1. ORIENTATION EXERCISE
We began the course with small tasks to locate various places on campus, which helped us understand daily navigation patterns. We documented the process by filming ourselves.
Later, we compiled our insights on a Miro board to identify potential improvements in the existing system.
2. IDEATION PHASE
After identifying potential problems, we held an ideation exercise in class. Each of us proposed ideas, which others could expand on. The activity was conducted in a timed, collaborative circle format.
3. PROCESS
The process continued with the development of a minimal interface as a starting point. In each class, we reviewed the progress, discussed feedback, and worked on improvements.
4. ENTRY POINTS
The entry points to the searching website are QR codes that can be scanned on campus, leading directly to the desired location. These QR codes are categorized into three types:
QR1: Found under the „Gebaude“ section in the Physical Orientation System and at the entrances of buildings.
QR2: Found under the „Campusleben“ section in the Physical Orientation System and in areas dedicated to events, such as bulletin boards and poster walls.
Detailed Navigation: Located on posters for specific events and integrated into digital platforms like Incom and Moodle workspaces.
This system ensures seamless navigation and easy access to both physical and digital resources on campus.
5. ACCESSIBILITY
Accessibility was a key focus throughout the project. To address this, several features were implemented, including a „no-stairs“ option, high-contrast mode, and customizable settings for larger text and language selection.
6. USER FLOWS
This website offers a variety of functionalities. User flows outline the key actions that users can perform on the platform.
6.1 USER FLOW 1
The Explore page can be used to find interesting people, events, room and services to directly navigate to.
6.2 USER FLOW 2
The second way to use the website is by searching for a specific place. If the desired destination is not found on the Explore page, the user can use the search bar at the top, type the name of the place, receive suggestions, and navigate to the location using both 2D and 3D navigation.
6.3 USER FLOW 3
The third possibility is to navigate to the events map and find the desired event from there.
6.4 USER FLOW 4
The website can also be used to explore available events on the map and navigate to them. This is done by tapping on the blue map icon.
7. FINAL PROTOTYPE
To demonstrate user interaction, videos were created. These videos blend 2D and 3D elements to illustrate how the app would function in real-life scenarios.
7.1 User flow 1: Using the explore page to find desired destination
7.2 User Flow 2: Look for a specific destination
7.3 User Flow 3: Using the interactive map
7.4 User Flow 4: Exploring Events
8. CONCLUSION
The course helped me think in a user-centric way, encouraging me to approach design from the perspective of the user’s needs and experiences. It also inspired me to explore how physical design can seamlessly interact with digital solutions, enhancing the overall experience.
