Argentum Studios

Research Phase

Stakeholder Interviews:

I began by conducting interviews with key stakeholders at Argentum. This included the founders, marketing team, and managers. The goal was to understand their vision, business goals, and their perception of the current website's shortcomings.

User Personas:

Based on the insights gathered from stakeholder interviews, I developed detailed user personas. These personas represented different segments of Argentum's clientele, such as aspiring actors, established actresses, and talent agents. Each persona included demographics, goals, pain points, and behaviors.

Competitive Analysis:

I conducted a thorough analysis of Argentum's competitors in the industry. This involved studying the websites of other photography studios and talent agencies catering to actors and actresses. I identified best practices, as well as areas where Argentum could differentiate itself.

User Surveys:

To gain direct feedback from Argentum's existing clients and potential leads, I created and distributed online surveys. These surveys included questions about their experiences, preferences, and expectations when searching for services like headshot photography and demo reels.

Analytics Review:

I analyzed the existing website's performance using tools like Google Analytics. This provided valuable data on user behavior, popular content, bounce rates, and conversion funnels. It helped identify areas that needed improvement.

Usability Testing:

I conducted remote usability tests with a select group of participants who fit the user personas. They were given specific tasks to perform on the existing website, and their interactions were observed and analyzed for any usability issues or friction points.

Content Audit:

I conducted a thorough audit of the existing content on the website. This involved evaluating the clarity, relevance, and effectiveness of written copy, imagery, and multimedia elements.

Keyword Research:

I performed keyword research to understand what terms and phrases actors and actresses commonly use when searching for services like headshots and demo reels. This information was later used to optimize the website for search engines.

Personas

Michael Ezmel

• Demographics:
  • Name: Michael Ezmel
  • Age: 40
  • Gender: Male
  • Occupation: Talent Agent
  • Location: Atlanta, Georgia
  • Income: Comfortable income from commission-based earnings
• Quote:

  "My clients depend on me to connect them with the best. I need partners who understand the industry's demands and deliver excellence."

• Bio:

  Michael is a seasoned talent agent representing a diverse range of actors and actresses. He's always on the lookout for top-tier talent to showcase to casting directors.

• Motivations:
  • To source reliable photographers and videographers for his clients
  • To find services that consistently deliver high-quality results
  • To have easy access to relevant information and resources for his talent
  • Ability to meet tight deadlines
• Frustrations:
  • Needs a service provider who understands the specific needs of the entertainment industry.
  • Values a portfolio that stands out in a competitive market.
  • Seeks clear communication channels and timely delivery of services.

Emily Thompson

• Demographics:
  • Name: Emily Thompson
  • Age: 25
  • Gender: Female
  • Occupation: Recent graduate from acting school
  • Location: Los Angeles, California
  • Income: Entry-level, part-time job while pursuing acting opportunities
• Quote:

  "I'm excited to take my first steps in the industry, but I need a little help making sure I present myself in the best possible way."

• Bio:

  Emily recently graduated from acting school and is eager to kickstart her acting career. She's tech-savvy and relies heavily on the internet for research and networking.

• Motivations:
  • To create a professional portfolio to showcase her talent and versatility.
  • To find a reputable photographer for high-quality headshots.
  • To learn more about creating an impressive demo reel.
  • A Shop that actors trust and is strong with the community
• Frustrations:
  • Limited budget for professional services.
  • Needs guidance on how to select the best photos for her portfolio.
  • Wants a user-friendly website for easy navigation and clear information.
  • Easily Book a session or appointment with easy cancellation if need be

Olivia Davis

• Demographics:
  • Name: Olivia Davis
  • Age: 35
  • Gender: Female
  • Occupation: Full-time Actress
  • Location: New York City, New York but constantly travels to Los Angeles
  • Income: High income, established career in acting
• Quote:

  "Time is money in this industry. I need services that are efficient, reliable, and deliver top-notch quality."

• Bio:

  Olivia has been in the industry for over a decade and has a steady flow of projects. She values her time and looks for efficiency in all aspects of her career.

