Past Path App

Inspired by the desire to engage young people with heritage buildings, this app combines intuitive UX/UI with AR interactive features. Through a tangible exploration approach, users discover historical sites and stories, enriched by digital souvenirs and AR maps that bring history to life.

Role

Research, Usability testing, AR Modeling

Tool

Figma, Blender, Unity

Time

Sep - Dec 2024

Team

Individual

INSPIRATION

During my participation in a volunteer event organized by the Vancouver Heritage Foundation, aimed at raising awareness about and promoting the preservation of heritage buildings, I noticed most participants were older adults. The organizer shared that younger generations show little interest in heritage preservation.

How might we

encourage young people to explore and connect with heritage buildings, fostering their interest in cultural preservation and history?

Highlights

To inspire young people to explore and connect with heritage buildings, fostering a deeper appreciation for cultural preservation and history through engaging activities.

Interactive Map

Discover and vote for popular artwork, upload your own creations, and shop unique cultural merchandise inspired by nature, all in one platform that blends creativity, community, and conservation.

Interactive Map

Discover and vote for popular artwork, upload your own creations, and shop unique cultural merchandise inspired by nature, all in one platform that blends creativity, community, and conservation.

Create personalized walking routes

Create personalized walking routes based on your interests and schedule, discovering heritage buildings along the way.

AR Map

Users can explore plants through a map, search for specific species, and identify plants using a camera feature for real-time recognition.

AR Map

Users can explore plants through a map, search for specific species, and identify plants using a camera feature for real-time recognition.

AR Feature

Users can upload their drawings, photos, or poems to the community and explore others' creative works.

AR Feature

Users can upload their drawings, photos, or poems to the community and explore others' creative works.

Heritage Site Info

Users can explore plants through a map, search for specific species, and identify plants using a camera feature for real-time recognition.

Heritage Site Info

Users can explore plants through a map, search for specific species, and identify plants using a camera feature for real-time recognition.

Researcn

Survey & Interview

User Survey

Summary

The survey reveals that most participants lack familiarity with heritage buildings but show interest in learning more. Digital media and events at heritage sites were identified as the most engaging ways to promote heritage preservation. Key barriers to participation include time constraints, unclear information, and a sense of disconnection.

Summary

research

Research Insights

Heritage Feels Distant

While young people find heritage sites interesting, these places often feel disconnected from their daily lives due to the demands of school, work, and social activities.

Preference for Engaging
Activities

Preference for Engaging Activities

Youth prefer interactive, social, and hands-on activities, such as festivals or creative events, over traditional educational approaches.

Lack of Awareness

Awareness of heritage sites is limited, with knowledge mostly focused on famous landmarks, leaving lesser-known sites overlooked.

Role of Social Media

Platforms like social media are seen as effective tools to share stories, updates, and events, making heritage sites more appealing and accessible to younger generations.

design process

Ideation

Digital Part

The app allows users to explore heritage through customizable routes and connect with a local community via the app’s interactive stories and shared discoveries.

Physical Part

AR-enabled postcards and fridge magnets bring historical buildings to life, blending digital interaction with tangible keepsakes.

design process

Persona

Highlights

To inspire young people to explore and connect with heritage buildings, fostering a deeper appreciation for cultural preservation and history through engaging activities.

Homepage

Discover and vote for popular artwork, upload your own creations, and shop unique cultural merchandise inspired by nature, all in one platform that blends creativity, community, and conservation.

AR Feature

Users can upload their drawings, photos, or poems to the community and explore others' creative works.

AR Map

Users can explore plants through a map, search for specific species, and identify plants using a camera feature for real-time recognition.

Create personalized walking routes

Create personalized walking routes based on your interests and schedule, discovering heritage buildings along the way.

Heritage Site Info

Users can explore plants through a map, search for specific species, and identify plants using a camera feature for real-time recognition.

Highlights

To inspire young people to explore and connect with heritage buildings, fostering a deeper appreciation for cultural preservation and history through engaging activities.

Interactive Map

Discover and vote for popular artwork, upload your own creations, and shop unique cultural merchandise inspired by nature, all in one platform that blends creativity, community, and conservation.

Create personalized walking routes

Create personalized walking routes based on your interests and schedule, discovering heritage buildings along the way.

AR Map

Users can explore plants through a map, search for specific species, and identify plants using a camera feature for real-time recognition.

AR Feature

Users can upload their drawings, photos, or poems to the community and explore others' creative works.

Heritage Site Info

Users can explore plants through a map, search for specific species, and identify plants using a camera feature for real-time recognition.

Highlights

To inspire young people to explore and connect with heritage buildings, fostering a deeper appreciation for cultural preservation and history through engaging activities.

Interactive Map

Discover and vote for popular artwork, upload your own creations, and shop unique cultural merchandise inspired by nature, all in one platform that blends creativity, community, and conservation.

Create personalized walking routes

Create personalized walking routes based on your interests and schedule, discovering heritage buildings along the way.

AR Map

Users can explore plants through a map, search for specific species, and identify plants using a camera feature for real-time recognition.

AR Feature

Users can upload their drawings, photos, or poems to the community and explore others' creative works.

Heritage Site Info

Users can explore plants through a map, search for specific species, and identify plants using a camera feature for real-time recognition.

Tourists Discovering Hidden Gems

Local Exploration for Young Vancouver Residents

Friends Collaborating on a Weekend Adventure

Solo Reflection for Busy Professionals

design process

Information Architecture & Wireframe

This mobile app wireframe enhances heritage exploration in Vancouver by addressing unengaging platforms and lack of awareness. It offers personalized discovery, detailed information, and interactive AR features, making historical exploration engaging for residents and tourists.

design process

User Test

design process

AR Magnet Feature

Sketch

Souvenir

3d Model

3D models of buildings are created to enhance AR experiences, showcasing detailed architectural features and providing users with an interactive way to explore and understand the buildings’ design and history.

AR Showcase

The AR fridge magnet feature brings buildings to life by scanning the magnet with camera. This unlocks rich historical information, interactive 3D models, and dynamic animations that showcase the building’s past and transformation, creating an engaging and immersive way to explore its story.

design process

Final Deliverable

Onboarding

The home page offers an intuitive gateway to explore the city's heritage buildings, featuring personalized routes, color-coded maps, and interactive tools. Dive into history with tailored experiences that connect past and present seamlessly.

Home Page: Discover the Stories Behind Every Buildings

Community Page: Share, Connect, and Discover with the Community

A space to connect, share, and explore. View posts from friends, the community, and your favorites, while engaging through likes, comments, and photo stories.

AR Page: To Explore Spaces and History Through AR

Users can discover hidden locations and stories through an interactive map, explore the historical layers of buildings, and extend these experiences into their daily lives with curated art merchandise.