User Stories

"Oh, yes, I remember one time I was trying to find a pattern for a really specific kind of baby blanket – a lacy one, you know, with a delicate edge. My granddaughter was expecting, and I wanted something extra special.

• What worked well was when I stumbled upon a video on YouTube. It was a lovely lady, probably around my age, showing each step slowly. She had good lighting, and you could clearly see her hands and the needles. She even repeated some of the trickier bits, which was very helpful. I could pause it and go back if I missed something. That was really good, because I could follow along at my own pace.
• What was frustrating, though, was trying to find that video in the first place! I typed in 'lacy baby blanket knitting pattern' into the search bar, and oh, the number of results! So many pages, and some of them looked like they were for very experienced knitters, with lots of abbreviations and charts that just confused me. Then there were some websites that had so many pop-up ads, I couldn't even see the pattern properly. My finger would slip, and I'd accidentally click on an ad, and then I'd be on a completely different website, and I'd have to try and find my way back. It was all a bit overwhelming, and I nearly gave up. Sometimes the text was too small, too, and I had to keep pinching the screen to make it bigger, which is a bit fiddly. I just want something straightforward, you know?"

• "Hmm, 'customise the website,' you say? Well, dear, I'm not entirely sure what that means, to be honest. If it means I have to go in and change a lot of settings and buttons, then no, that sounds a bit too complicated for me. I just want to open it up and have it work, you know?
• But if it means that the website remembers what I like – like if I mostly look at knitting patterns, maybe it could show me more knitting things when I first open it? Or if I've saved a few patterns, it could show me those easily? That would be lovely!. Anything that makes it simpler for me to find what I'm looking for, without me having to do much, would be a good thing. I don't want to have to 'set things up' myself, if that makes sense. Just make it easy for me."

• "Oh, a user account... well, I suppose if it's really simple to set up. I have one for Facebook, and that was a bit of a bother, trying to remember passwords and all that. My daughter helped me with it.
• If it means I just put in my name and an email address, and maybe a simple password that the website can remember for me, then perhaps. And if it genuinely helps me find patterns more easily, or connects me with other knitters, then yes, I'd probably be willing.. But it would have to be very clear, step-by-step, and not ask for too much information. I don't want to fill out a whole form, you know? Just the basics. And it would need to feel safe, too. I hear all sorts of stories about things online, so I'd want to know my information was secure."

• "Well, dear, to be honest, I don't really connect with other hobbyists online much at all. Not in any dedicated way, anyway.
• Mostly, if I see something lovely that one of my friends or family has made, it's usually on Facebook. My daughter posts pictures of her pottery, and sometimes my niece shares her paintings. I'll leave a 'like' or a little comment, like 'Oh, that's beautiful, dear!' or 'You're so clever!' What I like about it is that it's familiar, and I can see what my family is up to. It's easy to just scroll through and see pretty things. But it's not really for finding other knitters, you know? It's more for keeping up with people I already know.
• I did try looking for knitting groups once, but it was all a bit confusing. There were so many different groups, and I wasn't sure which ones were active or if they were for people like me. Some of them seemed to have very fast-paced conversations, and I felt a bit lost trying to keep up. I also worry about joining groups where I don't know anyone – you hear stories, don't you? What I dislike is that it's not really designed for sharing patterns or asking specific knitting questions. It's more for general chat and photos. And sometimes, as I said, it can be a bit overwhelming with all the different posts and things popping up. I'd love a simpler place, just for us hobbyists. , where I could easily find people who share my interests and maybe even live nearby."

• "Oh, absolutely, dear! I'd love to share what I know. I've picked up a fair few tips and tricks over the years, especially with knitting. Things like how to fix a dropped stitch without unraveling half your work, or a really good way to join yarn so it's almost invisible. I've taught my granddaughters to knit, and it's always a joy to pass on those skills.
• If there was a simple way to do it on a website – maybe just writing a little paragraph or even sharing a photo of something I've made with a few notes – I'd be more than happy to. I wouldn't want to have to write a whole book, mind you, but a little contribution here and there? Yes, that sounds lovely. It would be nice to feel like I'm helping someone else, just like that kind lady on YouTube helped me with that baby blanket pattern."

• "Oh, videos, you say? Hmm, that sounds a bit... advanced for me, dear. I've watched plenty of them, as I mentioned, and they're very helpful. But making one myself? Goodness me, I wouldn't even know where to begin!.
• I don't have any fancy equipment, just my tablet, and I'm not sure how you even record yourself doing something like knitting. And then, what if I make a mistake? Or what if my hands shake a bit? I'd feel a bit silly, to be honest. So, to answer your question directly, no, I don't think I'd be willing to create videos myself. I'm much more comfortable just writing things down or sharing a photo. I think that's probably enough for me. I'm happy to watch videos, but making them is a step too far for this old bird!"

