Challenge

Finding the right auction can be overwhelming, especially when listings are scattered across multiple platforms with inconsistent presentation. Artwell set out to solve this by creating a central platform where users could effortlessly discover auctions that align with their personal taste. The challenge was to design an experience that feels both curated and comprehensive, balancing visual appeal with functionality while building trust in recommendations powered by personal preferences.

Approach

I began by mapping out the key user flows and identifying pain points in the traditional auction discovery process. Through competitor analysis and user interviews, I focused on simplifying the browsing experience while keeping it rich and informative. A core feature is a swipe-based interaction system that lets users quickly like or pass on artworks. This interaction feeds into an algorithm that learns user preferences over time to recommend more relevant auctions. I also designed a system where users can create category-based profiles to tailor their discovery experience around different themes, moods, or collecting interests. The design centered around clean layouts, engaging visuals, and smart filters.

What I found

• Users were unsure where to look for auctions that matched their personal style or interests
• Existing platforms felt cluttered, impersonal, or overwhelming
• Personalization and visual consistency were highly valued
• Users enjoyed having the ability to like or skip artworks to shape their preferences
• Creating multiple category profiles helped users explore different themes without losing focus
• A sense of control and clarity made the experience more engaging and trustworthy

Result

• A clean, user-friendly auction platform that makes discovery intuitive and enjoyable
• Swipe-based interaction system that trains an algorithm to surface relevant artworks
• Personalized recommendations based on user likes, skips, and category preferences
• Ability to create multiple category profiles for different interests and moods
• Visually rich interface with clear navigation and smart filters
• Increased engagement and faster decision-making during user testing
• A platform that helps users confidently discover auctions that truly match their taste
• A scalable design system was developed to ensure consistency and speed across future features and updates

Artwell is now helping users connect with auctions they love in a way that feels tailored, elegant, and effortless.