Libfilm
Making filmmaking resources more accessible.
Making filmmaking resources more accessible.
LibFilm is a web app that curates and hosts a library of resources for filmmakers, making it easier to find the information they need quickly.
LibFilm is a web app that curates and hosts a library of resources for filmmakers, making it easier to find the information they need quickly.
Timeline
March - April 2023
March - April 2023
Tools
Figma
Figma
Notion
Notion
Disciplines
Research
Research
User Experience
User Experience
User Interface
User Interface
Sparks — flashbacks
1st semester - 2019
1st semester - 2019
In my first semester of visual media and filmmaking in 2019, I created a shared drive folder of filmmaking resources. The folder contained a list of resources and documents that I had collected from different filmmaking forums and groups on the internet. I shared the folder in the class WhatsApp group with the intention of making it a useful resource for everyone in the class.
This was a huge relief, as I had previously been manually sharing the link to the folder with anyone who was getting started with filmmaking or wanted to reference topics quickly. However, this quick fix had several issues, the biggest of which was that it was difficult to find something specific quickly.
In my first semester of visual media and filmmaking in 2019, I created a shared drive folder of filmmaking resources. The folder contained a list of resources and documents that I had collected from different filmmaking forums and groups on the internet. I shared the folder in the class WhatsApp group with the intention of making it a useful resource for everyone in the class.
This was a huge relief, as I had previously been manually sharing the link to the folder with anyone who was getting started with filmmaking or wanted to reference topics quickly. However, this quick fix had several issues, the biggest of which was that it was difficult to find something specific quickly.
Curating in Google Drive
Curating in Google Drive
3rd semester - 2020
3rd semester - 2020
When COVID-19 isolated everyone and we had to learn filmmaking virtually from our rooms, I created a Discord server to have discussions and share filmmaking resources with friends and people who were interested in filmmaking to recreate that informal college experience.
It went well for some time but it didn’t grew much and faded out later, It was difficult to get people to join the server and participate in discussions. I wanted to do more and making it success but times were tough balancing this server with other assignments and projects.
Despite the challenges, it was a valuable experience for me and the people who were active. Only bots are active right now in that deserted server - though I have hope I’ll resurrect it again someday.
When COVID-19 isolated everyone and we had to learn filmmaking virtually from our rooms, I created a Discord server to have discussions and share filmmaking resources with friends and people who were interested in filmmaking to recreate that informal college experience.
It went well for some time but it didn’t grew much and faded out later, It was difficult to get people to join the server and participate in discussions. I wanted to do more and making it success but times were tough balancing this server with other assignments and projects.
Despite the challenges, it was a valuable experience for me and the people who were active. Only bots are active right now in that deserted server - though I have hope I’ll resurrect it again someday.
Pitch for Discord Server
Pitch for Discord Server
Discord Days
Discord Days
Switch — a protagonist has a problem
Switch — a protagonist has a problem
After switching from filmmaking to product design, at the back of my mind I knew that my first project would address the lack of easy access to resources for filmmakers a problem that my batchmates and I faced. The information is scattered across the web, and many filmmakers struggle to find high-quality resources.
Inspired by openness in tech culture, especially the sites that collect and curate resources, making it easy to learn code and design. I wanted to do something similar for filmmaking, making information easier to access and building a culture of openness. Filmmaking is fun and adventurous, but it also has some complex systematic problems that can be solved through well-designed solutions.
Some of my favourite inspirations - Design Resources / Designer Lynx / Freesources
After switching from filmmaking to product design, at the back of my mind I knew that my first project would address the lack of easy access to resources for filmmakers a problem that my batchmates and I faced. The information is scattered across the web, and many filmmakers struggle to find high-quality resources.
Inspired by openness in tech culture, especially the sites that collect and curate resources, making it easy to learn code and design. I wanted to do something similar for filmmaking, making information easier to access and building a culture of openness. Filmmaking is fun and adventurous, but it also has some complex systematic problems that can be solved through well-designed solutions.
Some of my favourite inspirations - Design Resources / Designer Lynx / Freesources
Goal — call to adventure
Goal — call to adventure
Goal — call to adventure
Making filmmaking resources more accessible - I wanted to create something easy to use, accessible, and valuable for anyone who wants to learn about filmmaking.
