Sequin.app

I led the design of sequin.app from its inception, taking it from ground zero to a fully realized product. Sequin.app is a B2B SaaS tool designed to streamline and enhance collaboration within the virtual production and broadcast pipeline, enabling creatives to save time and work together more effectively, even if they lack technical expertise.

Role: Lead Designer & Art Director
Duration:
Oct 2020 - August 2021
Awards:
EpicGames MegaGrant
Industry: Web3, Video games, Virtual Production, Broadcast media

The Challenge

How might we review and share Unreal Engine content for virtual production?

Collaborating on Unreal Engine projects and reviewing content can be challenging for non-designers or individuals without prior knowledge of the software and the profession; this can result in miscommunication, project delays, and mistakes during production. Moreover, sharing large files and complex 3D assets can be a logistical challenge, especially when collaborating with remote teams or stakeholders.

The Approach

Understanding the technology, capabilities, and users

We identified pain points in the standard virtual production creative process through close collaboration with virtual production experts, the engineering team, and potential users. By gaining a deep understanding of the technology present today, we were able to develop solutions that were both effective and easily translatable for a non-technical audience. Ultimately, we simplified the production process and improved the overall workflow. We removed the need for required software and hardware. We enabled people to collaborate in the cloud no matter their technical skill level.

Research

The product market-fit led us to conduct 20+ interviews with virtual production creative professionals to find out what’s wrong and how we can do better in the virtual production creative process.

1

Not everyone is an Unreal Engine expert

Unreal Engine's high complexity demands a substantial investment of time and effort to fully grasp its intricate features and scripting languages.

2

Gaps between stakeholders and creatives

Typically, stakeholders face difficulties when trying to review and engage with highly immersive interactions, as it often necessitates technical expertise. This creates a hurdle in the creative process.

3

Requirements for Software and Hardware

To ensure smooth operation of Unreal Engine, a powerful computer with a robust graphics card and sufficient memory is often necessary, which can entail a substantial cost.

4

Perceived collaboration challenges

The perception of a lack of collaboration in Unreal Engine may result from its complexity, resource demands, and the need for effective project management and communication within development teams.

Goal

Enhance the seamless integration of creatives within the virtual production pipeline, enabling them to collaborate more efficiently and productively with their entire team.

Success Metrics

1

Reduce time spend on task

Collaborate with your team and present to prospects in Unreal Engine to win more deals, faster.

2

Simplify teamwork for everyone

Review and receive feedback all in one place, bringing all stakeholders into the process.

3

Reduce setup handle times

Enable creatives to collaborate in the cloud without requiring in-depth technical Unreal Engine expertise.

4

Democratize Unreal Engine

Streamline the iterative process, including all parties in Unreal Engine from the beginning.

Significance

Unreal Engine boasts millions of global users, while more than a thousand companies integrate it into their creative and production workflows. However, not everyone in the pipeline possesses technical skills, leading to challenging collaboration between 3D designers, engineers and non-technical team members.

With Sequin.app we have simplified collaboration, even for non-technical team members like myself. The intuitive design and powerful features make it a must-have tool in our workflow.

- Filmmaker and Creative director

Sequin.app has sped up our production projects. Its efficient tools and collaboration features help us work together smoothly, making it a vital part of our fast-paced workflow.

- Producer

Opportunity

Enhancing User Experience through Intuitive Web App Design

Feature Prioritization

Determining Sequin.app's Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

Product Blueprint

Visual Design

Design Systems

We've meticulously designed a comprehensive design system that encompasses a diverse range of UI components, tailored specifically for our Virtual Production 3D tool and Scene/Project Management platform. All thoughtfully designed to elevate the user experience. Each element has been carefully considered and integrated into our existing UI kit, ensuring a seamless and harmonious design language across the entire platform.

Engaging

Clear calls to action and intuitive navigation encourage exploration, keeping users motivated and immersed. This interactivity boosts satisfaction, dwell times, and conversions.

Consistent

Predictable interaction patterns make it easier for users to understand the interface. This uniformity not only enhances usability but also strengthens the brand identity.

Relevant

Content and features align with user interests, making the interface more meaningful. This focus not only boosts interaction but also deepens the user-brand connection. Every touchpoint is purposeful and valuable.

Design System fundation examples

Design Decision 1

Dashboard: Scene entry point, project, team and account management

Dashboard

Scene Activity

Scene Settings

Team Management

Design Decision 2

Collaboration, 3D Editor features, and interface design

Editor User Interface

Change elements and trigger presets. The system is the connection to trigger Unreal Engine scene content

Move, scale, and rotate. Transform objects in your scene allowing you to iterate faster on final placement

Replay, resolve and comment contextually. Leave comments, annotations or any type of suggestions with attachments right on your scenes

Hand off control to any user on any device to interact with the scene simultaneously using Pixel Streaming technology

Design Handoff

Outcomes

1

Shipped to virtual production professionals

Optimize Sequin.app's high-level workflows to enhance the efficiency of virtual production professionals, enabling faster work and time savings when reviewing content.

2

Accelerated roadmap

I proactively designed high-level screens to facilitate and expedite discussions related to virtual production creative processes and methods.

3

Influenced project roadmap

In future releases, we plan to incorporate more genuine AR features and expand capabilities such as text and audio-based notation.

4

Mobile companion application

One major benefit of the companion app is the flexibility it offers, allowing users to use a convenient virtual camera from various devices, rather than being limited an iPad or desktop.

Video teaser created using Sequin.app for marketing purposes. 3D assets: Sequin Inc.

Takeaways

Unreal Engine for All

Democratizing Unreal Engine is crucial to enhancing accessibility and inclusivity for a broader spectrum of creators in virtual production, game development, and other related projects. This technology's democratization empowers individual creators and fosters the growth and diversity of the gaming and virtual production industry. As we move forward, we anticipate a future where all aspiring developers and their teams have access to the tools and resources to bring their ideas to life.