Context
In 2024, NEX.art launched IKON-1, an AI image model with powerful multi-modal prompting capabilities.This allowed users to generate images using both text prompts and image references, offering more creative control and precision than traditional methods.
Problem
Despite launching the innovative multi-modal prompting feature called “Control Blocks,” user adoption was lower than anticipated.
Original Layout
UX Audit & Discovery
I audited the existing flow and interviewed users to understand why the feature was underused. While tutorials existed, users didn’t even realize the feature was there—revealing a deeper issue with visibility and entry points.
Original Layout
Key Issues:
- Complexity: Users found the term “Control Blocks” confusing and the interface unintuitive.
- Discoverability: Many users weren’t aware the image prompting feature existed, making even the best tutorials ineffective.
Layout Redesign
Applied insights from user research and flow analysis to restructure the NEX Studio interface:
- Clear separation of concerns: Organized the UI into dedicated panels, separating image generation tools from results and other functionalities.
- Simplified Interface: Streamlined the panel layout, improving discoverability of prompting options.
Exploring Layout Alternatives
Components
Final Result
Applied insights from user research and flow analysis to restructure the NEX Studio interface:
- Clear separation of concerns: Organized the UI into dedicated panels, separating image generation tools from results and other functionalities.
- Simplified Interface: Streamlined the panel layout, improving discoverability of prompting options.
Final Design
93% Up
image output with multiple image controls within the platform
197% Up
Traffic increase following the implementation of the new user interface
