A new collaborative studio module for art classes in Canvas

As an art student during my undergraduate studies, I always preferred working in the studio, as it provided a more immersive experience. However, the pandemic shifted our learning methods, introducing new perspectives on working online, though at the expense of in-person experiences. This project originated from these reflections, aiming to enhance the learning experience for online studio courses tailored specifically to art and design students.

During the pandemic, students have to study remotely, using zoom, canvas, Google, and many other Online tools to do work. However, not every class is perfect for Online study, such as studio classes. Since studios require many different facilities and a variety of practical experiences,

Online learning can’t give students the same experience as in a real studio. Plus, collabration in a real studio is a very important asset. In real studios, students give others suggestions, make discussions, critique, working together, support each other. These have been weakend in online studio classes, which makes cooperation less meaningful. Especially the instant reactions in real studios has been weakend as well.

Research question

How can we help art students learn, cooperate, and experience online just as they do in a real studio?

Which platform to choose to build on?

Canvas is the only software widespread among students, and it’s only for students. Not as other platforms have many collaboration features, Canvas is less powerful on this part.

Therefore, I decided to research more on Canvas and try to find some opportunities to help enhance the features of collaboration and explore how it can help only for art students, for studio classes. Canvas is also a platform that’s widely used before the pandemic, and it’ll be using after the pandemic. There’s no doubt that the pandemic helps the development of remote learning and working. The strengthening of online collaboration in Canvas will offer students a better experience no matter if it’s remote or in-person learning.

Desk Research

According to the background analysis and initial insight, I decided to conduct a deeper study on Canvas, the platform I found most used by students and educators.

After gathering information from the interv iew, I decided to conduct field research to observe how people interact in a physical studio and identify potential pain points in transitioning these experiences online.

Design Strategy

Based on the desk research of Canvas and the primary research of Online learning for studio classes, I’m trying to summarize everything and develop a design direction.

Web Design

According to the pain point and the design strategy plan, I try to develop high fidelity wireframes. The design style, color, font is based on Canvas.

I developed both web and mobile screens; they share the same functions but serve different goals. The webpage provides users with detailed features such as access to templates, 3D scenes, and options to collaborate and critique, while the mobile app is designed for reading, commenting, browsing, and taking quick notes on the go. Users can access the same information and history records from both platforms.