Project Summary
Maps+ features aim to improve users spatial navigation abilities. The main goal of this design solution is to make the user more independent and to rely less on navigational apps.
About the project
This was an individual design exercise for a class called Interface Design during the winter semester 2023/24 at Hochschule für Künste Bremen. The main tasks included:
- UX Research
- UI Design
- Video editing
Maps+ Features
Constant use of GPS devices can cause our navigational skills to atrophy. To avoid that, Maps+ is designed to subtly teach you how to be better at navigation while you're using it.
Because research has shown that 3D displays can better assist spatial cognitive abilities, the users see 3-dimensional map instead of the regular one. By highlighting user's surroundings (place on the map) they'll make quicker decisions in choosing the right way and also remember the paths that they've taken before. By using city landmarks as reference points, the users can put things into perspective more easily. By creating their personal landmarks they're providing themselves with several reference points when taking completely new routes.
Maps+ goal is to lead the users to their destination but it also enables them to personalise their map with landmarks special to them and to create their own routes. Which will after some time help them with relying less on their phone and eventually become their own guides.
Tools & Resources
- Figma
- Mapbox
- Inkscape
- Photopea
- Canva Animator
- CapCut
- Adobe Podcast
- Material 3 Design Library
References
- Tavanti, M. and Lind, M. (2001). 2D vs 3D, implications on spatial memory. doi:https://doi.org/10.1109/infvis.2001.963291.
- Parra-Barrero, E., Sandhiya Vijayabaskaran, Seabrook, E., Laurenz Wiskott and Cheng, S. (2023). A Map of Spatial Navigation for Neuroscience. pp.105200–105200. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105200.
- Liu, B. and Zhan, Z. (2021). Work-in-Progress–—Improve Spatial Learning by Chunking Navigation Instructions in Mixed Reality. 2021 7th International Conference of the Immersive Learning Research Network (iLRN). doi:https://doi.org/10.23919/ilrn52045.2021.9459396.
- Stromberg, J. (2015). Is GPS ruining our ability to navigate for ourselves? [online] Vox. Available at: https://www.vox.com/2015/9/2/9242049/gps-maps-navigation.