Placescout

Overview

Placescout is a travel app concept that uses game mechanics to encourage real-world exploration. Developed for my thesis at NABA in Milan, it brings landmark discovery, collectible badges and rankings into a connected UX/UI and brand design project.

Project typeThesis

FieldUX/UI, Motion Design, Editorial Design

Year2022

ToolsAdobe Creative Suite, Figma

Designing a reason to explore

The proposed experience rewards visits to landmarks with location-based badges. I developed the concept through research, information architecture, wireframes and a Figma prototype. The visual identity combines a compass, a location pin and a trophy, connecting the ideas of orientation, place and achievement.

From destination to collection

The app design links the discovery of places with the progress of a personal collection. Destinations, badges and rankings make up the core experience, giving the traveller a reason to keep exploring.

Following the journey

The prototype connects the main screens to demonstrate how a traveller could discover landmarks and track collected badges. It presents the proposed interaction as a design concept.

Try the prototype →

An invitation to explore

Milan, Italy

The campaign concept extends Placescout into travel settings through billboard applications. The visual identity and a QR-code call to action introduce the app idea beyond the screen.

The thinking, in print - the thesis book

NABA, New Academy of Fine Arts

A companion thesis publication brings together the research and design process. Printed and bound in Milan, it records the development of the concept in an editorial format.

Download Thesis Book →

Placescout The thinking, in print - the thesis book 1

Placescout The thinking, in print - the thesis book 2

One idea across three formats

Placescout connects product, brand and communication around the same premise: making discovery rewarding. The project shows how I develop a digital concept and carry its visual language into campaign and print applications.

Credits

Samuele Barbieri. Developed at NABA, Milan.

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