Scratch: matching iPhoneographers with their next subject
Background
An avid smartphone user envisioned an on-demand platform connecting photo-savvy individuals with consumers seeking instant, flattering photos.
My goal was to design a two-sided app seamlessly connecting photographers with those seeking photos.
Objective
There was a need for an on-demand app to bridge the gap between customers and impromptu photographers. Currently, people rely on friends, staff, strangers, or selfies for casual photos. Scratch offers a superior, personalized alternative that's both fun and practical.
Solution
Scratch elevates outings by connecting users with nearby smartphone photographers. Customers get stunning photos for social media while photographers earn extra cash showcasing their photo and editing skills.
1.2 trillion digital photos are taken annually—an average of 160 per person worldwide.
VSCO, a cult-favorite photo editing app popular with Gen Z, boasts over 4 million paid users.
Smartphones account for 85% of all photos taken, far surpassing traditional cameras.
Research
The project evolved significantly with our guidance. Initially envisioned as an app for affordable professional photographers, we suggested targeting everyday smartphone photographers ('iPhoneographers') based on market research and surveys. This untapped market offers casual, budget-friendly photo services.
“I would like to see portfolios of the photographers inside the app.”
I included browseable galleries to enable photographers to show off their best work. This complements the original idea to include a link to their Instagram profile.
“Add a rating system where people can rate the experience of the person they hired.”
I added a rating and review functionality so that photographers and subjects can mutually rate each other, similar to Uber, encouraging professionalism from both sides.
Features
Conceptually the project evolved quite a bit due to our advice. The client who commissioned the app originally came to us envisioning an app to hire professional photographers more affordably, but after reviewing the market research and conducting surveys, we suggested focusing on everyday “iPhoneographers” and Android users with good smartphone cameras and photography chops.
Profile
Photographers can showcase their skills by uploading portfolio images and creating galleries.
Requesting Session
Photographers can view session details and choose to accept or decline requests.
Job History
Displays transaction details of past jobs, including duration, cost, and photos taken.
Solution
As a two-sided marketplace, I designed two clickable prototypes—one for photographers and one for clients—developing the feature set, wireframes, and prototypes for both perspectives.
User-friendly screens enable seamless connections between photographers and clients. Features like photo galleries, geolocation, and an on-demand booking tool make scheduling sessions effortless.
