Instagram Filter: Art with RM

Bridging the Worlds of Art and BTS Fandom

Overview

The objective of this project was to create a unique, engaging filter that connected BTS fans, specifically RM's fanbase, with the world of art. Leveraging RM's love for art museums and the fine arts, this filter aimed to introduce art to individuals who may not have experienced or appreciated it before. The result was an interactive tool that blended the passion of BTS fandom with fine arts in a fun and accessible way.

Many BTS fans, particularly those who admire RM, may not have much exposure to art or feel confident exploring the art world on their own. This lack of exposure can prevent them from fully appreciating the beauty and cultural significance of art. The challenge was to design an engaging filter that would draw attention and inspire BTS followers to explore the art world while staying true to RM’s passions.

View LIVE Filter

BACKGROUND

RM, a member of the globally acclaimed K-pop group BTS, is known for his deep appreciation for art and frequent visits to museums. Recognizing the potential to engage his fanbase, we created a filter that aligned with his artistic interests. This project was designed to inspire curiosity and connect BTS fans to the world of art through an educational yet entertaining medium.

Role

UX/UI, Research

Timeline

8 months

Tools

Meta Spark AR Studio, Figma, Google Meets, Trello

Team Size

2-3

How can we engage BTS fans and encourage them to use and share the RM art filter on Instagram?

Research

COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS

We explored two options: building an app or creating a social media filter. After weighing both scenarios, we chose the filter option for the following reasons:

App Option (Alternative): Higher development costs, hardware limitations, and lower ease of access made this option less viable
Filter Option (Chosen Solution): Easier access, no hardware barriers, lower development complexity, and stronger potential for social sharing and virality aligned well with the project's goals

We also debated between launching the filter on Instagram or TikTok. Here's a breakdown:

Instagram (Chosen Platform): Instagram’s vast user base, particularly among BTS fans, provided the ideal platform for virality. Its visual focus aligned with RM’s interests in art, and Instagram Stories allowed easy sharing of the filter
TikTok (Alternative): While TikTok offers more interactive options, its user base and platform dynamics didn’t align as closely with the project’s goals as Instagram did

Conceptualization

In conceptualizing the filter, we leveraged Instagram’s existing features to enhance the user experience:

Visual Integration: The filter leveraged Instagram's visual focus to align with RM's passion for art, presenting it in an engaging way.
Social Sharing: Designed for easy sharing via Instagram Stories, the filter encouraged users to spread their experiences within the BTS fan community.
User Engagement: By utilizing Instagram’s tools, the filter fostered interaction and maximized its reach to the target audience.

WIREFRAME CONCEPT SKETCHES

Collaborating with designer Hongyang Zhou, we created initial sketches and Figma wireframes to lay out the functionality and design of the filter. These visuals guided the development and ensured the user experience was intuitive.

Sketch by Michael De Leon

Sketch by Hongyang Zhou

CHALLENGES & CONSIDERATIONS

With a focus on having a filter design, there were key challenges to consider:

Photo Adjustments: users adjusted themselves to take the best photos
Information Overload: Noted instances where RM’s image covered the entire screen, impacting the user experience

Testing

We conducted usability testing using the think-aloud technique, allowing users to explore the filter while verbalizing their thoughts. After observing their interactions, we conducted interviews to further analyze user satisfaction. This iterative process helped us identify areas for improvement, such as:

Users adjusting their poses to capture their desired images
RM’s image sometimes obscuring too much of the screen

During the testing phase, we were torn between two filter styles: one with a more cartoonish figure and the other with a realistic look. To help us decide, we conducted a side-by-side comparison using both versions, taking photos to gauge which style resonated more with users. This allowed us to better evaluate the visual impact and user preference for each style.

Outcome

"Art With RM" is a distinctive Instagram filter designed to engage BTS fans and foster a deeper appreciation for art. The project aligns with RM’s love for art, offering fans an opportunity to explore and share art, particularly while RM is away serving in the military. We hope this filter helps continue the tradition of "Namjooning" by allowing fans to engage with the art world in creative ways.