The Project
Your Street Challenge
The project will explore design thinking as a methodology within Communication Design practice. Based on the OpenIdeo platform, and utilising the framework of the Design Indaba Your Street Challenge, students will address the following challenge:
The Your Street Challenge is about seeing the possibilities and potential of urban spaces. It’s about being in touch with the needs of your community and thinking creatively to make your street smarter, safer, healthier and sustainable for everyone who uses it. Take a look at your street, what would you do?
Creativity can positively affect the way countless people experience working, living or playing on your street. Your idea should inspire, excite and uplift communities.
Design Process
This project requires students to:
- Research, conceptualize and create an innovative and appropriate design solution to a contemporary social problem
- Utilise a variety of design thinking techniques
- Define the question: How might I...
- Define their own brief, goals and expected outcomes
- Collaborate with peers and practitioners from different fields in order to achieve their outcome
THE CHALLENGE
The challenge was to create a means for people in communities to access information easily and on-the-go. The goal was to create something that a variety of people would understand and connect with. One of the biggest challenges was that the target audience is very broad - people of all ages, backgrounds, and races. There was also a lot of information on the app as the app has different sections and options. This meant that the information needed to be sorted and arranged in a logical order. The design needed to be user-friendly and centred around people.
A concern is that the app requires users to interact with - for activities and groups to be successful people need to download the app and join. Businesses need to sign up in order for people to search for them. The app needs to be well marketed in order to be successful.
HOW MIGHT WE:
Use our skills as communication designers to connect communities, build local businesses and inspire interaction?
The solution was to design an application; this application aptly named Community creates a platform for users to connect with spaces and individuals in their immediate surroundings. Features include community activities and events which users are able to join as well as create, a list of local business profiles, community news, and crime watch updates, and a panic button.
Home screen and app icon design
Icon design and colours
Quickly search and access small businesses in your area that have been rated and reviewed by Community Members
Create and join a variety of activities in your area. Meet new people. Make new friends.
View the promo video and features of the app or play around with a working prototype by clicking on the link below
