Alexander Turnbough

UX/UI Designer
Interaction Designer
Visual Designer

I imagine and design digital visuals and experiences with a focus on technological innovations. Send me a message and let’s discuss your project!

http://www.linkedin.com/in/xanderturnboughhttps://xanderturnbough.design/xanderturnbo@gmail.com

My Projects

Mapply Logo

Mapply

A smart map, and a shopping management app that helps users pick up orders quickly

Mapply

Design Research
UX/UI

Mapply, a smart map, and a shopping management app that provides easy navigation and AR assistance for shoppers at the Westfield Century City Mall in Los Angeles, California.

Mapply Logo

Problem

The Century City Mall holds a wide amount of clothing stores and eateries available. To which this brings thousands of people visiting this mall every month. However, many people have complained about navigation, parking and accessibility issues within this shopping center. This causes many people to feel skeptical about ordering food or merchandise due to the inconvenience. To overcome this, we have decided to create a "smart map and navigation app" that assists people in ordering food at the Century City Mall.

Insights

We learned that mall visitors picking up food need to park quickly and safely because they are on a tight schedule. However, we observed that the parking at the mall can be confusing as it is easy to get lost within the mall's many parking levels. Moreover, navigating throughout the mall can be tricky as the food court is located relatively far away from the parking garage.

Mapply utilizes AR navigation to help guide users to their desired location quickly and by foot. The path is lit up and accompanied by brief written instructions.
Mapply utilizes AR navigation to help guide users to their desired location quickly and by foot. The path is lit up and accompanied by brief written instructions.
We stand out because there is no other combination of ordering and map services specifically for malls out there. Like other apps like Uber Eats and Grubhub, we save time and are location specific. But we’re unique due to our in-app navigation, parking guidance, and mall rewards.
We stand out because there is no other combination of ordering and map services specifically for malls out there. Like other apps like Uber Eats and Grubhub, we save time and are location specific. But we’re unique due to our in-app navigation, parking guidance, and mall rewards.
Mapply utilizes AR navigation to help guide users to their desired location quickly and by foot. The path is lit up and accompanied by brief written instructions.
Mapply utilizes AR navigation to help guide users to their desired location quickly and by foot. The path is lit up and accompanied by brief written instructions.
We stand out because there is no other combination of ordering and map services specifically for malls out there. Like other apps like Uber Eats and Grubhub, we save time and are location specific. But we’re unique due to our in-app navigation, parking guidance, and mall rewards.
We stand out because there is no other combination of ordering and map services specifically for malls out there. Like other apps like Uber Eats and Grubhub, we save time and are location specific. But we’re unique due to our in-app navigation, parking guidance, and mall rewards.
Mapply utilizes AR navigation to help guide users to their desired location quickly and by foot. The path is lit up and accompanied by brief written instructions.
Mapply utilizes AR navigation to help guide users to their desired location quickly and by foot. The path is lit up and accompanied by brief written instructions.

Solution

We created Mapply, which essentially combines both smart maps and shopping pickup, curbside, or delivery apps into 1 easy to use platform. With API integrations and in-app browsers, users never have to leave the app to navigate to and from, or place online orders through their favorite apps like Postmates, Grubhub, Uber eats, and more.

glow&go title image

Glow & Go! Tote Bag

A reimagination of the tote bag, including an immersive AR experience.

Glow & Go! Tote Bag

Product Design
UX/UI
Service Design

This was an industry-sponsored academic project in collaboration with MaCher, during which my team and I were tasked with reimagining one of their flagship products: the tote bag. Our goal was to reinvent both the form and function of the tote bag, transforming it into a 'walking billboard' for a beauty brand. Our objective was to create a desirable, eco-friendly product that users would be inclined to keep and reuse. Additionally, we were required to design a digital component to augment the overall user experience.

glow&go title image

Problem

Conventional canvas tote bags are often generic, lack durability, and contribute negatively to the environment. Furthermore, their multifaceted nature often leads to confusion regarding their specific purpose. How can we rethink the way customers interact with tote bags?

Insights

Uncovered in research, we learned that it takes 237 uses of canvas bags to be more sustainable than a single-use plastic bag. Moreover, the average person keeps around 9 reusable bags at home. As for marketing, we noticed that high-quality, exclusive gifts with purchase elevate the shopping experience for customers.

