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.

To gain inspiration, I turned to Tuan’s Space and Place, which explores how emotional meanings transform "spaces" into "places."

Preserving heritage buildings is not merely about maintaining physical structures; it is about safeguarding the emotional and cultural connections that tie communities to their past. These connections turn heritage buildings into symbols of identity, collective memory, and continuity, making their preservation essential for nurturing a sense of belonging and shared history.

To gain inspiration, I turned to Tuan’s Space and Place, which explores how emotional meanings transform "spaces" into "places."

Yi-Fu Tuan —— Space and Place

Problem

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

RESEARCH

Desk research

Vancouver’s heritage showcases a blend of colonial and modernist influences, with programs emphasizing collective responsibility to preserve historic buildings as cultural symbols for future generations.

REsearch

Desk research

Researcn

Survey

User Survey

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

Interview

research

Empathy Map

Pains

Difficulty finding reliable information about the history of specific buildings.
Lack of community involvement in sharing and preserving stories.
The current ambiance may feel incomplete without deeper context or personal connections.

Gains

Enrichment through community-contributed stories, creating a sense of shared heritage.
Deeper appreciation of Chinatown’s layered history and vibrant culture.
Enhanced users experiences through interactive storytelling.

research

Research Insights

Heritage Feels Distant

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

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

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

Target User

PastPath caters to young people aged 16-30, offering slightly tailored user experiences for Vancouver residents and visitors to ensure meaningful and engaging exploration of the city's cultural heritage.

design process

Persona

design process

Value Proposition Canvas

This highlights user pain points like unengaging heritage platforms and lack of awareness. The product addresses these through AR features, exploration, and community sharing, making heritage discovery interactive and engaging.

design process

Target User

design process

Value Proposition Canvas

design process

Storyboard and Sketch

Tourists Discovering Hidden Gems

Local Exploration for Young Vancouver Residents

Friends Collaborating on a Weekend Adventure

Solo Reflection for Busy Professionals

design process

Storyboard and Sketch

Tourists Discovering Hidden Gems

Local Exploration for Young Vancouver Residents

Friends Collaborating on a Weekend Adventure

Solo Reflection for Busy Professionals

User Interface

design process

Information Architecture

design process

Wireframe

A mobile app wireframe for exploring Vancouver’s historical buildings. It features personalized discovery, detailed information pages, and interactive AR elements, offering an engaging experience for both residents and tourists.

design process

User Test

The user test involved both Vancouver residents and a traveler to ensure the app caters to diverse user needs. Vancouver residents highlighted the AR map's potential while suggesting a preview feature for easier exploration. The traveler valued the app's simplicity in uncovering local landmarks, emphasizing its utility for tourists looking to learn about the city while on the move.

design process

Information Architecture

design process

Wireframe

design process

User Test

AR Feature

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

AR Magnet Feature

Sketch

Souvenir