Wheels of Wis'dam
Wheels of Wis'dam
As part of the bachelor’s program in Communication and Multimedia Design (CMD) at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (HvA), a project was undertaken to design a digital supplement to the paper-based ISGA guide for international students in Amsterdam. The challenge was to create a small-screen website or web application that would complement the guide and provide students with valuable information on a relevant topic. The decision was made to focus on an app that would teach students how to ride a bicycle and navigate Amsterdam's traffic, an essential skill for newcomers to the city.
Design process
To achieve this, a fun and engaging app was designed to enhance the learning experience for students while maintaining consistency with the guide's style. Humor was incorporated into the design to make it more dynamic rather than static. Gamification principles were utilized to create an engaging user experience.
Throughout the project, the design underwent several iterations, incorporating feedback from experts and peers to develop a visually appealing and user-friendly app. Knowledge of design principles, internet standards, and coding was applied to create a functional HTML/CSS prototype. At the end of each sprint, an improved version of the prototype was presented.
Screens/DEmo
The final product was a mobile app designed to make learning how to ride a bicycle and navigate traffic in Amsterdam both easier and more enjoyable for international students. Recognizing that cycling is an essential part of life in Amsterdam, the app aimed to provide clear, step-by-step guidance while also offering a fun and interactive experience. By incorporating gamification elements, such as challenges, rewards, and progress tracking, the app ensured that students remained engaged and motivated throughout their learning process. The inclusion of humor added a lighthearted touch, helping to alleviate any anxiety or embarrassment associated with learning to ride a bike at a student age. It encouraged users to approach the learning process with a sense of fun, making it feel less like a task and more like an enjoyable adventure. Overall, the outcome of the project was highly satisfying, with the belief that the app could serve as a valuable tool for new international students in Amsterdam. Its combination of practical guidance, gamification, and humor provided a unique and approachable solution to an everyday challenge faced by newcomers to the city.
