Final Portrait Draft
UX/UI CASE STUDY
In early March the Nevada Future of Learning was scheduled to convene in Reno. However, due to the severe winter weather, the event was shifted to a virtual format. I was given the task of making the experience more engaging and meaningful. To bring some humor into the situation, the attendees were encouraged to attend Virtual Reno wearing their winter clothes and using a series of Zoom backgrounds.
Role: Graphic Designer
Skills: Illustration
Tools: Canva + Adobe Illustrator (Ai)
Empathy + define
DEFINE PROBLEM
The Design the Future of Learning in Nevada convening initially planned as an in-person event in Reno, had to be moved online due to unexpected winter weather. The challenge was to maintain the level of engagement and connection in a virtual setting.
DESIGN QUESTION
How can we create an engaging and meaningful virtual experience for participants that compensates for the lack of in-person interaction and maintains the event's intended atmosphere?
SOLUTION
To enhance the virtual experience, I designed a series of custom Zoom backgrounds that not only added visual interest but also brought humor and levity to the situation.
Winter Storm In Reno
The Design the Future of Learning in Nevada attendees were expecting an in-person event in Reno, where they could network, collaborate, and engage in meaningful discussions. With the shift to a virtual format due to the severe winter weather, there was a risk of losing personal connection and engagement.
IDEATE
To keep the attendees engaged it was decided to make light of the situation and create a Virtual Reno where participants can pretend to be in the Blizzard.
Winter Wear
Participants were asked to rock their best winter wear.
Zoom Backgrounds
Zoom backgrounds were created to give the feeling of being in Reno.
Breaks
Participants had dance breaks with winter music to make light of the situation.
Virtual Backgrounds
Two sets of designs were created to give the feel of being virtually in Reno:
TV Broadcast
The initial set of backgrounds was crafted to give participants the appearance of broadcasting live from the heart of the blizzard. These designs feature dramatic snowy mountains and a snow-covered Reno, capturing the essence of the winter storm in a playful and immersive experience.
cozy INside
The second set of backgrounds showed a warm and cozy interior with windows framing a snowy scene outside. To add a personal touch, past event photos were incorporated into photo frames, and mug cups featuring the Portrait logo were added. These scenes aimed to make participants feel as if they were comfortably indoors reminiscing about previous gatherings while connecting at the event.
Cozy inside backgrounds. All designs had different variations with different colors for the wall.
Animated backgrounds
Participants had the option that use animated backgrounds that added a dynamic touch. These backgrounds feature snow falling and steam rising from Portrait theme coffee cups. This subtle motion brought the scene to life and helped enhance the immersive experience.
Backgrounds with motion.
Supporting guide
A comprehensive guide was created to assist participants in setting up their backgrounds. This step-by-step guide provided clear instructions to ensure everyone could easily set up and use the backgrounds.
Backgrounds in action
Participants rocked their winter best while taking a dance break.
Conclusion
Despite the unforeseen challenges, participants were able to come together and make the most of the situation. The custom Zoom backgrounds played a key role in overcoming the obstacles of the virtual environment, successfully maintaining engagement, and fostering a sense of connection throughout the event.
