Intro
Overview
Research
Focus
Inspiration
Design
Conclusion
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UX Case Study: Redesigning Adobe Photoshop’s Tools Panel

Ardavan Hp

Introduction

As a sole consultant, I undertook a project to enhance the usability and interface of Adobe Photoshop’s Tools Panel. This case study outlines the comprehensive process and rationale behind the redesign, aimed at making Photoshop more accessible and efficient for beginners and hobbyists.

Photoshop Tools Panel Overview

Project Overview

Adobe Photoshop’s Tools Panel is renowned for its extensive array of features, making it a powerful tool for professionals. However, this complexity can be intimidating for beginners and non-technical users, leading to a steep learning curve and a preference for alternative software like Adobe Lightroom. To address this, I analyzed a Southeast Asian photography hobbyist community, identifying user preferences and pain points.

Community Analysis & Overview

User Research

I engaged with a Facebook group of 5200 members dedicated to photography as a side hustle in Southeast Asia. Most participants were new to photography, heavily relying on Lightroom for editing. A brief survey and group call revealed:

  • Design Simplicity: "Lightroom’s cleaner interface makes it easier to use."
  • Learning Curve: "Photoshop requires learning many small, intricate features."
  • Feature Accessibility: "Tools are difficult to locate or identify quickly."
  • Navigation Efficiency: "Spending time searching for features is off-putting."
  • Overall Efficiency: "Lightroom is quicker for everyday tasks."
Research Data Visualization

Redesign Focus: Photoshop Tools Panel

Photoshop’s extensive toolset resembles a complex control panel. This can be intimidating to new or casual users. The redesign’s core objective is to simplify the panel’s layout and hierarchy so that essential tools are prominent and advanced features remain accessible without overwhelming novices.

Tools Panel Focus

Inspiration: Autodesk Maya

Autodesk Maya’s spaceship-like interface effectively places crucial tools around the mouse pointer. Its right-click menu appears and disappears seamlessly, letting users focus on their task. Icons and labels expedite tool recognition, inspiring Photoshop’s Tools Panel redesign.

Autodesk Maya Inspiration

Design Implementation

Building on Maya’s concept, the Photoshop Tools Panel redesign focuses on:

  • Simplification: Streamline the most frequently used tools.
  • Customization: Let users tailor their panel to personal workflows.
  • Accessibility: Position tools near the pointer for quick access.
  • Intuitive Navigation: A right-click menu that appears/disappears, keeping workspace uncluttered.
  • Visual Clarity: Clear iconography and labeling for each tool.

Additionally, a “game-like” approach introduces color-coded modifications. If a selected tool is a “weapon,” multiple mods can be switched quickly via shortcuts or bottom tabs. This approach aims to keep advanced features visible yet unintrusive.

Photoshop Tools Redesign Example

Conclusion

This redesign strives to make Adobe Photoshop’s Tools Panel more user-friendly and efficient, inspired by Autodesk Maya’s intuitive design. By simplifying the toolset, adding customizable features, and enhancing navigation, Photoshop becomes more accessible to hobbyists transitioning from Lightroom.

Though the proposed toolbar was not fully implemented, it ultimately led to an additional toolbar in Photoshop AI, adopting similar design enhancements and new functionalities for improved user experience and workflow efficiency.