An Artist's Process
- Interaction Designer,
- Lead Developer
- National Museum of Wildlife Art,
- Bluecadet
- Interaction Design,
- Experience Design,
- Development,
- Information Architecture
Bluecadet designed and developed an interactive and immersive website dedicated to the life and work of the legendary western painter Robert Lougheed. The project aimed to reflect Lougheed’s belief in painting in the field and provide a comprehensive view of his artistic journey.
The Client
The National Museum of Wildlife Art, situated in the breathtaking landscape of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, stands as a premier institution dedicated to the intersection of art and nature. Overlooking the National Elk Refuge, the museum uniquely blends artistic excellence with wildlife conservation, offering visitors an enriching experience that highlights the beauty and importance of the natural world.
The Challenge
The primary goal was to create an online experience that mirrored Robert Lougheed’s philosophy of field painting. The website aimed to offer an immersive exploration of Lougheed’s life, his artistic process, and his body of work.
The Outcome
The final outcome was a website that not only showcased Robert Lougheed’s art and philosophy but also provided an engaging and educational experience for visitors. The site’s design and interaction facilitated a deeper understanding and appreciation of Lougheed’s work.
The Lesson
The website effectively mirrored Lougheed’s belief in the importance of the environment in artistic creation, offering visitors a virtual experience akin to exploring an art gallery in the field.
The Artist
Robert Lougheed (1910-1982) was a renowned Canadian-American artist celebrated for his depictions of the American West. Born in Ontario, Canada, he moved to New York to study at the Art Students League and Grand Central School of Art. Lougheed became known for his realistic and dynamic portrayals of cowboys, horses, and Western landscapes. His works, often characterized by their vibrant color and meticulous attention to detail, captured the spirit and authenticity of Western life. Lougheed’s illustrations appeared in prominent publications, and he was a founding member of the Cowboy Artists of America, significantly influencing Western art during his career.
Immersive Digital Experience
To achieve this, the team developed dynamic photo galleries and an interactive biography and timeline. These elements were designed to engage users in Lougheed’s world, providing a deep dive into his artistic approach and creations.
Balancing Richness and Consistency
Initially, the project had about twelve different unique page compositions, which is typical for a design-centric site. However, the challenge was to create a navigation system that allowed users to move through the website without disrupting the thematic continuity of presenting Lougheed’s process as a continuum.
Interaction Design Strategy
The interaction design focused on crafting user journeys through Lougheed’s biography and artwork. This involved wireframing to catalog various views and identify common features, as well as creating storyboards to ensure a seamless flow from one page to another, enhancing the narrative coherence.
Seamless Paths
A key aspect of the design was to make the transitions between different sections of the site smooth and intuitive, closely aligning with the overarching narrative of Lougheed’s artistic journey.
Thoughtful interaction design and information architecture
Thoughtful interaction design and information architecture can be leveraged to create a meaningful and immersive digital experience, successfully translating the essence of an artist’s philosophy and work into an engaging online format.
