Desert Discovered

Overview

This project involved creating a travel app with focus on illustrations. I decided to make an educational app taking the user on an exploration of types of deserts.

Half of a screen from travel app

Process

1. Research

Before starting my app, it would be beneficial for me to research apps with similar concepts to show me different approaches I could take. I created some moodboards and looked at different illustration styles and layouts.
After doing this, I knew I wanted to create an educational app aimed at older students as this better fit the illustration style I wanted to do. A lot of the educational apps I came across were quite bland, so this was something I wanted to avoid when creating my own.

Mood board of illustrations
Mood board of other apps

2. Sketches and Wireframes

The initial sketches gave me an idea of the layout of the app and where the content would go. I also sketched some of he illustrations and how they would be placed within the app.
The digital wireframes then allowed me to make any changes and be more precise with sizing before adding content. I also designed an icon set, all of which are consistent in size.

Sketches of travel app
Wireframes of travel app
Icons for travel app

3. Challenges

One of the biggest challenges of this project was the digital illustration as I hadn't had much experience with it. This was definitely a learning curve as I worked my way around choosing appropriate colours and trying to use the tools correctly. I overcame this by doing research, gaining inspiration and learning as I went. I really enjoyed learning a new skill and it has come in handy with other projects.

Another challenge I faced was choosing the right typography. Originally, I used a slab serif font for some of the text. This didn't work well as it was bold, making it hard to read. After recieving feedback, I changed this to a typeface which was more legible and fit the tone of the app more, 'Marcellus'.

For some screens, I felt I included unnessesary detail which made the app look overcrowded. For example, there is a switch that users can press that changes the scene from day to night. Originally, I had the words 'Day/Night' on the button. I changed these to icons to make it cleaner and took away the drop shadow which was unnessesary. What I learned from this is that design is best when it is clean, clear and easy to use.

Night and day switch comparison

4. Feedback

I love recieving feedback on projects as it shows me my work from a different perspective and makes me see things I may have missed or could improve upon.
After this feedback session, I made some final changes to improve the layout, make the design cleaner, make the type easier to read etc.

Sticky notes showing feedback

Final Outcome

I really enjoyed working on this project as it challenged me to illustrate which I wasn't familier with. Overall, I am happy with the outcome as the interface is easy to use and it does it's job in educating users on the different types of desert in a visually engaging way

Final 6 screens of the travel app

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