Art and culture are powerful forms of human expression that allow people to share stories and emotions across generations. In rural India, traditional arts and crafts are vital to community identity and history. Passed down through generations, these art forms preserve ancient techniques and reflect the rich diversity of India’s cultural landscape, telling the stories of rural life and local traditions.
However, as the world transitions to a digital economy, many rural artists struggle to adapt, which not only reduces their income but also stifles the growth of their craft. With traditional art facing the risk of fading away, this project aims to preserve these valuable traditions and ensure they continue to thrive for future generations.
The problem
Rural artists in India face significant challenges in adapting to the digital economy, with limited access to platforms that showcase their work. The reliance on middlemen reduces their income, while delayed payments and lack of market reach further hinder their growth. These issues threaten the survival of traditional art forms, making it crucial to find sustainable solutions for their continued prosperity.
The solution
We are creating a platform that empowers rural Indian artists to showcase and sell their traditional art directly to customers, bypassing middlemen who reduce their income. With an intuitive interface and secure payment options, artists gain more control over their earnings. This solution helps preserve traditional crafts while enabling artists to thrive in the digital age and reach a broader audience, promoting their cultural heritage.
ShilpKala aims to empower rural artists by providing a platform to showcase, sell, and preserve traditional crafts.
We set these research goals to understand the challenges rural Indian artists face in promoting and selling their work. By exploring their needs, customer preferences, and adoption barriers, we aimed to gather insights to create a solution that empowers artists and preserves traditional craftsmanship.
To maintain a realistic project scope, we focused on rural Indian artists who were locally available to us.
To understand the challenges rural Indian artists face, we visited Kari Village in Dehradun and engaged with local artists. We interviewed over 20 artists, gaining firsthand insights into their struggles. These conversations helped us uncover key insights that informed our research goals and the development of effective solutions.
The interviews revealed challenges rural artists face, such as limited exposure and reliance on middlemen, affecting income and causing payment delays. We also discovered NGOs and committees that support artists with digitalization and local fairs. Many artists expressed a need for such support, so partnering with these organizations could provide vital resources. Additionally, we spoke with clients to understand how they purchase artwork online, helping us design a complete solution for everyone.
The competitive analysis highlighted platforms like Etsy and Artsy, noting their strengths and limitations. While they offer global exposure, challenges like high competition, fees, and selective onboarding persist. This shows the need for a more inclusive platform for rural artists, providing better opportunities to showcase their work and connect with buyers.
We used low-fidelity prototypes to keep the design simple and clear. Starting with basic sketches, we tested and improved the app’s flow step by step. By making changes along the way, we ensured the app was easy for artists to use, creating a smooth, user-friendly experience that fit their needs and helped them navigate easily.
Our sign-up screens are simple and accessible. Instead of the usual email and password, users create accounts using their phone number and name. Based on research, we made email optional, as many artists don’t have one. This approach ensures an easy, quick process, allowing artists to join and showcase their work without any unnecessary steps.
Getting started with some
onboarding screens
Our onboarding screens were created based on feedback from buyers to make the platform safe and trustworthy. Artists are asked to verify themselves in a few easy steps, which helps protect buyers and build confidence. This process ensures that only real artists can join, reducing the chances of scams and fraud, and creating a secure and reliable experience for everyone.
Help and Insights
For the additional screens, we focused on enhancing engagement by adding options for chatting with customer service, reading FAQs, and managing profiles. We also created screens from the buyer’s perspective to ensure a seamless experience for both artists and buyers, making the app intuitive and user-friendly for all users.
