Sarah Henson

Urban Wanderer, 2023

Interaction and Graphic Design

As a graphic and interaction designer, Sarah Henson has always found joy in getting people excited about the little things in life. There has been an increase in the disconnect between people and their everyday environment following COVID-19 along with a hyper-fixation with traveling between Points A to B as fast as possible. Re-establishing this connection is critical for improving physical, mental, and social well-being.

Tackling this issue, 'Urban Wanderer' is a navigation application with a twist and is inspired by walking-based concepts such as wandering. Instead of providing the fastest routes, the goal of 'Urban Wanderer' is to slow down and explore what lies between Points A and B. The app is to generate routes of varying lengths to help guide this exploration the users live with the map consisting of unconventional listings called 'Pit Stops’ which include distinct urban and natural features, and places that are for reflecting, gathering, or exploring.