A Ways of Making – Navigating Experiences

GeoDundee

Research

In my group, Chloe and I researched existing apps and navigation techniques as we wanted to see what already exists on the market. Games and maps can be used to assist people to get from A to B, they tend not to allow people to explore. These are existing apps and entertainment that we thought would be relevant to what we want to create: Pokemon Go!, WallaMe and the Gatwick Airport AR app. Pokemon Go is an augmented reality mobile game where players are encouraged to go out and explore the world. It uses the mobile device GPS to locate, capture, battle, and train virtual creatures, called Pokemon. WallaMe allows users to hide and share messages in the real world by also using augmented reality. Users can take a picture of a surface around them and write, draw and add stickers and photos on them. The Gatwick Airport AR app is the first of it’s kind, a navigation app to assist users around the airport to prevent them from getting lost and it also contains live flight information. It claims to be “hassle-free” and easy to use which is useful for every type of traveller.

We also looked into geocaching apps to see how useful they are and if they were any in our general location at the time: the University. There were 34 different geocaches in Dundee visible on the app which shows us that people could be interested in this sort of product if we were to develop it further.

A mindmap with my partner and I’s initial ideas

Planning (Elevator Pitch)

We have come up with an idea to create a geocaching/treasure hunt-style app aimed at families or tourists. Where you are given a blurred image of a location and you need to locate it using a little step counter device that counts down the number of steps as you get closer to the location. Once you arrive at the location, you can scan the QR code and receive information about the site, like the history and so on. From there you will receive points which could contribute to discounts at local shops and days out like the swimming or the cinema.

Local stores/discount locations

There are many different locations that might be willing to offer discounts or vouchers in Dundee for our app. The users off our app would have to build up a certain amount before any prizes would be rewarded. We have spoken briefly about our

Development

In our group we have sketched up a few different design ideas for our little step counter (sketches below). We trialled a few different shapes for the step counter using foam to see which would be most ergonomic. The rectangular and triangular shapes were good for the screen size but we deemed them ineffective as they wouldn’t be comfortable to carry due to their awkward shape. Although most smartphones are rectangular, we knew our step counter had to be small and it would be carried about in one hand. We wanted to eliminate all corners so it would fit well in everyone’s palm, thats why we have chosen the cylindrical step counter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We decided we would make two separate models on rhino, and then come together to make one final model. Although it is time consuming it would prove effective in comparing each other’s ideas to create a final model.

My model was simple enough to make. I started with four circles, lifted them up and them “lofted” them which helped me achieve the rounded exterior. I then created a cylinder and inserted that inside the round exterior, this will be the screen and base.

 

 

 

 

An example of what I did on rhino, explanations above

I then selected different textures for my model. Textured plastic seemed like a good idea for the outer shell of the step counter as it would give it a better grip which will hopefully see it from being dropped less. I used matte white matte texture for the interior as it would make it easier for me to photoshop the final face/screen onto it.

Render 1 above

Photoshop was used to add a face onto the step counter. I wanted to make it as simple as possible so people of all ages could use it. I made sure to include a north point to help people navigate through the town. An arrow was also added to give the user a general direction of where they have to go.

My individual idea

My partner, Chloe’s, model

This is Chloe’s final model. She used the same techniques as me but different sizes so we could trial different dimensions. We also tested different colours as shown. This model is also made from textured plastic but the grain is a lot smaller. The centre-piece is made from aluminium to give it a reflective sheen.

Chloe’s design pre-render

 

Chloe’s final concept

App concepts

For the app we have come up with a couple of different concepts to narrow down which look we will go for in the end. We are looking to have an inviting, easy to navigate software which will assist in navigating our users. The app will include a map to guide users if they are needing hints and there will also be a “hint” feature if anyone is have any difficulty.

App concept one – A plain and simple screen similar to a typical social media app layouts which will give users a sense of familiarity. The main focus here is the map which is helpful for anyone who is lost or needs help. The star in the bottom corner will represent the “hints” icon, the house will bring people back to the main screen and the ellipsis will be any added extras like: account details, points, settings and so on.

App concept two – This concept features the little step counter on-screen, this will prove effective if there is more than one person using the step counter. This app version will prove useful for families if there are children using the step counter and their parents are wanting to make sure that they are heading in the correct direction. The bottom bar of the screen has extra icons, the “rounded rectangle” is for the QR code scanner; the “circle” is for the user’s profile; the “star” icon is still for hints but it is now yellow so it stands out from the others; and the “ellipsis” is still being used for settings, etc..

App concept three – This app concept completely removes the map from the main page. Some users might not want to look at the map to find the different locations so I have included a design to eliminate this. The bubble-like features encourage the fun look we are trying to convey.

In conclusion, we decided to go for the second app concept since it covers more of the general points we wanted to include; the map, the step counter and the accessibility. The whole concept flow was a lot better: the circles lined up a lot better and it was more aesthetically pleasing.

Locations

We have looked at many different locations for our geocaches. The map below shows different areas where we would like to include them. We would like to ensure that points further out will be on a bus route. More points may be added as the project goes on. These are just the starting areas we thought might be of interest to potential users.

Blurred images/QR code locations

As said above, the app will provide users with a blurred image for the user’s location to help them find the QR codes. These Images will not be too blurred as we don’t want to confuse anyone or make the treasure hunt too difficult.

Examples of our blurred images and general locations that may be featured on our app

Concept board

We wanted to keep our original colours of the app for the concept board as we wanted it to flow well. The board contains a brief overview of our whole design, featuring images of our app, prototypes, 3D model and desired locations. Although the text fills most of the page, it is informative and demonstrates our project in the best way possible. This poster will also help inform people what we are trying to achieve by making this product since it isn’t so obvious at a first glance.

Concept board – revision 1

Once printed, I noticed a few mistakes on the concept board (double spaces, etc.). I also realised how “wordy” the whole page turned out so I created a revised version of the page and amended the previous board. Containing less words but it is still capable of summarising the project. I completed two different revisions of the final concept board so we could decide which looked best once they were completed.

Concept board two – Portrait and Landscape to give us a chance to decide which we prefer and what layout would make the best advertisement/promotion

Presentation

Below is an image of my partner and I completing the last section of our given task: the presentation. We are using our concept board as a promotional poster and we have our other board as a general description of what we have created and what our aim is. I feel this went well but we were both quite nervous. Fortunately, we managed to keep to the two minute time limit and our talk was well received by our peers.