MetaPi

Introduction

MetaPi is a cross-platform mobile app designed for DIY digital picture frame hobbyists, specifically those using Pi3D-powered frames. The project began when a client approached us with the idea of building an Android app to optimize the photo preparation workflow. After conducting user research and surveys, we identified a strong need for both Android and iOS support.

I was responsible for user research, UX/UI design, prototyping, and iOS development.

Problem Statement

The current workflow for preparing photos for Pi3D digital picture frames is fragmented and tedious. Users often rely on multiple tools — first editing photos in software like Photoshop, then switching to a separate tool to manage metadata, and finally using a cloud storage service to sync images to their frames. Each step requires manual import and export between platforms, making the process time-consuming and inconvenient, especially for users without access to a computer.

Research & Insights

To better understand the needs of digital picture frame hobbyists, we conducted user surveys in online communities and performed a competitive analysis. Insights from this research informed the creation of a target user persona, which guided our design decisions throughout the project.

Wireframes to Prototypes

I followed a structured process that moved from wireframes to interactive prototypes. I started with low-fidelity wireframes to define core flows such as gallery, photo details and metadata editing. Once the structure was validated, I transformed these into high-fidelity prototypes, complete with branding, polished UI, and interactive elements.

Onboarding

MetaPi's onboarding flow introduces users to the app's core features—cropping tools, metadata editing, and seamless sharing—through a quick, guided tour. To build trust from the start, we also include a clear privacy disclaimer, ensuring users understand exactly how their data is handled before they dive in.

Gallery Setup

Importing photos is simple—just use the system photo picker, and they instantly appear in a clean grid. Initially, the empty gallery only showed "Your gallery is empty", but user testing revealed the "+" icon was hard to find. To improve clarity, we added a prominent import button below the message, making the first step obvious and intuitive.

Bulk Actions

MetaPi supports bulk actions, allowing users to manage multiple photos at once. Whether selecting, sharing, or editing metadata, tasks that once required repeating steps individually can now be done in one streamlined flow—saving time and reducing friction.

Photo Details

Users can quickly review essential info like file name, resolution, and location, or switch to a detailed metadata view for IPTC and EXIF data such as author, copyright, camera settings, and timestamps. This separation keeps the experience simple for casual users while offering depth for advanced ones.

Photo Editing

MetaPi's cropping tool makes fine-tuning photos quick and intuitive. Users can rotate, flip, and align images with simple controls, or choose from preset aspect ratios and freeform options—perfect for fitting different frame sizes with ease.

Metadata Editing

MetaPi includes a built-in metadata editor that makes adjustments simple and precise. Users can update fields like titles and keywords, change dates, and set or edit locations directly with the integrated map picker—all within one seamless workflow.

App Settings

MetaPi's settings give users control over personalization and workflow. They can switch between light, dark, or system appearance, set default metadata tags, track storage usage, and enable location indicators. Helpful resources like About, FAQs, and Privacy Policy are also easily accessible in one place.