The goal of this project is to design an application that helps people connect and explore their neighbourhoods through an in-depth look at art and culture. For both the 'tourist' and the 'local' this app looks to inspire everyone - from the adventurous type to the workaholic - Street Smart gets you to where you need to go, while showing you the colours of the city along the way.
Tools: Adobe XD, Adobe Illustrator, Miro
The objective of this app is to increase awareness about public art, encourage engagement for Toronto's art scene and improve interaction between people, art and pop culture.
Research Phase
User Interviews
Users usually like being surprised by street art but won't necessarily seek it out or go out of their way to find them
Most users see street/public art unintentionally; unless they are tourists
Most users take pictures and post to social media when they are interested or inspired Users are happy to interrupt their current goal/routine to take a picture or view art
Some users would like to be consulted about art in their area
Users are happy to interrupt their current goal/routine to take a picture or view art
Key Findings
Users usually like being surprised by street art but won't necessarily seek it out or go out of their way to find them
Most users see street/public art unintentionally; unless they are tourists
Most users take pictures and post to social media when they are interested or inspired Users are happy to interrupt their current goal/routine to take a picture or view art
Some users would like to be consulted about art in their area
Through Observation
Q: How do people already interact with public art?
Visitors viewed art for a short time period, 30 seconds to 1 minute
Small amount of people would read information about the art piece that was located nearby
Majority of visitors were seniors and families with young children
Younger visitors ignored written information, focusing on electronics
Many visitors took pictures and/or posing in front of art but would leave shorty after
Visitors want to share cool and inspiring pieces with others
Visitors would look for information regarding murals but wouldn't seek it out if not already accessible or easily found
Younger visitors ignored written information, focusing on electronics
Competitive Analysis
An interactive map
Social media capacity
Database with info about art
Pre-set walking trails around the city
Ideation Phase
User Personas
Based on the research there are two identifiable users:
The "local" Mark who wants to be more involved in his neighbourhood by learning about the community and the things happening around him. As well as the secondary user, the "tourist" (Eszter) who wants an in-depth experience to explore the ins and outs of the city she is visiting.
Wireframing
Paper Prototyping
The first phase focuses on an app that is entered on the idea of interactive maps and recommended hotspots for public art. One of the features (see Figure 1) contains categories for users to explore different aspects of graffiti (selfie spots, group shots, etc.), followed by instruction on how to get to it, the mural's information and the ability to take a picture and upload it to the user's personal social media account (see Figure 2).
Low-Fi Wireframing
Couch Surfing vs. In-Depth Exploring
During the phase of the design process I wanted to further expand features that help users discover and gain even more information. The app still incorporates an interactive map, directions and share features for users to upload and share things that they like.
By implementing the concept of"couch surfing" versus in-depth exploring into the app's design - it allows users more freedom to choose between how and when they want to explore.
New features include:
1. Live Camera - to encourage users to get outside and gain more insight through interaction with the physical world
2. Events Page - to inform and inspire users to engage with what is happening in their community
3. Map Feature "Couch Surfing" - These pages showcase to users that when they zoom into the map they are presented with a more refined search. When clicking on the bubble users are able to see basic information about the mural itself and the artist behind it. ontains categories for users to explore different aspects of graffiti (selfie spots, group shots, etc.), followed by instruction on how to get to it, the mural's information and the ability to take a picture and upload it to the user's personal social media account
After meeting with my professor to receive feedback before the final design, he had a raised an important question to me that I had previously overlooked -
Q: With the introduction of "couch surfing" what will inspire the user to actually get up and explore the art in person if they can just do it from the comfort of their own homes?
My answer was to inaugurate a membership level feature where users can collect art pieces in order to unlock benefits. These levels include Novice, Intermediate, and Expert Explorer - each one encourage the user to become more involved in their neighbourhood and building connection with like-minded people.
Adjustments Phase
Inaugurating a membership level feature
If users are able to collect up to 100 art pieces they become an "Expert Explorer" where they are able to connect with artists, attend private events and have the ability to view and create "hidden gems" - art, graffiti, murals that may be new or hidden from the general public. This is especially helpful to urban photographers who want to have that special shot.
Membership level feature where users can collect art pieces in order to unlock benefits. These levels include Novice, Intermediate, and Expert Explorer - each one encourage the user to become more involved in their neighbourhood and building connection with like-minded people.
UX/UI Designer, Graphic Designer, Frequent Photographer and Mountain Climber
daynahogle@gmail.com
Copyright Dayna Hogle 2023. All Right Reserved.
