Memory Lane: Photo album for special events

Do you ever feel like you need a private app for some special occassions, such as birthdays, anniversaries or company events? Here is what you looking for.

The beginnings

My sister loves meaningful presents. In 2022 I couldn't find any meaningful things to buy for her. So, I decided to use my newly acquired skill to create one. I had one day but I managed to create a mini app and gather family members to write memories for her.

Before

There were only a bunch of screens at the beginning. It's more like the unauthorized version of the app.

After

After adding the authorization, the screens multiplied and this became a full-fledged app.

Some mockups to give you the idea

Using others' design systems

I may be a newbie but I'm not making random projects. I didn't create components for this one. I used Atlassian Design System's components, and a little bit Tailwind icons where needed. At first I had little time for my sister's birthday, but then I got the idea in Storistic and why not go on with ready made elements?

The only downside I encountered is that I cannot change some of the components to the special use of my particular app. Otherwise it's very convenient, also saves a great deal of time and creates visual pleasure.

Different types of authorization

Another thing I wanted to try was different levels of authorization, which is common in especially web apps. The idea here is that there will be one owner and some admins assigned by them. Others will get a link or a code with an SMS, download the unique link and only view the album/read the memories.

A mindful photo album

One might think that the app is very restricted but it's on purpose. This is a "mindful" app that encourages people to slow down and choose the most meaningful photos for their community, which are already in their phone book or will be soon.

These photos aren't for likes, and everybody already has thousands of photos in their phones. So, first batch of 4, not enough, another batch of 4, maybe the last 4 photos, yes. A total of 12 photos is great for everyone. And the owners and admins can easily manage the memory part.

Challenges I have faced

I thought authorization would be my biggest challenge but it wasn't. Editing photos was my biggest challenge. I wanted to keep the app as simple as possible but extra moves were inevitable.

I decided on a separate "edit photos" button and then separate control menus for each photo. And some other icons and notifications had to follow.

Empty or not

Uploaded photos have an icon that shows whether the photo is empty or not, namely whether there is a memory written or not.

Discard photos

Discarding photos is also a careful action. You can upload pictures one by one and also discard them one by one.

The memory is busy

I was almost calling the app complete before I realized that owner and admins shouldn't work on a memory at the same time.

No contacts yet

I had assumed that the owner begins with some contacts but the app will come completely empty and the contacts had to be invited.

Hi-fi prototype

Memory Lane has a very detailed prototype (flows within flows), which you can visit any time you like. I think the image will give you the idea.

Thank you for your time!

Before you leave:

Watch a mini flow below.

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