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Context:
Currently, every major city has its tourist spots. These spots are specifically groomed and readied for the visitor. These spaces are made with the tourists in mind rather than the locals in mind. Cities have become curated with the tourist in mind thus providing an unauthentic and unethical experience for the traveler. This realization inspired me to pursue creating an experience that is ethical, spontaneous for the traveler, and beneficial to the local community.
ROAM currently intervenes within the Harlem community in New York City.
Role: User Experience Researcher, UX Designer, Front End Developer, Interaction Designer
Methods: Generative Research, Qualitative Research, Physical Computing, Rapid Prototyping, Iterative Design, HTML, CSS, Javascript
Team: Milan Gary
OverView
The Project
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ROAM is a wearable navigation device that uses a cooperative platform and the concept of ethical travel to promote a more dynamic cultural exchange between locals and travelers, with the ultimate goal of promoting positive community development.
The End Goal
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To have a working prototype for the experience.
The User
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Individuals who seek an adventure that's not pre-determined and very spontaneous.
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Someone who seeks to support local businesses and practice conscious consumerism both where they currently live and where their travels lead them.
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ETHICAL
TRAVEL
Ethical travel is both a state of mind and action that promotes respect, awareness and financial support towards the native culture and locals.
Concept Video
Using an earlier prototype, this video shows how a user might find ROAM and initiate it.
Mind MAp(s)
These mind maps show the progression of my idea development. Domains are the main element of these maps, the sub domains help me to explore connections between the main domains. This process is arduous but very necessary in my project concept development.
Interviews
I conducted various interviews and workshops where native Harlem community members relayed stories of their favorite memories and places within Harlem.
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These stories help to shape and design the ROAM experience within the Harlem community.
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Below are audio clips of these interviews that reveal personal stories and connections that these locals have to Harlem.
Harlem Churches.mp3Artist Name
00:00 / 06:26
Serengeti Tea & Spices.mp3Artist Name
00:00 / 10:21
Marcus Garvey Park.mp3Artist Name
00:00 / 01:15
Childhood in Harlem.mp3Artist Name
00:00 / 05:01
ROAM Mobile
ROAM
Prototypes
