GoExplore
Ever wanted to go on an adventure but found yourself in a compulsory lockdown? I thought so!
Stay calm. GoExplore will take you to the most spectacular places on Earth from wherever you are.
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The problem
Living in a pandemic reality can be a doubting experience challenging our mental well being. We suddenly loose our freedom of movement and feel disconnected with the world.
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I created this project to answer how might we use the VR technology to relax our minds while learning about the most beautiful places on Earth in a way that’s simple and accessible, adding value to our lives.
The primary purpose of this app prototype was to help users stay positive and mentally well during situations like pandemics. However, the user research indicated that this tool has the potential to fulfil other strong needs and you're about to explore them below.
User interviews
The one-to-one interviews highlighted similar travel habits
and revealed common thinking patterns on virtual reality experience
These findings together with further user interviews highlighted key points to consider :
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The VR technology makes it feel like a real travel experience and as such is a great temporary solution when physical travel is not possible
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Learning about the place before we travel helps us to plan and enjoy more the actual trip
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Users feel that most of the current VR solutions are focused more on features rather than their needs. Virtual Reality standards are yet to be defined
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Seeing the images of the places we have visited before can be a powerful tool to evoke positive emotions
Understanding
the user
The findings from user interviews have been translated into a list of features which include:
1. Browse high quality travel packages
2. My profile and Map View accessible via Hamburger menu
3. See where you are option in Map View
4. Save where you've been and where you want to go next, and share with friends in My Profile.
5. Learn interesting facts with your personal tour guide
6. Available with as little as Google Cardboard Headset
The secondary research amongst the current users of competitive VR experiences revealed a number of features which could have been improved. These are:
1. The wrong use of 360 photography causing motion sickness (e.g. in some places photogrammetry works better)
2. Low quality content (blurry images + poor 3D)
3. Multiple navigation modes (confusing for the user)
4. Basic Wikipedia based learning (as opposed to curated content)
User flow
After successful usability testing wireframes were taken to the UI playground
-min.webp)
Conclusions
GoExplore has demonstrated that despite of many VR solutions available now their usability isn't reflecting well the users' needs
1. The VR technology has great potential to help the users deal with stressful situations like pandemics. Virtual travel can heal by bringing back good memories from places users have visited before. It sparks curiosity and opens up the world for discovery
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2. The learning factor is important. Users want to feel that they are learning about the place they visit and have a better understanding of local life. They don't want to be just tourists
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3. The current VR sector should be more user centric in order to deliver the experience the users need. Focusing purely on features and technological innovations without thorough user research often leaves users frustrated
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Typeface
Colours
Orange
#FBAE6C
Inter
It's a beautiful day
It's a beautiful day
It's a beautiful day
It's a beautiful day
It's a beautiful day
It's a beautiful day
Visuals
Made by me. Made with Affinity photo, Affinity Designer, Procreate
Tools used
Research: Typeform, OpenSort, Whimsical, Miro
Design: Affinity Designer, Affinity Photo, Procreate, Figma
Prototyping: Marvel
UX Methods used
User interviews, Exploratory Analysis, Usability testing, Evaluation, Affinity Mapping, Feature Comparison Matrix, Competitive Map, Comparative Analysis, Project Proposal, Personas, User Flows, Card Sort, Sketching, Feature Prioritisation Matrix, Pluses and Deltas, Wireframing, Prototyping