Making filmmaking resources more accessible - I wanted to create something easy to use, accessible, and valuable for anyone who wants to learn about filmmaking.
Process
Process
While exploring different design processes, I experienced a lot of confusion in deciding which process to use. I found that the double-diamond approach resonated with me the most. Focusing on the first principles.
While exploring different design processes, I experienced a lot of confusion in deciding which process to use. I found that the double-diamond approach resonated with me the most. Focusing on the first principles.
Discover — growing knowledge
Discover — growing knowledge
Exploring the problem and observe with an open mind. To better understand user needs and problems, I used both primary and secondary research based on three main research goals.
Exploring the problem and observe with an open mind. To better understand user needs and problems, I used both primary and secondary research based on three main research goals.
Goals of the research
Goals of the research
1
Understand the needs and challenges of beginner filmmakers
Understand the needs and challenges of beginner filmmakers
2
Identify problems with existing solutions.
Identify problems with existing solutions.
3
Validate the need - is there a need to solve the problem?
Validate the need - is there a need to solve the problem?
Secondary research — to find the currently available solutions
Secondary research — to find the currently available solutions
To learn more about the availability of websites that curate filmmaking resources and guides, I did secondary research:
Google and open all the links
Searching on Google with 'Reddit' keyword and opening all the links
Searching on Product Hunt
I found impressive solutions in the form of well-organized Reddit posts, blog posts, Google documents, and GitHub pages. However, I couldn't find a central website that curates these resources in one place and is easier to access.
To learn more about the availability of websites that curate filmmaking resources and guides, I did secondary research:
Google and open all the links
Searching on Google with 'Reddit' keyword and opening all the links
Searching on Product Hunt
I found impressive solutions through well-organized Reddit posts, blog posts, Google documents, and GitHub pages. However, I couldn't find a central website that curates these resources in one place and is easier to access.
Primary research — to understand current habits and pain points.
Primary research — to understand current habits and pain points.
I did three informal user interviews over Google Meet, I spoke with beginner filmmakers at different levels, including my college junior, classmate, and senior. The purpose was to understand the current habits and pain points of filmmakers in their search for resources.
I did three informal user interviews over Google Meet, I spoke with beginner filmmakers at different levels, including my college junior, classmate, and senior. The purpose was to understand the current habits and pain points of filmmakers in their search for resources.
Needs and pain points of filmmakers?
Pain Points — Confusion, Frustration, and Overwhelming
Pain Points — Confusion, Frustration, and Overwhelming
Scattered resources
Information overload and lack of curation
Scattered resources
Information overload and lack of curation
Scattered resources
Information overload and lack of curation
Needs — Elixir of Ease
Needs — Elixir of Ease
A central library of resources that is easy to access
Search and Filters specific to filmmakers
Scattered resources
Information overload and lack of curation
Scattered resources
Information overload and lack of curation
Current Habits — Scroll, Diversion, and Fear
Current Habits — Scroll, Diversion, and Fear
Swipe and Seekbar
Distractions and Anxiety
Scattered resources
Information overload and lack of curation
Scattered resources
Information overload and lack of curation
Issues with existing solutions?
Issues with existing solutions?
Existing Solutions - Google Doc / Notion Page / Github Page
Promising, but not close to the ideal solution that can make it easier to quickly find and manage resources.
Basic search within individual platforms is not effective for finding resources across different types, formats, and departments.
Currently, Resources over these decentralized solutions are difficult to discover, update and navigate. Filmmakers have to spend a lot of time searching for the resources they need.
Existing Solutions - Google Doc / Notion Page / Github Page
Promising, but not close to the ideal solution that can make it easier to quickly find and manage resources.
Basic search within individual platforms is not effective for finding resources across different types, formats, and departments.
Currently, Resources over these decentralized solutions are difficult to discover, update and navigate. Filmmakers have to spend a lot of time searching for the resources they need.
Define — critical decisions
Define — critical decisions
Making sense of research findings. To identify a clear and actionable design challenge by defining project goals, scope, and target users.
Making sense of research findings. To identify a clear and actionable design challenge by defining project goals, scope, and target users.
