OVERVIEW
Challenge: Design a website that that provides a platform to showcase small businesses and hidden gems often overlooked by mainstream travel guides
Opportunity: Create an engaging platform that connects travelers with the rich stories behind LA’s small businesses. This initiative supports local economies while inspiring visitors to explore the city’s authentic culture and lesser-known attractions.
Technologies: UI/UX | HTML | CSS | JavaScript
Frameworks used: Figma, Miro, Replit, VSCode, Git
Responsibilities: Project lead, UX Research/Design, Prototyping, Development
Team: Rachel Chen, Jenna Rizzi, Ellie Yoo
The Impact.
The Why.
A website created when local businesses were facing hardships after quarantine. This website shows people who are visiting LA an alternative side they can choose. Rather than going to the most famous tourist stops, people can also explore the numerous small businesses and family-owned restaurants that make up the culture of the city.
The Vision for Branding:
Decided with a branding that uses a modern, sleek color palette inspired by the vibrant yet understated tones of Los Angeles, evoking sophistication and cultural depth. The dark backgrounds paired with white text create a striking contrast that makes the content pop while maintaining a clean and contemporary aesthetic.
Our creative vision centers around a scrapbook film aesthetic, blending the nostalgic essence of capturing memories with the modern sleekness of the chosen color palette. This design approach not only aligns with the themes of travel and exploration but also emphasizes the importance of documenting meaningful experiences.
The Process.
The Ideations.
The process and ideation emphasized creating an intuitive user experience that showcases the company and its mission. Through low-fidelity wireframes, we explored layouts to highlight small businesses and local spots in Los Angeles while addressing the importance of visual storytelling and clean navigation. The design ensures the platform reflects the company's values and effectively communicates its purpose."
The Final.
Highlighting Restaurants
This feature showcases the diverse culinary scene of Los Angeles, giving users access to hidden gems and family-owned restaurants. Users can easily explore details about each restaurant, making the experience engaging and intuitive.
Own Profile of Places
Each user is given their own dedicated profile, complete with their stories, offerings, and visuals. Users are allowed to add photos of local companies they have been to.
Highlighting Businesses
By focusing on small businesses, this feature provides a platform for them to gain visibility and thrive post-quarantine. Interactive elements make it easy for users to discover and engage with these businesses, fostering a more immersive and supportive experience.