Past Path
Ziqian Wu

Inspired by the desire to engage young people with heritage buildings, this app combines intuitive UX/UI with AR interactive features. Through a tangible exploration approach, users discover historical sites and stories, enriched by digital souvenirs and AR maps that bring history to life.
INSPIRATION
During my participation in a volunteer event organized by the Vancouver Heritage Foundation, aimed at raising awareness about and promoting the preservation of heritage buildings, I noticed most participants were older adults. The organizer shared that younger generations show little interest in heritage preservation.


Highlight
To inspire young people to explore and connect with heritage buildings, fostering a deeper appreciation for cultural preservation and history through engaging activities.

Interactive Map
Discover and vote for popular artwork, upload your own creations, and shop unique cultural merchandise inspired by nature, all in one platform that blends creativity, community, and conservation.
Create personalized walking routes
Create personalized walking routes based on your interests and schedule, discovering heritage buildings along the way.



AR Map
Users can explore plants through a map, search for specific species, and identify plants using a camera feature for real-time recognition.


AR Feature
Users can scan the magnet pattern to view the AR effect on their mobile phones about this building.
Heritage Site Info
Users can explore plants through a map, search for specific species, and identify plants using a camera feature for real-time recognition.

RESEARCH
Survey & Interview


Summary
The survey reveals that most participants lack familiarity with heritage buildings but show interest in learning more. Digital media and events at heritage sites were identified as the most engaging ways to promote heritage preservation. Key barriers to participation include time constraints, unclear information, and a sense of disconnection.
Research Insights

DESIGN PROCESS
Ideation


Persona

Information Architecture & Wireframe
This mobile app wireframe enhances heritage exploration in Vancouver by addressing unengaging platforms and lack of awareness. It offers personalized discovery, detailed information, and interactive AR features, making historical exploration engaging for residents and tourists.


User Test

AR Magnet Feature
Sketch

Souvenir

3d Models
3D models of buildings are created to enhance AR experiences, showcasing detailed architectural features and providing users with an interactive way to explore and understand the buildings’ design and history.

AR Showcase
The AR fridge magnet feature brings buildings to life by scanning the magnet with camera. This unlocks rich historical information, interactive 3D models, and dynamic animations that showcase the building’s past and transformation, creating an engaging and immersive way to explore its story.



Final Deliverable
Onboarding
The home page offers an intuitive gateway to explore the city’s heritage buildings, featuring personalized routes, color-coded maps, and interactive tools. Dive into history with tailored experiences that connect past and present seamlessly.

Home Page: Discover the Stories Behind Every Buildings
The home page offers an intuitive gateway to explore the city’s heritage buildings, featuring personalized routes, color-coded maps, and interactive tools. Dive into history with tailored experiences that connect past and present seamlessly.

Community Page: Share, Connect, and Discover with the Community
A space to connect, share, and explore. View posts from friends, the community, and your favorites, while engaging through likes, comments, and photo stories.

AR Page: To Explore Spaces and History Through AR
Users can discover hidden locations and stories through an interactive map, explore the historical layers of buildings, and extend these experiences into their daily lives with curated art merchandise.

Thanks for reading!
If you want to see more of my work, here is my portfolio website: https://www.wuziqian.com
Release Granted