A customizable avatar app for users to create a mini version of themselves using my original illustrations. Built entirely in Swift, combining my artistic creativity with technical precision to deliver an engaging and interactive experience. Developed for the New Media Certificate
MiniMe!
Date
Spring 2025
Tools
Swift, Procreate
My Role
Developer, Designer
Create a one of a kind self portrait with just a few clicks.
The Problem
I loved playing build-your-own-character games growing up, but I rarely saw my skin tone and hair type represented. This inspired me to create MiniMe and offer a range of customizable features. This project explores how thoughtful UX design and programming can make an interactive experience that users truly enjoy.
Background
Many beginner programming projects prioritize functionality over experience, resulting in apps that work but fail to engage users. This project explored how thoughtful interface design and Swift development could come together to create something both interactive and enjoyable. By combining creativity with programming, Mini Me transformed a simple character creator into an experience centered around self-expression and play.
01 Research
Finding inspiration from similar products
Before designing Mini Me, I researched popular character customization games to understand what makes them engaging and gather inspiration. I looked at Picrew and Animal Crossing, paying close attention to their customization options, visual hierarchy, and navigation patterns. Here’s what I found:
Logos for Picrew and Animal Crossing
Organize customization into clear categories (color coordination helps!)
Visual feedback once the character is finished improves the experience
Offer enough variety to encourage creativity without overwhelming the user
O2 Empathize
Understanding the user through peer interviews
To better understand user expectations, I asked my classmates which customization features they would want in a character creator. Their feedback highlighted the essentials:
Hair Type Options
Key Insights from Classmates
A Range of Skin Tones
Accessories for Personality
These insights formed the foundation of my design. I then expanded on these suggestions by adding more expressive details, including halos, glasses, freckles, and other accessories to make customization feel more personal and fun.
3 Ideate
Creating early designs and user flows
In this ideation stage, I focused on mapping a smooth customization journey from start to save. I created low-fidelity wireframes to explore layout structures and establish a clear interaction flow for avatar customization.
Design Decisions:
Color coordinated categories to create visual hierarchy and guide users naturally through the process
Minimize unnecessary steps and maintain a sense of seamlessness using just three screens
Centered, hierarchical layout for mobile usability and intuitive navigation
Paper Wireframes for MiniMe
04 Prototype
Programming functional UX and fun visuals
To bring MiniMe to life, I focused on translating my visual designs into seamless experiences through Swift. I programmed responsive interactions that made the customization feel fluid and intuitive.
Programming Process:
Applied course concepts including variables, state & binding, stacks, buttons, and structs to bring the app to life
Designed and integrated custom assets created in Procreate
Used loops and boolean logic to manage interactivity and conditional features
Developed a multi-view flow to store and display user input.
Swift Programming Snapshots
MiniMe! Screens
Takeaways
Building this project challenged me to grow both creatively and technically, and this cross-disciplinary experience strengthens my capabilities as a UX Designer. I learned to combine engaging visuals with truly functional, user-centered design. With a strong foundation in both design principles and programming, I have the skills to create products that can resonate with users while supporting business goals.
Next Project…