Problem —
Lack of a User-Friendly Access to Filmmaking Resources
Users
Users
My mind was overflowing with ideas for a new web library to support artists in various niches. However, I remembered that creating for everyone would mean creating for no one, so I narrowed down my focus to build primarily for filmmakers. Filmmakers of all levels, from beginners to professionals, can use it to learn about the filmmaking process, get inspired, and stay updated with the latest trends.
My mind was overflowing with ideas for a new web library to support artists in various niches. However, I remembered that creating for everyone would mean creating for no one, so I narrowed down my focus to build primarily for filmmakers. Filmmakers of all levels, from beginners to professionals, can use it to learn about the filmmaking process, get inspired, and stay updated with the latest trends.
User Persona
User Persona
Sam
Sam
Demographics
Demographics
Age: 23
Occupation: Student
Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Studies
About
About
Sam is a 23-year-old beginner filmmaker, who loves everything about films and storytelling. Recently, they decided to start creating their own films and are exploring ways to learn and get better at it. Sam enthusiastically joins film festivals and workshops, always eager to enhance their skills and create fantastic films. However, with the abundance of information online, Sam feels a bit overwhelmed.
Sam is a 23-year-old beginner filmmaker, who loves everything about films and storytelling. Recently, they decided to start creating their own films and are exploring ways to learn and get better at it. Sam enthusiastically joins film festivals and workshops, always eager to enhance their skills and create fantastic films. However, with the abundance of information online, Sam feels a bit overwhelmed.
Behavioural Traits
Behavioural Traits
Driven and ambitious
Collaborative and Open-Minded
Curious and Inquisitive
Pain Points
Pain Points
Overwhelmed by the amount of scattered information available online
Finds it difficult to find high-quality filmmaking resources
Confused about where to start
Goals
Goals
Learn the basics and develop their filmmaking skills
Find high-quality filmmaking resources that are relevant to their needs
Make films that they are proud of
User Story
As a filmmaker, I want to be able to find high-quality filmmaking resources, so that I can improve my skills and make films that I am proud of.
Empathy Mapping
Empathy Mapping
Think
Think
I need a platform that curates a wide range of resources and tools in one place.
I need a platform that curates a wide range of resources and tools in one place.
I want to access the platform easily from anywhere, whether I'm on my computer or mobile device.
I want to access the platform easily from anywhere, whether I'm on my computer or mobile device.
I'm looking for personalized recommendations based on my previous activity on the platform.
I'm looking for personalized recommendations based on my previous activity on the platform.
Feel
Frustrated when I can't find the resources I need.
Frustrated when I can't find the resources I need.
Overwhelmed by the different resources.
Overwhelmed by the different resources.
Excited when I discover a new resource that will help me improve my skills.
Excited when I discover a new resource that will help me improve my skills.
Say
I'm always looking for new resources and tools to improve my filmmaking skills.
I'm always looking for new resources and tools to improve my filmmaking skills.
It's frustrating when I have to spend a lot of time searching for the right resources.
It's frustrating when I have to spend a lot of time searching for the right resources.
I need cost-effective solutions that will help me achieve professional results.
I need cost-effective solutions that will help me achieve professional results.
Do
Spend time researching different resources and tools.
Spend time researching different resources and tools.
Use social media and forums to connect with other filmmakers.
Use social media and forums to connect with other filmmakers.
Look for cost-effective solutions that will help me stay within my budget.
Look for cost-effective solutions that will help me stay within my budget.
Goals I'm trying to achieve
Goals I'm trying to achieve
Broad
Broad
Help filmmakers to enhance their craft and business.
Help filmmakers to enhance their craft and business.
Assist filmmakers in improving specific aspects of their craft, such as storytelling, cinematography, and editing. Plus Insights on funding, distribution strategies, and marketing for filmmakers.
Assist filmmakers in improving specific aspects of their craft, such as storytelling, cinematography, and editing. Plus Insights on funding, distribution strategies, and marketing for filmmakers.
Specific
Make a go-to resource hub for filmmakers and creatives.
Make a go-to resource hub for filmmakers and creatives.
Creating a user-friendly platform, making LibFilm the preferred destination for filmmakers and creatives seeking comprehensive, well-curated resources for every stage of filmmaking.
