I had a few assumptions relating to this festival for example, a writing competition would be a popular edition to my festival and through a questionnaire my assumption was confirmed. I had also assumed that dress-up competitions and cosplay would be a requested edition (due to it being popular in other festivals (such as comic con)) however through my primary research I deducted only a minority of users would benefit through this.
Regarding accessibility, it is a clear priority within the festival. I will take the precautions even when regarding the app and website. For example, the copy will be large and legible and the colours will be distinct and easy to understand for people viewing with dyslexia or colourblindness. Furthermore, i will combat issues on the app such as mobility issues by limiting the need to pinch and swipe when booking tickets or viewing the programme etc. There was also be an accessibility page on both the website and app to prepare the people who need it about the support that will be in place during the festival
Through my competitor research it was clear to me that this festival is most popular during summer months such as June and most events are paid for individually rather than just the entry ticket. This will be reflected in my website and app as each event will be booked separately so the user can pick and choose what to see.
Regarding my user, I would like to cater to families and particularly have my audience be of all social classes. Accessibility is important in my festival and this will be clear through discounted tickets for those who need it (as book festivals are a source of education that should be accessible to everyone) as currently it is clear that there is a bias within these festivals, “If literary festivals continue to cater only to very specific demographics and refuse to open them up, then their position is clear, and we’ll continue to see amazing organisations creating new, more inclusive and transformative spaces for lovers of literature.” I would like to have an inclusive space that anyone will feel comfortable attending, and this will be seen as a success by my stakeholders.
Accessibility and stakeholder research –
This is the mind map that defines my stakeholders.
This is my mind map that depicts my ideas around accessibility within the event, website and app.
This is the mind map that depicts what my stakeholders would view as a success.
UX/UI storyboard –
This is a storyboard of what my website will aim to look like.
Secondary research –
This is my research on reviews and ratings that pervious attenders book festival have left, the references are all linked within the mindmap also.
This is competitor research table compares a few different book festivals and I took inspiration from it.
User Personas and journey map –
These are my user personas that I created from questionnaires I sent out to my audience to get a better idea of my user.
This user journey map depicts the struggles and goals of a user attending my event and trying to navigate the app/website.
References –
Sharif, S (2022) Are literary festivals doomed? Why book events need to change https://www.theguardian.com/books/2022/aug/16/are-literary-festivals-doomed#:~:text=Why%20book%20events%20need%20to%20change,-This%20article%20is&text=Literary%20festivals%20could%20“risk,living%20crisis%2C%20organisers%20have%20said. (accessed 1st march 2025)
