Culturapp
This project originated as the final thesis of my master's degree program at the Academy of Fine Arts. As it sparked the interest of many individuals, it has been transformed into a concrete startup proposal in order to present it as a real project.
This project is characterized by thorough research, especially in the initial stages, adopting techniques utilized by startups during their early phases. As a school project, its objective is to be presented to the regional administration for consideration.
Year
2021
Role
Product Designer
The Project
The challenge is the limited visibility and accessibility of cultural points of interest in Puglia. These sites are predominantly listed in outdated guides, blog posts, or on Google Maps, making them hard to discover and explore effectively.
Research
Interviews with 50 participants revealed that most rely on Google services for tourist information, with a strong interest in local culture, art, history, and cuisine. They prefer independent trip planning. The research included interviews, benchmarks, and competitor analysis to uncover these trends.
Information architecture
Initial sketches were refined into tab designs using Balsamiq. User journeys were mapped to understand touchpoints, identify pain points, and enhance the user experience. The onboarding process was designed to provide step-by-step guidance, clear instructions, and engaging visuals to facilitate easy interaction with the app.
Prototype
The app’s design features a list and map view with filters, concise historical information, categorized historical journeys, and highlights of museums and significant artworks. It showcases diverse interests including culinary, adventurous, and outdoor experiences, ensuring accuracy and consistency while linking to official websites for detailed info.
Research
Interviews with 50 participants revealed a preference for independent trip planning, with a focus on local culture, art, history, and cuisine. Competitor analysis and benchmarks supported these findings.
Design
The app features list and map views with filters, categorized journeys, and links to official websites. Balsamiq sketches were refined for user-friendly navigation.
Outcomes
The project resulted in enhanced sustainability, improved data management, better accessibility, and new revenue streams. The transition to a minimalist, user-friendly UI helped maintain the newspaper’s competitiveness in the local market.