GeoSpark

A speculative mobile app where digital traces connect us in the physical world.

CONTEXT.

Academic Project
‍INF -

ROLE.

Speculative App Designer
Wireframe & Prototype Designer

SKILLS.

Usability Testing
Prototyping

TIME.

2024 Feb-Mar
( 2 months )

TEAM.

Emily Chu

TOOLS.

Figma

PROBLEM.

In an era of online interaction, users are increasingly disconnected from the physical world.
Many crave meaningful, real-world social interactions but lack means towards such engagement.
GeoSpark bridges this gap by encouraging people to get up and discover,
reigniting a sense of connection with their surroundings.

GOAL.

Design a lightweight, intuitive, and speculative UX experience
that encourages social connection through physical exploration.

Ideation.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Design Goals

Derived from given prompt, I made sure the app focused on social connection and physical place,
and further avoid being driven by algorithms.

KEY FEATURES.

Encourage interaction with physical surroundings through digital media
Allow Sparks to accommodate
multiple modes of intent
Decentralized system
not driven by algorithmic curation
Allow users to have control over their content (e.g. visibility, notifications, etc.)

DESIGN PRICIPLES.

Based on relevance, not popularity
Sparks may expire but aim last
in the form of new experiences

PERSONA.

Iteration.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

User Flow.

Three major happy paths: (1) add spark (2) check-in a spark and (3) explore more.

Task Flows.

Situation 1
Simon doesn’t seem to be able to find a spark in "Saved" anymore. He later found it through his viewed history. It appears that the spark has been deleted by the creator before the event took place. However, since he is certain the event will take place and does not want to miss it, he hopes to recreate it as his own.

Situation 2
May received a spark event change notification for a queer parade event she saved, but she was no longer able to make it on the new date. May wants to know if there are any future events from the same vendor she can still show up for, even if they have not been made into sparks!

Usability Testing

Usability testing with three university students familiar with location-based apps
revealed issues with navigation issues, unclear labels and confusing prompts.

Creative Strategy

I was inspired by urban exploration,
and wanted the app to feel spontaneous, free-spirited, like a spark of fulfillment.

MOOD BOARD.

STYLE TILE.

Reflection.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Details make the design
Its through the small details that shape how users engage with a system.
The little things aren’t little; they’re what make the design feel complete.

First a good story, then a good product
A good story isn't just for marketing, it's how a product communicates its purpose and vision. Understanding the "why" behind a design is crucial for users to better connect with it.

View Prototype
Thanks for sticking around ☺
Get in touch through Resume↗ Linkedin↗ Instagram↗