Have you ever thought to yourself, “Maybe this time won’t be stressful. I’m an experienced traveller.” There’s not enough conviction in that thought and you’re already worrying about your next holiday. The Culture Passport is an app developed to combat this familiar stress. It is an efficient travel dictionary detailing essential information about an unfamiliar culture that strives to reduce worries about cultural immersion.
Designed by Fariha Habib
BEFORE
Designed by Fariha Habib
AFTER
Designed by Fariha Habib
Below is an excerpt of my user scenario for my intended app, ‘Culture Passport’.
Aydin is a full-time university student who runs a travelling blog on the side. Her blog is mainly received by university students like herself. With the semester break coming up, Aydin wishes to travel to Japan so she can add new content to her blog as well as fulfill her wanderlust desires. In terms of planning, she has her flight tickets booked and accommodation sorted. However, with her exams coming up, Aydin can’t afford the time to research in-depth of how to travel efficiently in her destination like she usually does before any trip.
In an attempt to remedy her dilemma, she writes a quick post on her blog to reach her readers and asks for recommendations of any blogs/videos/apps/websites that has all the research done for her. During a short break from studying, Aydin conducts a quick check on her blog to review responses and immediately finds one that piques her interest. Some of her readers recommended the app ‘Culture Passport’ who described the app as a tool which efficiently educates the user about the way of living in different countries by breaking them down into categories.
Intrigued, Aydin downloads the app from the Apple App Store and briefly scans through the app. The first screen she came across prompted her to choose her travel destination. From there, a multitude of categories were presented ranging from etiquette to transport. Selecting the ‘transport’ category, Aydin was pleasantly surprised to read a brief yet thorough overview of what transport is available in Japan and which is most efficient. There was also a section towards the bottom which recommended essential apps to utilise when getting around Japan.
From her brief use, Aydin concluded that the app will benefit her greatly after her exams as well as for future travels as there were several countries integrated within the app.
In Week 2 Studio class, we were asked to re-design the Western Sydney app.
INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE
What is included in the app? List the modules in order
| Maps | Directory | Events | Emergency |
| vUWS | MyIT | Students | Central |
| Library | Shuttle | Help | Services |
| Wellbeing | Careers | Gradlife | Videos |
| News | Residences | Books | Food |
| Social | Summer | Clubs | Sport |
| Toggle Button | Hyperlinks | Blackboard | Exit toggle |
How do you think they are organised? Can you suggest categories for these modules?
The modules are listed individually and not categorised. A few categories to include could be ‘Directory’ and ‘Transport’ as well as integrating a side menu to contain the important modules such as ‘vUWS’.
USER INTERFACE (UI)
Is the app easy to use?
Moderately
Can you navigate easily?
No
Do you have suggestions for changes?
– The back toggle button should go to the previous page and not the home page.
– Maps – The directions are not accurate and does not go live. It does not include pathways or ETA.
– There are too many icons on the homepage. Categories should be integrated.
– The app could cater personally to the student and their course.
VISUAL DESIGN
How do you describe the visual design?
The landing page is kept simple with flat icons and the brand. However, the social icons and logo is not high resolution. Every other page does not adhere to the style of the homepage which best reflects the university’s brand.
Does it match the university’s brand image?
Yes
What improvements could be made?
Keeping to a set style guide for every page. E.g. Having consistent typography, a colour scheme and layouts. Following a style guide will also ensue familiarity with the user and make it easier to navigate.
VISUAL REMAKE
Digital Design 