Go! Explore the City and Grow Connection
BRIEF
This is a project by starting to write my own design brief of identifying a PROBLEM that I want to solve by using technologies. Initially, a few ideas came into my mind such as poor health of vision when staring at screens, confusion of navigation of public transit today, surveillance culture, or privacy issue…
However, the question I had was” is there any way that we could use technologies to motivate people to get outside of the house to explore the world around them? or to be more sociable, and discover the cool things out of their comfort zone? “ Drawing inspiration from the tremendous success of Pokémon Go, I recognized the potential of technology to address cultural and lifestyle challenges in a positive way.
With this in mind, I conceptualized and developed the GO app from scratch, aiming to utilize technology as a means to motivate individuals to participate in outdoor activities and social events. What sets GO apart from similar apps is its integrated system of collecting and redeeming points for participating in social events facilitated by GO.
PROJECT INCLUDED
UX Research | Branding | Graphic/Visual Design | UI Design | Prototyping
INTRO
You are new in a city or maybe you are stuck in a work-home routine that you rarely do new things or meet new people or maybe you always want to be the first at new happenings.
GO offers a platform that will let you discover your city and its people over and over again. Users will earn points while they are doing the things they enjoy. Users can later redeem points to uncover more exciting events and meet new people. GO is a platform providing curated events that will match its users profile. Performances, art exhibition, networking, workshops, outdoor activities … all hand picked by our board of curators that consist of editors, critics, event promoters and local taste-makers and delivered to users’ phones.
UX RESEARCHES
One can say there are already way too many apps and/or websites offering listings of events in every city. I did some research about CitySocializer, Time Out, EventBrite or BlogTO as precedents. In order for GO to stand out and differentiate itself from the competition, I have carefully considered what sets us apart and how I can provide a unique and compelling experience for the users.
GO is our expertise in combining a rich selection of carefully curated events and building a social network that helps users step out of their comfort zones and discover new things about their surroundings. Our expertise lies in curating a diverse selection of events that cater to various interests and preferences, ensuring that there is something for everyone. Whether it's art exhibitions, live performances, workshops, outdoor activities, or networking events, GO provides an extensive array of options to suit different tastes.
HOW DOES GO WORK
By creating a detailed profile, users will have a chance to get the most out of the app. Their events feed will be tailored to fit their interests, ensuring that they are presented with events that align with their preferences. They will be enticed to participate in various happenings to earn points to later use towards paid or high-profile events. Every event is an opportunity to meet and share an experience with like-minded individuals offline and later connect with them online.
In a city like Toronto where there is an abundance of events happening every week, it is quite hard to choose which ones to go to; especially for people with busy schedules or people who may get intimidated by how much there is to do. GO solves this problem by offering you an event that would be the right fit for you.
GO will have a rotating board of curators that are deeply connected to the cultural life of the city.
GO will start in Toronto yet that aims at expanding to Montreal, Vancouver, and other cities in the future.
PERSONAS
Understanding the target audience is fundamental when it comes to creating outstanding products for GO. User personas is a great tool for finding the answer to the essential question, "Who are we designing for?" By delving into the expectations, concerns, and motivations of the target customers, it becomes possible to design a product that effectively meets their needs, resulting in a successful outcome.
After conducting research and informal interviews, I have developed two distinct personas that represent different types of users:
USER JOURNEY MAPS
Here are some key advantages of User Journey Maps:
User journey maps focus on the user's perspective, helping me understand the user's needs, goals, and pain points.
Journey maps provide a visual representation of the user's interactions, emotions, and touchpoints throughout their journey
Understanding the user journey helps me create engaging experiences that resonate with users.
LOGO & COLOR PALETTE
After gathering extensive information from previous research, I initiated the branding ideation process for this GO project. This stage involved developing the overall branding concept, including elements such as the brand name, slogan, logo, and essential UI kits.
APP MOCKUPS
App mockups allow for revisions and refinements to the final appearance and functionality of the app. There is no way to create a perfect UX design without doing a mockup of the app.
EXPLORE YOUR CITY AND GROW CONNECTIONS
GO is a platform that is here to merge curated events and a promise to build a solid social network that will help users enjoy their city more and cultivate relationships. GO aims to get users excited, and curious and entice users to discover more! Through GO, users are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones, embrace new experiences, and truly enjoy everything their city has to offer. By merging curated events and a series of social networks, GO provides a unique platform that not only connects users with events but also cultivates a sense of community and belonging.
