Why do we need this app?
The recent pandemic amplified the importance of technology in social, economic, political and commercial systems. In particular, the uptake of social media among young people during lockdown and isolation in order to connect with others. Subsequently, phones have the capacity to “extend [its] life into the virtual realm, transposing the urban experience onto an expanded, digital space.” However, phone applications often encourage anti-social behaviour and disconnect users from their surroundings. The questions is how can we create immersive exploration and community through a smartphone app? That’s where localize comes in, a revolutionary application that combines social network with record keeping.
What is Localize?
Localize is the unofficial guide to experiencing Sydney like a local. The app showcases anecdotes from individuals in the area and allow the user to be immersed in their environment whilst connecting with the local people. There are over 10,000 stories to discover through exploring different suburbs in Sydney. Residents and travellers alike can learn far more about Sydney through the lens of a local individual. Subsequently, hidden gems are uncovered and shared amongst a diverse group of people. The tone of the app is groovy, bold and simple, a new way to explore and intimately get to know places.
There are over 10,000 stories available to discover across Sydney. Each features a profile image of the creator, a background image to give context and a main quote to entice the user to listen to the audio. The nature of the format allows people to walk and listen similar to a podcast and be used by people that are visually impaired and want to connect with the local area. Users become immersed in their surroundings by connecting with a local as well as the recording’s references to buildings, people, and the environment in their stories.
The posting process is made simple by structuring it through a step-by-step guide and utilising basic icons indicating different functions. There are many interactive features such as recording, media control, typing and buttons to navigate this page.
The typography was selected to stand out against the restricted colour palette and simple layout. The headings are always quite large in comparison to the other elements on the screen, allowing the typography to be a stylistic element. The subheadings, however, appear to juxtapose the headings by being simple and linear, reflective of their directional content. This allows the users eyes to rest and gravitate towards the basic writing in order to register instructions or labels.
