DériveWatch

Dérive

The Dérive app takes a very different approach to navigation. Whereas a more traditional GPS or navigation app has the purpose of taking the user to the desired location in the least amount of time, Dérive redefines that experience with this notion of "drifting through urban spaces with friends." It is a social experience with the goal of allowing a user to meetup with their friends who also happen to be wandering the city, while allowing the user to explore the urban space for the aim of creating compelling conversation upon meeting.

Workflow

The workflow of the Dérive app is rather simple.
1. Click on the title screen to proceed to the app.
2. Choose a category.
3. Choose a destination.
4. Choose drifters to join you at your destination.
5. Set a time to meet (this will be already factoring in the 10 minute buffer in the app itself).
6. Choose features on the journey.
7. Start drifting.

Inspiration

I took a rather different approach with my app. Rather than utilizing modern design trends, I instead was inspired by architecture, magazines, and books, creating a sort of industrial, minimalist feel to my app. Thus, I tried to simplify interactions on the user's side, creating what is a very comfortable experience in interacting with the app. I stuck with simple, easy-to-read typeface and muted, somewhat desaturated colors in the design in order to keep a clean feel. Understanding that the context of this app would be used in urban spaces, I decided to put an emphasis on the Berkeley area as a test city, and in particular, pointed out features that were rather relevant, such as "Architecture" and "Nature." I also included boba as a category, since I felt that it strongly resonated with my test city. Since I saw my audience to be the sort-of hipster, urban residents of Berkeley, I felt that the industrial, minimalist design would be one that would appeal to the target audience.

Watch

After your friend sends off the settings, the drifters then receive notifications if they are set to "Online." They are not presented with the final destination, and instead receive a set of directions, which they follow. These directions are by no means the shortest path, and they could be presented with indications of landmarks based on the features set by your friend. They may ultimately meander as well based on the time, but they are presented with the ETA, so they are somewhat aware of what to expect in the end. All in all, it is a wandering experience for drifters aiming to explore urban spaces.

Workflow

1. Tap to toggle online mode.
2. Receive notification.
3. Follow directions.
4. Look for landmarks as indicated.
5. Arrive at destination.

Inspiration

The design of the watch is much in the vein of the Dérive app. It shares similar color schemes and typeface. What is presented to the user is a very easy interaction, since watch apps are not meant to be overly involved, as they are used primarily in passing. Thus, the interactions involve primarily simple taps. The navigation screens are kept simple, providing users with only the most essential information with recognizable icons and readable text.

Images credit to Google Images, icons credit to Noun Project

BitBucket Username: briancly