate-centric tutorials and practice exercises
A proposed solution is to improve integration and compatibility between different applications, allowing users to personalize their setup based on their preferred tools and workflows.
Competitive Audit
Sketches
Wireframes
Procreate’s main interface will feature a tutorial icon that users can click to access a revamped onboarding process. New users will be automatically prompted to complete this onboarding without needing to manually select the tutorial, ensuring a smoother introduction to the app. This update aims to enhance the user experience, especially for beginners
Users will be prompted on their level of familiarity with digital art programs and their tools. Those selecting the “New to digital art” option will be taken to the Beginner Tutorial section, while those who describe themselves as “Adept at digital art” will be taken directly to the Advanced Tutorial section.
This section will feature a list of individual tutorials that, when interacted with, will showcase a video of the tool being used while offering a brief description of the concept and its possible uses. The tutorial guides will be organized in such a way that users have an easier time learning if they go through each of the listings in order.
The advanced tutorial section functions almost exactly the same as the beginner tutorial section. Its notable differences include the complexity of the tutorials – focusing on any Procreate-specific features and more specific use cases for some of the basic tools – and the ability to return to the basic tutorials if the user believes that they “Need a refresher”
The hands-on section of the onboarding process is when users will be able to start using/return to the main interface and canvas. Above the toolbar is a section showcasing the featured tool(s) for the exercise and a directory to show how users can access the tool(s) on their own.
Upon opening the app, users will be greeted to an onboarding pop-up. If users are veterans of art apps, they can press ‘skip tour’ while new users can go ahead and read the tutorial.
Clicking next will expand the box to create a bigger view of the tutorial. We’ve also removed the ‘skip tour’ button from this point on to ensure new users do not accidentally press it by mistake. However, we have left the class ‘x’ button in the top right for veteran users who may have accidentally moved on with the tutorial.
After finishing the tutorial, users will be given this box to indicate that they have completed it. We have also provided the direction of ‘tap’ rather than ‘click’ to push users towards the iPad’s use of touch controls, which is a Procreate exclusive feature differentiating it from other drawing apps.
After clicking t vhe book icons, users will be taken to a screen with a variety of specific topics they can review. Additionally, they will also be given an option to review the initial onboarding tutorial at any time to ensure that help is always accessible.
we wanted to implement a way to organize user settings. As more of an extra feature to help user knowledge of brush sets, once users have started the drawing process on a new canvas, they can create custom brush settings specific to what they enjoy. Alternatively, if they are veterans, they can import brush packs from similar apps such as Photoshop to make the transition to a new app much easier as well as maintain a similar workflow in terms of materials.
Initial Screen When Opening Procreate
High Fidelity Prototype
Screen when Opening Tutorial Page
Alternate version of tutorial opening screen
This alternative prototype screen provides more tutorial details at a glance, eliminating the need to tap. Users can scroll horizontally to explore more sections.
Alternate version of brushes tutorial page
Example of Brush Tutorial Page
Onboarding Tutorial Completion Screen - to remind users where they can access the tutorial and find information, we have included it in the text box
This alternative screen simplifies tutorial pages by replacing the large tutorial window with dynamic pop-ups that adjust in size and position based on the tutorial's focus.
How we redesigned Procreate's learning experience to empower artists rather than interrupt their creative flow
"I just want to create, not fight with tutorials." This sentiment from a frustrated Procreate user captured the core challenge our team tackled: how might we transform learning experiences from obstacles into enablers of creativity?
Our high-fidelity prototype testing revealed a fundamental tension between structure and freedom that artists experience when learning new tools. Some users craved clear guidance, while others felt constrained by rigid tutorial formats. Stakeholder feedback reinforced this dichotomy, with competing preferences for open-ended versus structured approaches.
The solution required a delicate balance. We introduced three key innovations: an unobtrusive exit mechanism that respects the user's autonomy, a personalized bookmark system that adapts to individual learning styles, and contrast-enhanced typography that reduces cognitive load during the learning process.
By carefully blending elements from our competing prototypes, we created a tutorial experience that feels less like an interruption and more like a natural extension of the creative process. The refined design seamlessly integrates with Procreate's aesthetic while giving users the freedom to learn on their own terms, ultimately transforming tutorials from a necessary evil into a valuable creative companion.
Check out our final prototype here :)