Leo Spilotti
People in urban environments miss out on hidden gems and interesting facts about their hood due to set routines and overcrowded spots. They are missing a way to discover locations off the beaten track, personalise walking routes, and make daily commutes more enjoyable, while being rewarded for exploring their surroundings.
Client:
Capstone Project
My Role:
Ux Designer
Year:
2024
Service Provided:
UX/UI Design, Mobile Design, Branding, Art Direction
Context & Challenge
In today’s fast-paced world, people often default to the quickest routes, missing out on the richness and character of their own neighborhoods. As a Senior Designer at Apple, I led the creation of WIP – Walk in Progress, an app that reimagines urban navigation by combining walking routes with curated, engaging local content.
If people have time to spare, they’re willing to choose a more enjoyable route. If they’re encouraged to walk more, they’ll live a more active and sustainable lifestyle.
Approach
Empathy-Driven Research
We began by deeply understanding people’s motivations and barriers to walking. Through surveys, interviews, and usability testing, we uncovered key insights:
✅ People enjoy exploring their surroundings but often lack context or points of interest.
✅ Personal stories, local trivia, and unexpected discoveries make walks memorable.
✅ Flexibility and customization are crucial – users want to adapt routes to their mood and schedule.
Clear Hypotheses
1️⃣ People will walk more if they feel entertained and engaged.
2️⃣ Local insights can strengthen a sense of belonging.
3️⃣ Playful, intuitive design enhances the experience of wandering.
Design Process
🌟 Encouraging – making it easy and fun to explore
🌟 Playful – adding a sense of wonder and delight
🌟 Balanced – respecting users’ time and attention
Visual Identity & Prototyping
We crafted a vibrant visual language combining bright accents with balanced typography, reflecting both energy and calmness.
A modular icon system allowed for easy recognition and playful interactions.
Interactive prototypes helped us quickly validate ideas, refine features, and ensure accessibility.
Final Design & Features
Dynamic Navigation – suggests routes filled with cultural touchpoints, nature spots, and surprising details.
Rich Content – local stories, historical tidbits, and personal anecdotes enrich the journey.
Flexible Filters – users choose routes that match their pace and curiosity.
Engaging Visuals – thoughtful colors, friendly icons, and clear typography make for an inviting interface.
Impact & Reflection
This project reinforced the importance of balancing functionality with emotional engagement. A product’s success isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about how it makes people feel. WIP turns every walk into an opportunity for curiosity, connection, and joy.