Creating a user-friendly platform, making LibFilm the preferred destination for filmmakers and creatives seeking comprehensive, well-curated resources for every stage of filmmaking.
Project Scope
Project Scope
Building the MVP for this idea and
Test it out and get feedback
Iterate
Building the MVP for this idea and
Test it out and get feedback
Iterate
I wanted to build a Swiss army knife of web libraries for filmmakers, but I knew that it is more important to start small, focus on the core features, get feedback from users, and iterate quickly.
I wanted to build a Swiss army knife of web libraries for filmmakers, but I knew that it is more important to start small, focus on the core features, get feedback from users, and iterate quickly.
Problem statement
Problem statement
Filmmakers of all skill levels have difficulty finding quality filmmaking resources that are relevant to their needs. This can make it difficult for them to learn and improve their skills, and to make the films they want to make.
Filmmakers of all skill levels have difficulty finding quality filmmaking resources that are relevant to their needs. This can make it difficult for them to learn and improve their skills, and to make the films they want to make.
How can we make filmmaking resources more accessible to everyone?
Solution
Solution
Exploring solutions through Ideation, Prototyping, and Testing. To create a product that looks good and works well for the users.
Exploring solutions through Ideation, Prototyping, and Testing. To create a product that looks good and works well for the users.
Develop — Synthesising Elixir
Develop — Synthesising Elixir
Ideation, prototyping and testing
Ideation, prototyping and testing
Ideate
Creating a pleasant-to-use central website that simplifies the search for filmmaking resources. By aggregating and curating resources, aiming to provide filmmakers with a user-friendly platform that makes learning and skill improvement more accessible. This centralised approach will enhance resource discoverability and usability for filmmakers of all skill levels.
Creating a pleasant-to-use central website that simplifies the search for filmmaking resources. By aggregating and curating resources, aiming to provide filmmakers with a user-friendly platform that makes learning and skill improvement more accessible. This centralised approach will enhance resource discoverability and usability for filmmakers of all skill levels.
Easy to find
Easy to find
Creating a user-friendly interface and a powerful search engine.
Creating a user-friendly interface and a powerful search engine.
The homepage should be clear and concise, with a simple search button and resources sorted in alphabetical order
The homepage should be clear and concise, with a simple search button and resources sorted in alphabetical order
The platform should be easy to use and navigate.
The platform should be easy to use and navigate.
Diverse and Well-organized
Diverse and Well-organized
The categories should be well-defined and easy to understand.
The categories should be well-defined and easy to understand.
Each resource should have a clear description and a preview, so that users can quickly decide if it is relevant to them.
Each resource should have a clear description and a preview, so that users can quickly decide if it is relevant to them.
There should be a variety of resources available, including books, articles, videos, and tutorials.
Accessible and Free to use
Accessible and Free to use
The application will be accessible via desktop and mobile devices, making it easy for filmmakers to access the resources they need on-the-go.
The application will be accessible via desktop and mobile devices, making it easy for filmmakers to access the resources they need on-the-go.
Rough Journey
Rough Journey
1
Discovery
Discovery
Sam discovers the web application through online search or social media. They are intrigued by the idea of a centralized platform for filmmaking resources and tools.
Sam discovers the web application through online search or social media. They are intrigued by the idea of a centralized platform for filmmaking resources and tools.
2
Exploration
Exploration
Sam explores the resource library, browsing tutorials, templates, sound effects, stock footage, and music tracks. They save the resources they are interested in their library for later use.
Sam explores the resource library, browsing tutorials, templates, sound effects, stock footage, and music tracks. They save the resources they are interested in their library for later use.
3
Improvement
Improvement
Sam continues to use the platform to find relevant resources and tools to improve their filmmaking skills.
Sam continues to use the platform to find relevant resources and tools to improve their filmmaking skills.
Information architecture
Home page
This would be the landing page for the application and will provide an overview of the available resources and tools. It’ll contain the resources in serialised way from first stage to last
Resource library and side bar menu
One of the biggest challenges during the design process of LibFilm mvp was creating an information architecture for library that could effectively organize and present a vast amount of filmmaking resources. I carefully considered different ways to structure the content and to make it easy for users to find what they need. I organised the information based on stage of filmmking process, specific departments and type of resource.