• Motivations:
  • To update her portfolio with fresh, standout headshots
  • Convenient online ordering
  • To add a compelling demo reel to her profile for casting directors
  • Professional print quality
  • To have a seamless experience in booking services and accessing resources
• Frustrations:
  • Requires a high level of professionalism and expertise from the service provider.
  • Prefers a streamlined process without unnecessary back-and-forths.
  • Appreciates clear pricing and transparent communication.

Ideation

Testing

1. Test Planning and Prototyping

   I conducted thorough functional testing to ensure that all interactive elements on the website, such as buttons, forms, navigation menus, and links, worked correctly. This involved checking for any bugs or errors in the code.

   I began by outlining a comprehensive test plan, defining the testing objectives, and selecting the target audience based on user personas developed earlier in the project. The plan included the test methods, such as usability testing and A/B testing, and established the key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the project's success. Prototypes created during the ideation phase were utilized for initial testing and gathering valuable user feedback.

2. Usability Testing

   I organized usability testing sessions with real users, including individuals who fit the user personas. They were given specific tasks to perform on the website, and their interactions were observed and recorded. This provided valuable feedback on the user interface and overall usability.

3. Cross-Browser Testing

   I tested the website on multiple web browsers (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) to ensure compatibility. This helped identify and address any browser-specific issues that could affect the user experience.

4. Performance Testing

   Based on the load testing results, I implemented performance optimizations to ensure fast page load times and a smooth browsing experience for users.

5. Cross-Browser and Device Testing

   I tested the website on various devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones, to ensure responsive design and optimal performance across different screen sizes and resolutions.

6. Accessibility Testing

   I performed accessibility testing to ensure that the website complied with relevant accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG). This involved testing with screen readers, assessing color contrast, and ensuring keyboard navigation was smooth.

7. User Acceptance Testing (UAT):

   I collaborated with the client and stakeholders to conduct user acceptance testing, allowing them to review the final website and provide feedback. Any necessary adjustments were made based on their input.

8. Iterative Testing and Refinement

   Throughout the testing phase, I iteratively refined the design based on the findings from various tests, incorporating user feedback to optimize the user experience and meet the project's objectives.

9. Regression Testing

   I performed regression testing to ensure that any changes or updates made during the testing phase did not introduce new issues or break existing functionality.

Delivery

1. Final Code Review:

   I conducted a thorough code review to ensure that all aspects of the website, including front-end and back-end code, met industry best practices and standards. This helped identify and address any remaining bugs or issues.

2. Optimization for Production:

   I optimized the website's code, images, and assets to ensure fast loading times and optimal performance in a production environment.

3. Deployment Plan:

   I created a detailed deployment plan outlining the steps and procedures for launching the website. This included considerations for server configuration, database setup, and any necessary DNS changes.

4. Staging Environment Testing:

   I performed a final round of testing in the staging environment to ensure that all elements of the website functioned correctly in a production-like setting.

5. Content Migration:

   I facilitated the migration of content from any existing website or platforms to the new website, ensuring that all information was accurately transferred.

6. Domain and Hosting Configuration:

   I worked with the hosting provider to configure the domain and set up the necessary hosting environment for the website to go live.

7. SSL Certificate Installation:

   I ensured that a valid SSL certificate was installed to secure data transmission and provide a safe browsing experience for users.

8. Monitoring and Analytics Setup:

   I configured monitoring tools to track website performance, uptime, and user behavior. This included setting up tools like Google Analytics to gather valuable data.

9. Backup and Recovery Plan:

   I implemented a backup and recovery plan to ensure that regular backups of the website's data and code were in place, providing a safety net in case of unforeseen issues.

10. Final Client Review and Approval:

    I presented the final version of the website to the client for review and approval. This included a walkthrough of the website's features and functionality.

11. Training and Documentation:

    I provided training to the client or their team members on how to manage and update the website. Additionally, I supplied documentation outlining key aspects of website maintenance.

12. Launch and Post-Launch Support:

    I coordinated with the client and their team to schedule the official launch of the website. Following the launch, I provided ongoing support to address any immediate post-launch issues and ensure a smooth transition.