CHLOE BRACHT
Memphis History Map
An app design project specifically aimed to inform. It's designed with the history of Memphis in mind, while also made specially to assist those traveling in the area in case of poor internet.
Quick Background
While I hadn't started out with a business in mind for this project, through my research and some setbacks I decided that Memphis Tourism would be a perfect match for this project idea. I tried to match the brand design as best as I could, though most assets used were found separate from their main website.
The Design Process
Starting off I wanted to make an app to help tell the history of various places in Memphis, while also making it easier to go to these places. Not everything will have the same amount of information, so ultimately it will be up to the businesses to reveal what information they'd like, but I think the history of these places both helps business and helps makes lasting impressions beyond the initial visit.
Project Goals
1. Make an app to inform/educate.
2. Make an interactive interface to maintain intrigue.
3. Communicate brand clearly throughout the layout.
4. Make a variety of layouts for information regarding location and various stops.
Problem statement
Maps are often reliant on internet and often gives the minimum amount of information. I need to make something that can not only help guide someone around, but also serve as a guide into the history of the area and the places they go to. This can also help with advertisements and announcing events as well that often go overlooked on more common apps.
Discovery
While designing an app has some different considerations compared to a website, I still had to do some research into who would use this kind of app and how to make it unique. While there can be a break down of groups and how they would individually need things from this app I also acknowledge that sometimes these needs often overlap within different groups.
Family group: Trips with the family can be hectic, and thus having the ability to look at multiple options are essential. It needs to be easy to find restaurants, fun attractions, and a fast way to book reservations while on-the-go. There also needs to be easy access to key points of information to make sure they can keep track of different dietary restrictions, categories of entertainments, and how much it would cost for entry.
Business group: For those traveling for business this can be used to help them gain background within and rea or company. Assuming they either haven't already done the research or are just curious about the history, it can be quite the useful tool to help impress locals or show interest within the given area. Not to mention the local storefronts can use to to further advertise their own shops and bring more income to the area.
Travel group: If you're on a solo trip it can be a bit daunting to figure out where to start. With this app it not only can show you popular areas, but if you want to look through a list of specific categories you can help yourself narrow down your options. You can also read through the long history of these places while you are heading there, letting you learn while you travel.
The app also needs to be flexible in the event that businesses shut down or if information has changed. There's also the option to look at events to both watch for traffic and for the opportunity to join the festivities while there.
Solution
This project can be achieved by maintaining a clean and efficient layout to help look at more essetanal information, while also having room to further explore at ones own pace.
Sketches and Rough Layouts
While I did do most of this in order, I would like to acknowledge that I often get new ideas as I go along. I also worked most of this in a classroom setting, often getting critique from professors and fellow students alike after each step, which had an effect on the final result.
Idea generation
I often start with notes and write down a series of information, words, and items needed. These do change overtime but it helps to have a clear starting point to look back on. I'll sometimes also include links and colors when applicable.
It's especially helpful when working with a team, and I value clear understanding before production.
Rough layout
With this step I often play with size, flow, and color. This is where I make the basic plans that I then copy and adjust when needed. Lots of pages are in the same layout and so having it right the first time helps save me a lot of time.
