Project

National Sci-Fi Museum

• hope

I approached the problem by trying to understand the primary interactions users would have with a museum app. For true Sci-Fi fans like Dan, Harry, and Tay, this could become a favorite app, so it needed to be a catered experience. For visitors less interested in Sci-Fi like Lori, the app had to be accessible and avoid jarring flows or interaction methods. To build a crafted experience, I opted for an alternative typeface. I used Avenir Next for its futuristic feel over the more neutral SF Pro or the serif New York, which might have felt too old-fashioned or stuffy. Other Sci-Fi fonts like Orbitron were considered but ultimately rejected to ensure legibility for a diverse audience. Purple was chosen as the primary theme color to stand out from the common blue, red, yellow, and green in apps. It makes the app noticeable, recognizable, and connects with the mystery and unknown that is essential to the genre. I relied on many Apple-designed components for accessibility and familiarity, especially for users who might not use the app daily. These tried-and-true elements ensure usability isn’t a barrier to enjoying the museum. One assumption I made was that a public museum would handle most accessibility needs. If not, I would have added more detail to activity and map views to show experiences were accessible. Lori’s persona, and her son Daniel, made me consider icons denoting accessibility features to help users make the best use of their time. The most important accessibility aspect I followed was embracing iOS best practices, along with attention to color contrast and font legibility. Inclusivity was central to the app’s design. Profiles and a community chat feature allow users to personalize their experience and feel part of the museum community. Tay’s persona made me think about using iconography to denote media types in exhibits, helping users engage with content they truly care about.