Auctionary
Easy auctions for the first-time user
UX Design
Online auction
Web design
Responsive
Designing an online auction service, that provides new users with clarity and guidance throughout the bidding process.
My role
User research
UI Design
Visual design
Tools
Figma
Framer
Timeline
Dec 2024- Feb 2025
auctionary.com
A
A
9:41
72
Saved!
Madonna and Child, After Raphael
- Italian school (XVII)
Current bid
€ 1,600
Select bid
At-a-glance
Context
Those new to the world of auctioneering have a hard time understanding the structure, finding the bidding process stressful.
Problem
Unknown
The auction world has a different way of selling compared to any other industry, and with that comes unknown terms and processes.
Solution
Understanding
Providing users new to auctioneering, clarity throughout the process.
Web and mobile
It is important to provide a service for users that feels the same no matter what type of platform is in use.
Desktop
Mobile
By reducing pageantry often found in auctioneering, and instilling a contemporary aesthetic, the product and information are put completely at the forefront.
Clean interactive elements allow for better engagement with the service, without overwhelming the cognitive load of the user.
Users can download receipts and contact sellers directly, improving communication.
Clear details on the lot the user is interested in bidding on, with a statement written by Auctionary experts - who are on hand to answer any questions.
Research
By delving into the current state of the auction industry, I uncovered statistics that shed light it's the performance, to asses the differences and trends moving forward.
Companies improving digital platforms have shown growth…
This market is expected to reach a value of $7.7 billion by 2030
Auction house sales declined by 16% in 2024
In early 2024, online-only auction sales increased by 14%
Projections and statistics based on auction performances.
Condition checks
Buyers cannot physically inspect items
No atmosphere
Less excitement in competitive bidding
Not as friendly
Less personable customer service online
User research
Louise
Auction house staff
"It's so simple to bid online as I shop online anyway."
Michael
Auction house staff
"The auction system should be revamped, but it would be sad to see it change, the classic feel of it."
Alex
Auction house staff
"Information on what you are buying is a lot simpler online."
Katie
Logistics coordinator
"The everyday person doesn't have the time to go to wait in an auction house to bid."
James
Art gallery staff
"I'm kind of apprehensive about buying second-hand items online when I can't tell if they are good quality"
1/5
I conducted user interviews to gain an understanding of their thinking when it comes to the auction world, and online bidding.
These thoughts were then converted into concise lists detailing the pain points and needs of the user.
Pain points
Quality assessment is difficult online
Lack of effective customer service
Complication in the bidding process
Needs
Informative condition reports
Online specialists ready to assist
Simple visual language
Customer service
Assistance in valuing and selling lots
Monthly highlights
Spotlight on selling lots
Simple design
Clear bidding and lot display
Auction listings
Recommended auctions to browse
Something to learn
Stories relating to lots on offer
Condition reports
Clear information on quality
The importance of hierarchy
Competitive audit
My main finding that there was often an incorrect hierarchy. The estimated costs and even the current bid were not a focal point in an auction, making navigating the sale not as simple for new users. My selection shows examples of this.
This is is antithetical to what my users thought the service should do - provide clarity and simplicity.
1/3
Three core principles
Distilling the user needs into rules.
Make a user happy to buy
Is the user experience of bidding and buying through this platform exciting? Does it feel like an achievement to have a winning bid?
Make it simple to buy
Is the payment and bidding processes simple and easy to understand? Clarity is key to minimising the drop-off rate.
An easily navigated system
Online auction platforms are attracting newer and broader audiences. Does this platform provide simple user paths? That will lead to greater sales and customer satisfaction?
The user journey
Buying an item through an online auction
Following discussions with my user participants, I constructed a typical user journey, of a buyer going through an online auction, to work from when considering needs in the design.
Projections and statistics based on auction performances.
The interface
Highlighting key information
The hierarchy was altered, in order to highlight the information most important to the first-time user.
