A research team from Dian Nuswantoro University has developed the UI/UX design for a digital platform called Photolio, specifically created to help freelance photographers manage portfolios, interact with clients, and conduct digital transactions within a single integrated application. The study was conducted by Sandra Alfiani, Abraham Himawan, Arjun Aderangga, Moh. Ilham Dwi Candra, Pan Dhiwa Annur Risnant, and Zahra Rifa'atun Nada. The findings were published in the April 2026 edition of the Contemporary Journal of Applied Sciences (CJAS).
The research highlighted the challenges faced by freelance photographers, particularly in building digital portfolios, attracting clients, developing personal branding, and securing safe transaction systems within a single platform. Existing photography platforms generally function only as portfolio showcases and often lack integrated monetization and community interaction features.
According to the researchers, growing competition in the creative industry has increased the demand for platforms that are practical, lightweight, secure, and easy to use. At the same time, clients require systems that allow them to search for works, conduct transactions, and communicate efficiently through one application.
The study applied the Design Thinking method, which consists of five stages: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test. This method focuses on a user-centered approach, allowing the application design to align closely with users’ real experiences and challenges. The Design Thinking workflow diagram on page 5 illustrates the development process from identifying user needs to prototype testing.
During the empathize stage, the researchers identified several primary user needs:
- Users wanted a simple and lightweight application to display photography portfolios.
- Users required a secure and trustworthy transaction system.
- Photographers and buyers wanted all features integrated into one platform.
In the define stage, these needs were translated into the development of a system capable of integrating seller and buyer functions, theme-based portfolio searches, local payment methods, and secure digital transactions.
The ideate stage generated several key solutions, including:
- Image filtering features based on themes.
- Local payment systems such as QRIS, BCA, BRI, and Mandiri.
- Integration of marketplace and portfolio features within one application.
- Transaction security systems and user assistance features.
During the prototype stage, the application design was visualized through wireframes, low-fidelity designs, and high-fidelity prototypes created using Figma. Prototype images on pages 8 and 9 show both desktop and mobile versions featuring a minimalist dark-themed interface with photo galleries, upload systems, payment transactions, and photographer earnings dashboards.
Photolio also includes several additional features:
- Editorial and commercial photo sales.
- “Like” and watermark-protected download features.
- Portfolio uploads through both desktop and mobile devices.
- Earnings dashboards displaying sales details for creators.
The testing phase involved 25 participants using the System Usability Scale (SUS) method. The results showed high levels of user satisfaction with the application design. Most respondents considered the app easy to learn, easy to navigate, informative, and comfortable to use. The usability chart on page 11 indicates that most users rated navigation, time efficiency, visual accessibility, and intuitive design as “easy” or “very easy.”
Researchers also found that the human-centered design approach played a major role in the success of the Photolio interface. According to the study, applications developed based on real user needs can significantly improve comfort, efficiency, and overall user experience.
However, the study acknowledged several limitations, as testing was conducted only at the prototype stage and involved a relatively limited number of respondents. The researchers recommended further development so Photolio can evolve into a fully operational application tested in real-world environments.
According to Sandra Alfiani and the research team, platforms such as Photolio have strong potential to support the digital creative industry ecosystem, particularly for freelance photographers seeking tools to build personal branding, expand market reach, and improve digital monetization opportunities.
The study is considered important because it demonstrates that UI/UX design based on user needs can produce digital creative platforms that are more effective, user-friendly, and relevant to the development of the modern creative economy.
Author Profiles
- Sandra Alfiani - Dian Nuswantoro University
- Abraham Himawan- Dian Nuswantoro University
- Arjun Aderangga- Dian Nuswantoro University
- Moh. Ilham Dwi Candra- Dian Nuswantoro University
- Pan Dhiwa Annur Risnant- Dian Nuswantoro University
- Zahra Rifa'atun Nada - Dian Nuswantoro University
Research Source
Alfiani, Sandra, Himawan, Abraham, Aderangga, Arjun, Candra, Moh. Ilham Dwi, Risnant, Pan Dhiwa Annur, & Nada, Zahra Rifa'atun. Design Thinking-Based UI/UX Design for Photolio: An Integrated Digital Portfolio Platform for Freelance Photographers. Contemporary Journal of Applied Sciences (CJAS), Vol. 4 No. 5, April 2026, pp. 409–426.
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