Lisa Skibinskaya

SimpleSign a street parking system that aids visitors coming to Melrose & Fairfax with understanding parking rules so they can park without worry.

Melrose & Fairfax is a popular destination in Los Angeles, known for its iconic streetwear boutiques, the area also boasts a variety of restaurants, coffee shops, and other businesses, locals and visitors flock to this location to find the latest fashion trends and to shop at some of the most iconic stores in the city. Finding parking in this area can be fairly easy, however understanding and interpreting street parking rules caused confusion among visitors and locals alike.

We conducted observations and interviews on Melrose blvd and Fairfax ave, we learned people wanted the signage to be easy to read, use understandable language and provide more context about the rules. One of our interviewees stated they just wanted to know "Where are we? What time is it? Can I park here?""

To aid people coming to the area we created Simple Sign a parking system that is designed to clearly convey parking rules. This system combines 3 touch points: a large digital sign that changes throughout the day to reflect parking rules, a static schedule posted at eye level underneath with a full view of the rules for the week, and lastly, a companion website where visitors can find more information, check street parking rules in the area and set up parking reminders.

The Wanderer Gadget Bag is a sustainably made modular gager case, crafted to fit the versatile needs of traveling students. The gadget bag transforms from a gadget case to a bag that can convert to an on the go mini bag, sling or shoulder bag. The Wanderer is accompanied by WanderWiz a Worldly Welsh Corgi digital-dog concierge who is any student traveler faithful companion on their adventures. She can answer all trip related questions, sends only the most information helpful during their trip and will continue to engage long after the trip is done, enticing travelers with digital treats in exchange for continued use of the Wanderer.

We discovered that student travelers often encounter challenges and confusion during the pre-trip planning phase. Common issues include identifying the best places to visit, finding appropriate accommodations, and organizing their itineraries effectively.

Many student travelers lack stable internet connections, and some prefer not to rely on additional apps. This insight underscores the need for a solution that leverages a widely available communication channel.

We created WanderWiz, a concept for a text message-based digital concierge and companion to The Wanderer Gadget Bag. This service simplifies pre-trip planning for student travelers, offers on-trip recommendations, and continues engagement post-trip. After their journey, travelers receive digital assets and suggestions for future experiences, ensuring a seamless and memorable travel experience.