Your digital street art curator
INDEPENDENT PROJECT | 8 WEEKS
RESEARCH, STRATEGY, UX/UI DESIGN, VISUAL DESIGN & BRANDING
My Role
I worked independently to conduct research, develop the strategic approach, concept, design, and prototype an experience that I wish existed for my hometown. In addition, I created the interactive map and developed the visual identity.
Tools Used
Sketch, InVision, Unity, XCode, MapHub, Photoshop, Keynote
A platform enabling realtime local art discovery
Intro
As an art history major and former museum employee turned experience designer, I’m fascinated by the possibilities for technology to bring us closer to art. This project was my love letter to art education and the street art I grew up around.
Problem
Cities like Richmond are known for their amazing street art, but there’s currently no simple way for people to learn more.
Unlike art in museums, street art doesn’t have gallery guides or wall text to help the public with interpretation. As a result, we miss out on having enriching relationships with the art right outside of our doors.
How many times have you come across a mural and wondered: “Who painted this?” “What’s it about?”
Opportunity
Leverage technology to connect us to the art and spaces we walk past each day.
77% of locals surveyed couldn’t name the artist behind their favorite mural– but nearly all stated they would love to know more about it.
“The prime distinction between street smarts and book smarts is who is at the center of the knowledge.
On the street, it’s you.”
Solution
Streetsmart turns the city into an outdoor, self-guided museum.
Art education doesn’t need to be confined solely to the halls of museums. Streetsmart allows you to explore the art of the street on your own terms.
Taking art education and discovery to the streets.
The App
Built for real-time encounters
Streetsmart provides digestible, educational content making it easy to learn about street art on the fly. Users can get quick info on just one piece, or explore the whole city through a customized walking art tour.
Features overview
A comprehensive map of Richmond’s street art would be integrated into the app to allow for a choose-your-own-adventure exploration.
Before this project, a map of this kind didn’t exist, so I wanted to create something that could immediately help locals and visitors alike better engage with the city’s public art. Enjoy!
Mapping the murals
Click to explore.
Design Process
Inspiration
I drew inspiration from digital products that encourage real-time exploration and discovery (like Pokemon Go and Shazam), and from existing apps (like Magnus) that help audiences learn more about art in the gallery setting.
SAMPLE SURVEY QUESTIONS
WIREFRAMES
Brand Identity
Thanks
With special thanks to street artist Mickael Broth, a.k.a. the nightowl, for his help with concept/ user testing and for doing work that betters the Richmond community.
