Wander

Wander is unlike any other navigation app, it is meant to encourage exploration, interaction and creation of spatial knowledge.

Before smartphones we moved around cities using different kinds of printed maps. We developed routes tailored to our criteria and matched landmarks and signs in the environment with the map. Today, technology has overtaken the role of navigation. The main features and functionality of the app encourage people to interact with space.

Location: Dessau - Germany

2017

#Maps #UX/UI #MentalMaps #ThePowerInOurBrains

Design Challenge

As cities grew, transit systems become more complex and our phones get more efficient. We get used to use our phones for directions every day more. Navigation apps tells us where is best to eat, where traffic is worst and which train to take. However, when we tried to reach a destination on our own, or even with help of our devices, we get lost. Why?

User research through experimentation

Design Methodology

In order to come up with solutions for the design challenge, a literature review, a set of experiments and a data analysis were conducted.
For the user research, I pick three volunteers – active smartphone users – and drop them in places unknown to them. They were asked to use maps and mobile phones through the journey. This was my most helpful resource.

Process from paper paper prototyping to interactive prototype

Concept

After the user research and theoretical research, an analysis was made to discover that users have very distint ways to move around cities. People don't follow street names or numbers like transit maps do. Instead, people create mental notes in their heads of places they visit, or 'Landmarks'.
Wander is based on that idea. Users can select the way to their destination using the landmarks they use in their daily lives and are familiar with – or learn new landmarks that can be selected for next journeys. This enables user's interactivity with spaces and stimulate mental maps creation.

Wander

Design Challenge

Design Methodology

Concept

How to use Wander?

Teaser