03/ Odys: Tailoring art journeys for the time-conscious
Designing spatial clarity and emotional resonance in cultural spaces
Academic
Visual Design
Branding
This app reimagines how people move through museums by translating spatial and cultural experiences into a personalized, visually-guided tour. Created for a Forms class, the project focused on UI expression, motion design, and the emotional rhythm of user attention— rather than conventional UX process.
MENTOR: SHAWN SPROCKETT
TIMELINE: FOUR WEEKS
THE PROBLEM
Museums are rich with stories, but for many visitors, the experience can feel static, confusing, or even overwhelming — especially without a guide.
Traditional audio guides often lack personalization, and printed materials can feel impersonal or inaccessible.
In a time where people seek more tailored, intuitive, and emotionally resonant experiences, how might we reimagine the museum tour as something more dynamic, personal, and memorable — especially for younger, design-conscious audiences?
“I wandered aimlessly. I liked some pieces but didn’t know what to focus on. I wish it felt more like my journey."
Calm, unhurried experience
Soft transitions, neutral palettes
Intuitive Wayfinding
Layered depth, floating cards, clear navigation anchors
Visual Direction | Design Inspiration
To establish a mood that felt both archival and contemporary, I drew from editorial design, exhibition graphics, and independent music/film culture.
The goal was to evoke a sense of intimacy, curiosity, and quiet immersion — aligning with how we often experience museums. This board guided choices around color, typography, and composition throughout the product.
I treated the UI as a frame for attention:
Minimal visual noise
Clear depth cues
Elegant transitions
Warm, inviting type and color
GOALS & INSPIRATION
RESEARCH INSIGHTS
From conversations with visitors and guides, it became clear that solo visitors often crave more than just information; they want companionship, direction, and meaningful pacing through a space. Rather than overwhelming them with options or generic tours, Odys needed to feel quiet, curated, and gently intuitive; like a thoughtful guide who walks beside you, not ahead of you.
Goals
Discover new art intuitively, without a strict plan
Pains
Overwhelmed by too many plaques, unsure where to start
Needs
A calm, thematic guide that helps them explore at their own pace
Goals
Dive deep into specific exhibits or historical narratives
Pains
Frustrated by shallow or generic audio tours
Needs
A customizable route with layered storytelling that adapts to their interest
USER ARCHETYPES
FINAL DESIGNS
POST QUIZ ANIMATION
ONBOARDING QUIZ
Brief, engaging quiz to gauge user's art preferences
Questions on favorite periods, artists, and time availability
Interactive elements for intuitive user input
HOME SCREEN
Prominently features ticket stub-style cards
Each card represents a personalized tour or artwork recommendation
The badge acts as a visual anchor, helping users quickly identify their personalized recommendations
NAVIGATION SCREEN
Top banner maintains the ticket stub motif, integrating brand identity into the AR interface
Bottom navigation bar offers quick access to key functions
Use of white space in the AR view prevents overwhelming the user with information
THE ESSENCE OF ODYS
LEARNINGS
Designing Odys helped me explore how form influences feeling. I learned how subtle visual cues—like typography, space, and motion—can shape perception, evoke curiosity, and guide user attention without overwhelming.
It also taught me the value of restraint. By focusing less on features and more on atmosphere, I saw how design could become invisible yet deeply impactful—especially in cultural and educational spaces.
This project reinforced my belief in designing with emotion and intention—not just for usability, but for resonance.
©2025 by Rhea Pathak Nawaz ☘️