Know Your City
Scan any building or artifact to unveil detailed descriptions, blending architecture and interaction design. Explore your surroundings, enrich your understanding, and appreciate design nuances, all conveniently on your smartphone.
CASE STUDY
3 min read
Brief
Challenges: Lack of knowledge about design principles among the general public, leading to a gap in understanding the significance of urban structures like the Barak Building.
Problem Statement: There is a disconnect between individuals and design knowledge, hindering the appreciation and deeper understanding of the semiotics and urbanity embedded in architectural structures. Initiatives like the "Know Your City" app aim to bridge this gap and empower individuals to engage with design elements and stories effectively.
Design Principles
Style: The app features interactive maps, multimedia content, and curated design narratives to provide a visually engaging and informative user experience.
Design: By leveraging interactive elements and curated content, the app aims to break down barriers and make design knowledge easily accessible to a wider audience, fostering a deeper understanding of the semiotics and urbanity of urban structures like the Barak Building.
Design Process
The app's design process commenced with comprehensive research into user needs and preferences, as well as an analysis of urban design principles. Brainstorming sessions generated ideas for features such as interactive maps, multimedia content, and curated design narratives. Prototypes were developed and tested iteratively, incorporating feedback from target users to refine the interface and functionality. Throughout development, I maintained a focus on accessibility, ensuring that design knowledge was presented in an easily understandable format. Quality assurance testing and user acceptance testing were conducted to ensure a seamless user experience.
User Research Summary
User research uncovered a significant gap in public knowledge regarding design principles.
There is a need to connect individuals with design education.
Many individuals, despite lacking technical expertise, admire architectural beauty, such as the Barak Building.
The "Know Your City" app delivers comprehensive design narratives in an accessible manner.
The app elevates design appreciation.
It promotes community engagement and cultural heritage preservation.
Design Process Activities
In crafting the "Know Your City" app, my design process was driven by a commitment to inclusivity and engagement.
Raw sketches and design jams were used to brainstorm initial ideas.
Card sorting and audience interview notes helped refine interactive maps, multimedia content, and curated design narratives.
Iterative testing, including SME interviews, led to meticulous honing of the app's functionality and user experience.
The design underwent multiple crit/review sessions.
Problem statements were framed as HMW (How Might We) statements.
The primary goal was to democratize design education, making it easily accessible to all.
By fostering a deeper connection to urban structures and their design context, my process aimed to enrich users' appreciation of their surroundings.
Final Thoughts and Learnings
Developing the "Know Your City" app taught me the significance of understanding design in urban contexts like the Barak Building. I learned that initiatives bridging the gap between individuals and design knowledge enhance appreciation, preserve cultural heritage, and foster community. Leveraging accessible platforms, individuals can develop deeper connections to their surroundings, fostering a more inclusive and equitable urban environment reflecting diverse values and ambitions.
Know Your City APP Working
