InAlleys
Discover Hidden Gems in Urban Alleyways
! Problem
Today's tourist destinations are heavily commercialized.
Imagine visiting Times Square in NYC. The bright lights captivate you, but what if you knew that just a few blocks away, there were quaint, hidden alleys filled with unique shops, cozy cafes, and rich history?
This is exactly the problem faced by tourists visiting Nanluogu Alley in Beijing, a place brimming with cultural treasures hidden behind its popular main street.
Nanluogu Alley is being dramatically transformed by commercialization.
The physical layout of Nanluogu Alleys is in a fishbone structure — people are attracted to the trinkets and souvenirs on the main street, but ignore the cultural heritage in 16 branch alleys.
Crowded main street
Empty branch alleys
-> Initial Research
User Interview
I was curious about the visiting experiences of different demographics to Nanluogu Alley, so I had some interesting conversations with some non-local visitors, local students, and my family members.
I invited them doodle out their first impressions to Nanluogu Alley as Psychogeographic Maps.
For further research, I sent out surveys to gauge interests for different methods of interactions between people and the place.
Jin
36 | Writer
Loves photography
"I can see that the commercial elements in the main street. I was disappointed by the dramatic contrast between its profound historical identity and the reality."
EXPECTATION
"As a non-local visitor, I want to make the best of my time here to get genuinely connected with the stories from 8 centuries ago. I will seize the chance to customize a journey into the branch alleys"
Yuan
15 | Middle school student
Loves history & travel
"Nanluogu alley is not retaining its profound cultural essence, but I can't find an appropriate way to explore it with all the dazzling lights and labels. I'm getting tired of it to be honest."
EXPECTATION
"I hope for a navigation that's more comprehensive and can make me relate to this place more rather than being exposed to those fancy stores and walking in the crowds."
Among all responses…
78%
prefer visiting in-person
48%
wish for a tour that involves social connection
53%
show interests in AR guidance
-> Solution
How might we design a digital tour guide for every visitor to promote a customized touring experience and increase visitor's autonomy of interacting with different places and people?
Accessibility
Interactivity
Customization
Sociality