• "Well dear, I usually discover new things in a few different ways. Sometimes it’s just word of mouth – one of my knitting friends at church will show me something new she’s working on, and I’ll ask her how she did it. Or my daughter might point me to a website she found.
• Online, I mostly discover patterns through Google searches or sometimes on YouTube, if I’m feeling brave enough to type in what I want. But as I said before, it can be very hit-and-miss. Sometimes you strike gold with a nice, clear pattern or tutorial, and sometimes you end up wading through a lot of confusing or overly-complicated stuff. And half the time the nice patterns are hidden behind ads or want you to pay before you even know what you’re getting.
• Materials, well, I usually just go into Spotlight or the local craft shop. I do like touching and feeling the wool before I buy it. Online shops confuse me sometimes – too many colours and options all at once, and it’s hard to know what it will really feel like.
• What’s missing, I think, is a friendly, simple place that brings all those things together – clear patterns, easy-to-follow guides, maybe recommendations from people like me. I’d love if there was a community feel, but without all the clutter. Just a straightforward way to say, ‘Here’s a new stitch you might enjoy,’ or ‘This yarn works beautifully for baby clothes.’ Almost like having a knowledgeable friend guiding me along, instead of me having to dig through endless, messy websites."

• Step-by-step tutorials with short videos/photos
• Easy-to-find, ad-light patterns (beginner/grandma-friendly)
• A friendly corner for knitters my age
• Save/favourites and smart recommendations
• Local flavour (Brisbane shops & groups). Local shops and groups.

• I searched for metal wire sculpture tutorials. YouTube worked well because seeing hands-on steps made it easy to learn, even with fast English. But many videos skipped steps, had poor lighting, or were too focused on jewelry making, not sculpture.Sometimes English vocabulary was too technical, and I wished for more Spanish resources or subtitles..

• Yes. Often I don’t know the correct English word for tools or materials. A built-in dictionary or glossary, with pictures, would save me time. It would also help me describe my sculptures more confidently and make my English sound more professional.How would you prefer a dictionary? What format works best for you?

• Very visual — each word should have an image or even video. Explanations should start simple, then expand into detail, with examples in context. Spanish translations should be next to English, plus a pronunciation button. Ideally, it’s integrated into the website so I just click a word for a pop-up meaning. Categories like “tools, materials, techniques” would help me browse.

• Instagram (visual but competitive), Facebook groups (community but cluttered), Reddit (process-focused but harsh). None feel like home. Needs a dedicated, supportive community.

• Capturing sculpture in one photo is hard; editing takes time
• Writing descriptions in English is stressful
• “Likes” are empty; critique can be harsh—need constructive frameworks. Wants constructive, supportive feedback.

• Tutorial/glossary library; artist spotlights; showcase for 3D art
• Supportive critique tools
• Portfolio builder & progress tracker
• Auto-translation + dictionary support site-wide. Auto-translation + dictionary support.

• Yes, if it feels useful. I’d join if sign-up is simple, safe, and shows clear benefits (portfolio, community, tutorials).. I’d be hesitant if it asks for too much personal info or feels spammy. Having optional Spanish support would make me more comfortable.

• I searched for glazing techniques for a uni project.. YouTube had good step‑by‑step tutorials and Pinterest gave me inspiration boards, but it was frustrating because YouTube’s algorithm kept pushing random content, Pinterest links were spammy, and Instagram had shallow, trend-driven art clips instead of real depth.

• Only if “best” means curated by real artists or a community — not algorithm-driven like Instagram or TikTok. If it’s just trending stuff, it’s useless. But expert-curated content or community upvoted tutorials could be great.

• Yes—personalised + “surprise me”.

• Skill-level tutorials; safe, constructive critique spaces Safe, constructive critique spaces.
• Clean, modern, distraction-free UI
• Sketchbook/portfolio; themed challenges; group studios. Portfolio and themed challenges.

• Negativity, gatekeeping, too many ads/spam, clunky UI, inactive content. Toxicity and spam are deal-breakers.

• Social: fear of judgment/trolls Need safe, well-moderated spaces.
• Technical: fragmented/clunky platforms Need seamless, integrated platform.
• Personal: time/reminders to return. Gentle reminders and easy return paths.

• Yes—muted, calm, modern palettes so art stands out. Keep the space welcoming and modern.

• YouTube and Pinterest help when connection is good. Clear, step-by-step tutorials with photos/videos.
• Need offline tutorials and trustworthy results.

• Guides adaptable to local/DIY materials
• Clear language + photos/diagrams; subtitles
• Async community space; curated inspiration.

• Yes—prefer step-by-step photo guides or text due to connectivity limits. Exchange between artists is rewarding.

• Prefers calming, natural tones; reduces eye strain and distraction. Calm, high-contrast design.
• Helps focus on tutorials. Focus on tutorials.

• Yes—adjustable text, simple fonts, light/dark mode.

• Downloadable images, curated galleries, and interviews for inspiration.

• To learn, share, and connect despite distance/slow internet.

• Pinterest boards + short YouTube tutorials worked.
• Clutter, ads, forced sign-ups, and jargon were frustrating.

• 5–10 minutes for inspiration; 20–30 minutes max if engaging + clear; must be fast and efficient. Efficiency is key.

• Instagram Reels (quick ideas, but easy to lose saves)
• Facebook groups (kind help, messy search)
• Pinterest (ideas, not community). Needs simple, organised community space.

• Time to stage photos/captions; phone photos aren’t great
• Wants gentle, constructive advice.

• Fast, mobile-friendly site with night mode
• “Quick Project” filter
• Simple upload + auto photo-enhance.

• Short bursts (10–15 mins), small ready kits, embrace easy wins
• Use night mode to protect tired eyes during late browsing. Night mode + quick wins.

• Quick idea → short tutorial → auto-enhanced upload with friendly prompts → kind feedback → save to favourites → “Quick Project” suggestions for next time. Everything should be optimised for short sessions.