Adobe Creative Cloud Plugin
Introduction
The goal of this initiative was to adapt the core site search experience from the Stock Media platform Storyblocks into an intuitive and efficient tool for video editors. As the designer on the project, I was responsible for translating the existing search experience into a plugin interface that seamlessly integrated with the Adobe Creative Cloud ecosystem.
Project Overview
The project aimed to enhance the workflow of video editors by providing them with direct access to Storyblocks' vast collection of stock media within Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects. The primary challenge was to ensure that the plugin maintained the usability and effectiveness of the original core site search while offering a tailored experience for these Adobe applications.
Research and Analysis
To begin, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of Storyblocks' core site search and competitor plugins. We learned about features that matter most to users when using applications like Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effect. Through user interviews and surveys, we learned that users have strong preferences for where they “dock” the plugin within the Adobe tool and how they download content for a project. This involved understanding user behaviors, pain points, and preferences when searching for stock media. Additionally, I studied the design language of Adobe's Creative Cloud suite to ensure a seamless look and feel for the product when adapting the design.
Early Ideation and Wireframing
With a clear understanding of the existing search experience, I started sketching out initial concepts for the plugin interface. These sketches helped me explore different layout possibilities, including the arrangement of search filters, media previews, and download options.
Using the sketches as a foundation, I created detailed wireframes that outlined the user flow within the plugin. This step was crucial in ensuring a logical and efficient navigation process for users, from searching for and downloading media to integrating it into their projects.
Interface Design and Prototyping
Based on the wireframes, I began crafting the visual design of the plugin. I ensured consistency with Adobe's design guidelines while incorporating Storyblocks' branding elements. The interface needed to be user-friendly, visually appealing, and conducive to easy navigation.
I developed interactive prototypes using design tools, allowing for realistic user interactions and experiences. These prototypes underwent multiple iterations, each time incorporating feedback from the development team, stakeholders, and potential users.
Video Search Prototype
Audio Search Prototype
User Testing
The user testing phase played a pivotal role in refining the plugin's design and functionality. We conducted usability testing with video editors who frequently used Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects. The goals of the user testing were to identify any usability issues, gather feedback on the user interface, and validate whether the plugin met their needs.
The feedback from the user testing was invaluable. It highlighted areas where the interface needed to be streamlined, elements that required better visibility, and adjustments needed to enhance the overall user experience. For example, in my original designs, I had hidden the filters in order to maximize the amount of the screen that videos took up. Through user interviews, we learned how important filtering and sorting was to users when searching for content. Based on this new understanding, I tweaked the UI to ensure that filtering and sorting was easily available to the user at all times.
Final Product
The result of the design process was a seamless plugin that seamlessly integrated Storyblocks' stock media search experience into Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects. The plugin allowed video editors to easily search for and incorporate high-quality stock assets into their projects, reducing the time spent on searching for relevant content. At 72%, the download success rate in the plugin is even higher than our core site search experience.
Conclusion
The successful design of the plugin for Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects demonstrates the importance of adapting existing user experiences to different platforms. By leveraging the core site search experience from Storyblocks and applying user-centered design principles, I was able to create an intuitive tool that enhanced the workflow of video editors. User testing played a pivotal role in refining the design and ensuring that the final product met the needs and expectations of its target audience. The plugin has had a successful launch and is currently available today through the Adobe Marketplace.