Basalt is a planned digital-first magazine, offering design writing, news, interviews, and digital products.
I consulted with my studio and network, and briefed out a unique design strategy across a range of platforms.
TOP LEVEL CHALLENGES
Basalt is a growing publication networked with established authors.
We aim to feature experienced designers, versatile thinkers, and independent product owners. The platform is rapidly deployed and makes few demands of the authors.
The challenge is to scale gracefully: build engagement without disrupting a thriving dynamic between practicing creatives and their audience.
DIGITAL ECOSYSTEM
Balance the offering between:
PRODUCTS
(physical and digital)
EVENTS
TEXT
PLATFORM INTEGRATIONS
PHYSICAL RELEASE ↔️ DIGITAL ADD-ONs
EVENTS ↔️ LIVESTREAMS
etc.
POINT OF ENTRY
Identify the critical point(s) for onboarding new users.
Drive value addition here.
RETENTION
Promise a full schedule.
Improvise public strategies, and involve the readers.
Publish widely and abundantly. Deliver early and often.
STRATEGY
Physical and online events cement user engagement.
Users invest time and money into well-crafted products.
The app is well-integrated with physical events:
Use profiles
Introductions
Networking Scheduling
Live marketplace
Basalt’s digital products will be the first releases or prototypes from quality software studios
Camera apps, design apps, productivity apps, etc.
Basalt products are a lifestyle—books are art objects, with showstopper VR and digital integrations.
We recognize that text is cheap, and make no special moves to paywall or restrain it from circulation.
At the same time, a regular churn of news, writing, media, and engagement ensures attention for the bulk of our products.
DIGITAL ONBOARDING
Clearly the app has many entry points. Session lengths are short, and often directed by other media. It wouldn't be a stretch to say that the app is carried by the number of ways users can encounter it.
Prototypes are needed for integrating the app with web, social media, live events, physical products, streams….
REFLECTION
With strong roles in place for the different platforms of the product, it's possible to prototype unique digital solutions.