CounterSketch Design Software Redesign
Easy and Accessible CAD Jewelry Design
What if...
jewelers could save time and design custom jewelry in minutes, with simple functions and a library full of parts to choose from?
Background
CounterSketch was conceived to address the needs of jewelry designers who wanted to design the custom jewelry their customers were asking for, in minutes, all while the customers stood at the counter in the jewelry store.
It need to be faster and more efficient than traditional methods of custom jewelry design, and user friendly enough that the customer could enjoy the design process as well.
strategy for Attracting users
CounterSketch was able to attract users through two key points.
Make the user interface approachable:
Simplify controls, incorporate approachable colors, ensure an intuitive and user-friendly experience.Offer a comprehensive library of mix and match pre-designed parts, enabling designers to select then customize. This would be the biggest time saving feature!
strategy for product placement
CounterSketch is able to fill a critical gap in the market considering:
Other CAD software on the market is not easy to use. CounterSketch eliminates the steep learning curve associated with Computer Aided Design, making CAD easy for jewelers who may not have advanced technical skills.
CounterSketch allows users to focus on their creativity, rather than grappling with complex software.
Where I come in - A complete redesign
Over the years, other designers had off and on involvement in the project, sometimes leaving UX and design decisions up to developers. This sometimes led to inefficient experiences for the users and an inconsistent user interface.
I joined the team to audit CounterSketch Software prior to brand update and redesign. I then provided UX recommendations and updated UI designs to ensure the new interface was easier to use and improved visually.
I worked directly with stakeholders, developers, and marketing teams during this process from beginning to hand off.
Design Styles and Guidelines
I developed a guide to keep the visual elements of the interface consistent. This also served as a reference point for developers and other team members on visual identity of the product.
Nearly every screen was updated, along with adjustments that made user experiences simpler and easier to follow.
Updates include:
toolbar and menu UI
home screen and customization options UI
preferences UI
new buttons and icons
design library UI
filtering search results
design manager UI for organizing client projects
3D controls and adjustments in the viewport
selecting gemstones UI (integrates with Stuller’s live inventory on Stuller.com)
rendering options
ordering screens
and more
Result - Brand and UI Refresh
CounterSketch Studio re-emerged as the most user-friendly 3D jewelry design software available today.
It has garnered significant popularity within the jewelry design industry, and this success can be attributed to the complete overhaul of the user interface and several much-needed feature improvements.
More about the product
Unlocking Possibilities with 3D Printing
Designs created using CounterSketch can be translated into physical objects through 3D printing.
This revolutionary technology allows jewelers to 3D print their designs and utilize them for various purposes.
For instance, the printed 3D design can be used for customers to try on with stones set in it.
Once the design is approved, the 3D print serves as a mold for creating the final piece using precious metals, thus facilitating the manufacturing process.
CounterSketch empowers designers to deliver unique, personalized jewelry pieces efficiently.
Meeting the Demand for Custom Jewelry
CounterSketch's ability to facilitate efficient customization and rapid prototyping addresses this demand, enabling jewelry designers to meet the evolving needs of their clientele.
Conclusion
As lead UX and Visual Designer, I played a pivotal role in the project, transforming the software's user experience and enhancing its features.
Gemvision's CounterSketch Design Software stands as a testament to innovation, meeting the market demand for efficient and accessible jewelry design tools in an era of rising customization expectations.