Stage of the filmmaking process
Type of resource
Specific departments
It will contain all the resources available on the platform, such as tutorials, templates, sound effects, stock footage, and music tracks. The resources would be organized into subcategories based on type and departments.
About page
For more details about libfilm and contact options
Home page
This would be the landing page for the application and will provide an overview of the available resources and tools. It’ll contain the resources in serialised way from first stage to last
Resource library and side bar menu
One of the biggest challenges during the design process of LibFilm mvp was creating an information architecture for library that could effectively organize and present a vast amount of filmmaking resources. I carefully considered different ways to structure the content and to make it easy for users to find what they need. I organised the information based on stage of filmmking process, specific departments and type of resource.
Stage of the filmmaking process
Type of resource
Specific departments
It will contain all the resources available on the platform, such as tutorials, templates, sound effects, stock footage, and music tracks. The resources would be organized into subcategories based on type and departments.
About page
For more details about libfilm and contact options
Prototype
Prototype
Wireframing
I drew inspiration from existing curated sites and documentation pages for design, such as Material 3, to identify design patterns and best practices It helped me create wireframes for libfilm. I used whimiscal to create the rough wireframe.
Can check out the rough iterations here.
I drew inspiration from existing curated sites and documentation pages for design, such as Material 3, to identify design patterns and best practices It helped me create wireframes for libfilm. I used whimiscal to create the rough wireframe.
Can check out the rough iterations here.
Mock ups
Created the basic mockups for the first version of libfilm, I wanted to replicate the feeling of being in the library with the colors and structure.
Created the basic mockups for the first version of libfilm, I wanted to replicate the feeling of being in the library with the colors and structure.
Design Elements
Fonts, Colors, Elements
Fonts, Colors, Elements
Testing and Feedback
Testing and Feedback
Siddharth suggested 1-2 changes of adding a gradient bg to match with the streaming services library and adding carousel to reduce visible choices and few other changes are in the development file.
Siddharth suggested 1-2 changes of adding a gradient bg to match with the streaming services library and adding carousel to reduce visible choices and few other changes are in the development file.
Deliver — Making it work (tried to)
Deliver — Making it work (tried to)
Web Development
Turning designs into functional real-world solution. Collaborating with the developer.
Turning designs into functional real-world solution. Collaborating with the developer.
For the development of libfilm, I am working with @webxsid to implement the designs and create the v1 of the libfilm. This is where we faced setbacks, got stuck and had to pause working on libfilm.
Challenges
Finding a suitable hosting service
Experience with aws
The desire to work on other project ideas and holding development of libfilm.
For the development of libfilm, I am working with @webxsid to implement the designs and create the v1 of the libfilm. This is where we faced setbacks, got stuck and had to pause working on libfilm.
Challenges
Finding a suitable hosting service
Experience with aws
The desire to work on other project ideas and holding development of libfilm.
Conclusion — for now.
Conclusion — for now.
This isn't the conclusion I intended to write. It's a concussion I got to share.
I wanted to introduce LibFilm as a working real-world application that is helping my filmmaker friends making it easy for them to access resources and tools on the go. I wanted to share the impact it is making and how we are making further improvements.
But snap back to reality.
Here I am looking over the darkness of lost momentum. A project that is incomplete, failed to complete the scope of the project - a working mvp and launching it for public access by the end of June 2023. I failed to make functional progress towards shipping this project and making filmmaking resources more accessible.
To better communicate my feelings I would just reference these following lines from the song forest by twenty one pilots.
Have you ever done that
When you squint your eyes
And your eyelashes make it look a little not right
And then when just enough light
Comes from just the right side
And you find you're not who you're suppose to be?
This is not what you're suppose to see
Please, remember me? I am suppose to be
King of a kingdom or swinging on a swing
Something happened to my imagination
This situation's becoming dire
My treehouse is on fire
And for some reason I smell gas on my hands
This is not what I had planned
This is not what I had planned
So, What I learned?
Basics of figma and first time hand on experience with UI and UX skills.
First project where I utilised product and design thinking principles with intention and in a structured way.
