Our research revealed that navigating the Venice Beach area can be quite challenging for tourists. This issue is further compounded by the high volume of pedestrian foot traffic and the complexity of multi-modal transportation in the area. These insights highlight the need for a solution that simplifies navigation, improves wayfinding, and enhances the overall visitor experience in this densely populated and vibrant tourist hub.
Our solution focuses on creating a product that enhances the tourist experience in Venice Beach by combining safe navigation, community engagement, and cultural immersion into a seamless and gamified journey. The project emphasizes end-to-end design and leverages research-driven insights to serve and delight users sustainably.
Prototype
We began by conducting primary and secondary research to understand the unique challenges of transportation and mobility in Venice Beach. We analyzed data on tourist volumes and transportation patterns, uncovering that Venice Beach attracts 10 million visitors annually, with significant multi-modal traffic and wayfinding challenges.
To delve deeper into user needs, we conducted interviews with tourists, local residents, and business owners. Local stakeholders, like Yani, provided firsthand insights into the difficulties tourists face when navigating the area.
We began with wireframes, focusing on personalized journeys based on users' time in Venice Beach. This aimed to offer unique, preferred experiences. However, we soon realized Venice's size limited full customization for every user.
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We examined existing systems and apps for scavenger hunts, such as Globe Chaser Let’s Roam and Goose Chase, to identify gaps and opportunities. By understanding what worked and what didn’t in these systems, we were able to outline features that could uniquely serve Venice Beach’s environment and its diverse visitors.
Based on our insights, we created low-fidelity prototypes of an interactive navigation app tailored to Venice Beach. These prototypes included features like shop identification, route planning, and real-time updates. Usability testing with target users provided critical feedback, enabling us to refine the design and functionality.
Using the feedback from usability testing, we iterated on our designs to ensure the system was intuitive and user-friendly. We incorporated visual elements that reflect Venice Beach’s unique culture and vibrancy while maintaining functionality. Our final solution is a holistic system that addresses navigation, community engagement, and cultural immersion, creating a seamless user experience.
Our final design is an interactive navigation app specifically tailored for Venice Beach, aimed at enhancing the tourist experience while addressing key challenges in transportation and mobility. The app seamlessly combines navigation, cultural immersion, and community engagement into a single, user-friendly platform.
Interactive Wayfinding with Ar integration: The app provides precise, real-time navigation to help users navigate through Venice by finding less crowded routes and easily locate shops, landmarks, and attractions along the boardwalk. Ar integration that engages users by blending physical exploration with digital interaction.
Gamified Exploration and Rewards: To encourage active participation, the app incorporates gamified elements, such as challenges and rewards for visiting specific locations or completing tasks. This not only makes the experience enjoyable but also fosters community engagement by directing tourists to local hotspots.
Local Business Directory: Our directory allows users to discover and support local businesses. Increase local business revenue and awareness through deals. Shops and restaurants are displayed with images, descriptions, and reviews, making it easier for tourists to make informed choices.
Cultural and Historical Highlights: Users can explore Venice Beach's rich history and vibrant culture through curated content that pops up as they navigate the area. This encourages deeper engagement with the location and its unique character.
Interactive Wayfinding with Ar integration: The app provides precise, real-time navigation to help users navigate through Venice by finding less crowded routes and easily locate shops, landmarks, and attractions along the boardwalk. Ar integration that engages users by blending physical exploration with digital interaction.
Gamified Exploration and Rewards: To encourage active participation, the app incorporates gamified elements, such as challenges and rewards for visiting specific locations or completing tasks. This not only makes the experience enjoyable but also fosters community engagement by directing tourists to local hotspots.
Local Business Directory: Our directory allows users to discover and support local businesses. Increase local business revenue and awareness through deals. Shops and restaurants are displayed with images, descriptions, and reviews, making it easier for tourists to make informed choices.
Cultural and Historical Highlights: Users can explore Venice Beach's rich history and vibrant culture through curated content that pops up as they navigate the area. This encourages deeper engagement with the location and its unique character.
Reflection: This project highlighted the necessity of aligning ambitious design goals with realistic constraints. Initially, our aim to deliver fully personalized journeys was driven by a desire to enhance user experiences. However, through research and prototyping, we identified scalability challenges associated with Venice Beach's limited physical scope. This prompted us to recalibrate our approach, prioritizing features that improve navigation and exploration for a broad audience rather than over-customizing for individual users. This experience reinforced the importance of leveraging user feedback and iterative design methods, while also maintaining flexibility to adapt to project limitations. Ultimately, we crafted a solution that balances innovation with practicality, ensuring it meets user needs effectively and provides an enjoyable, cohesive experience.
If you like what you see and want to work together, get in touch!
joan@portfolio.com