Letting go of perfection that hinders the design process and how important it to ship fast through rapid prototyping to get that much needed feedback required for clarity and growth.
Importance of clear scope, timeline-deadline, and boundaries for design. Easy to get lost in the exploration of possibilities which happened a lot.
The utility of clear knowledge about users and user story.
This is the season finale but not the series finale for libfilm.
And I wonder, What's Next?
I will ship it.
I don't know how long it will take but I will improve and launch v1 of libfilm.
I want to see libfilm in the hands of my filmmaker friends and see how my design is actually performing in the real world.
I want to learn more and get better at my product and design skills.
to be continued.
This isn't the conclusion I intended to write. It's a concussion I got to share.
I wanted to introduce LibFilm as a working real-world application that is helping my filmmaker friends making it easy for them to access resources and tools on the go. I wanted to share the impact it is making and how we are making further improvements.
But snap back to reality.
Here I am looking over the darkness of lost momentum. A project that is incomplete, failed to complete the scope of the project - a working mvp and launching it for public access by the end of June 2023. I failed to make functional progress towards shipping this project and making filmmaking resources more accessible.
To better communicate my feelings I would just reference these following lines from the song forest by twenty one pilots.
Have you ever done that
When you squint your eyes
And your eyelashes make it look a little not right
And then when just enough light
Comes from just the right side
And you find you're not who you're suppose to be?
This is not what you're suppose to see
Please, remember me? I am suppose to be
King of a kingdom or swinging on a swing
Something happened to my imagination
This situation's becoming dire
My treehouse is on fire
And for some reason I smell gas on my hands
This is not what I had planned
This is not what I had planned
So, What I learned?
Basics of figma and first time hand on experience with UI and UX skills.
First project where I utilised product and design thinking principles with intention and in a structured way.
Letting go of perfection that hinders the design process and how important it to ship fast through rapid prototyping to get that much needed feedback required for clarity and growth.
Importance of clear scope, timeline-deadline, and boundaries for design. Easy to get lost in the exploration of possibilities which happened a lot.
The utility of clear knowledge about users and user story.
This is the season finale but not the series finale for libfilm.
And I wonder, What's Next?
I will ship it.
I don't know how long it will take but I will improve and launch v1 of libfilm.
I want to see libfilm in the hands of my filmmaker friends and see how my design is actually performing in the real world.
I want to learn more and get better at my product and design skills.
to be continued.
This isn't the conclusion I intended to write. It's a concussion I got to share.
I wanted to introduce LibFilm as a working real-world application that is helping my filmmaker friends making it easy for them to access resources and tools on the go. I wanted to share the impact it is making and how we are making further improvements.
But snap back to reality.
Here I am looking over the darkness of lost momentum. A project that is incomplete, failed to complete the scope of the project - a working mvp and launching it for public access by the end of June 2023. I failed to make functional progress towards shipping this project and making filmmaking resources more accessible.
To better communicate my feelings I would just reference these following lines from the song forest by twenty one pilots.
Have you ever done that
When you squint your eyes
And your eyelashes make it look a little not right
And then when just enough light
Comes from just the right side
And you find you're not who you're suppose to be?
This is not what you're suppose to see
Please, remember me? I am suppose to be
King of a kingdom or swinging on a swing
Something happened to my imagination
This situation's becoming dire
My treehouse is on fire
And for some reason I smell gas on my hands
This is not what I had planned
This is not what I had planned
So, What I learned?
Basics of figma and first time hand on experience with UI and UX skills.
First project where I utilised product and design thinking principles with intention and in a structured way.
Letting go of perfection that hinders the design process and how important it to ship fast through rapid prototyping to get that much needed feedback required for clarity and growth.
Importance of clear scope, timeline-deadline, and boundaries for design. Easy to get lost in the exploration of possibilities which happened a lot.
The utility of clear knowledge about users and user story.
This is the season finale but not the series finale for libfilm.
And I wonder, What's Next?
I will ship it.
I don't know how long it will take but I will improve and launch v1 of libfilm.
I want to see libfilm in the hands of my filmmaker friends and see how my design is actually performing in the real world.
I want to learn more and get better at my product and design skills.
to be continued.