Meet Glow ’n’ Go, a tote that conveniently transforms into a towel for your outdoor adventures. For our first pattern, we decided to go with a solid color RPET mesh that is made of recycled plastic bottles. This material is athletic and adds structure to the tote.
Meet Glow ’n’ Go, a tote that conveniently transforms into a towel for your outdoor adventures. For our first pattern, we decided to go with a solid color RPET mesh that is made of recycled plastic bottles. This material is athletic and adds structure to the tote.
For our second option, we’re proposing a bespoke pattern with MaCher branding integrated into the design. This pattern is printed on a cotton alternative called Tencel which derives from sustainably harvested eucalyptus trees. We paired this with a turkish cotton towel because they’re both of natural origins. With a circularity approach to this option, we’re imagining a minimally branded, yet beautiful conversation starter.
For our second option, we’re proposing a bespoke pattern with MaCher branding integrated into the design. This pattern is printed on a cotton alternative called Tencel which derives from sustainably harvested eucalyptus trees. We paired this with a turkish cotton towel because they’re both of natural origins. With a circularity approach to this option, we’re imagining a minimally branded, yet beautiful conversation starter.
The digital experience allows the user to explore their newly acquired tote bag using their phone camera. They can tap on the hotspots which gives metrics around sustainability and impact for the tote. The experience further allows the user to interact with the tote digitally, along with being able to access a digital shop where they can easily refill or purchase other products.
The digital experience allows the user to explore their newly acquired tote bag using their phone camera. They can tap on the hotspots which gives metrics around sustainability and impact for the tote. The experience further allows the user to interact with the tote digitally, along with being able to access a digital shop where they can easily refill or purchase other products.
Meet Glow ’n’ Go, a tote that conveniently transforms into a towel for your outdoor adventures. For our first pattern, we decided to go with a solid color RPET mesh that is made of recycled plastic bottles. This material is athletic and adds structure to the tote.
Meet Glow ’n’ Go, a tote that conveniently transforms into a towel for your outdoor adventures. For our first pattern, we decided to go with a solid color RPET mesh that is made of recycled plastic bottles. This material is athletic and adds structure to the tote.
For our second option, we’re proposing a bespoke pattern with MaCher branding integrated into the design. This pattern is printed on a cotton alternative called Tencel which derives from sustainably harvested eucalyptus trees. We paired this with a turkish cotton towel because they’re both of natural origins. With a circularity approach to this option, we’re imagining a minimally branded, yet beautiful conversation starter.
For our second option, we’re proposing a bespoke pattern with MaCher branding integrated into the design. This pattern is printed on a cotton alternative called Tencel which derives from sustainably harvested eucalyptus trees. We paired this with a turkish cotton towel because they’re both of natural origins. With a circularity approach to this option, we’re imagining a minimally branded, yet beautiful conversation starter.
Meet Glow ’n’ Go, a tote that conveniently transforms into a towel for your outdoor adventures. For our first pattern, we decided to go with a solid color RPET mesh that is made of recycled plastic bottles. This material is athletic and adds structure to the tote.
Meet Glow ’n’ Go, a tote that conveniently transforms into a towel for your outdoor adventures. For our first pattern, we decided to go with a solid color RPET mesh that is made of recycled plastic bottles. This material is athletic and adds structure to the tote.

Solution

We've developed a sustainable, versatile bag crafted from recycled materials, intended to be offered as a complimentary gift with purchase (GWP) within the beauty and wellness industry. This bag serves as a practical accessory for daily use and has the unique ability to transform into a beach towel or blanket, offering both functionality and an eco-friendly touch. Additionally, we've introduced an engaging augmented reality (AR) experience that enables users to digitally interact with their bag and access online shopping features. Our innovation aims to inspire consumers to adopt sustainability practices, reducing their reliance on single-use plastic while making a positive contribution to our environment.

wanderlens title image

WanderLens

A photographer's very own location finding companion.

WanderLens

UX/UI
Product Design

WanderLens is a mobile app and VR experience aimed to assist photographers in location finding for their next photoshoot. This tool reintroduces the way photographers and explorers scout for new exciting locations to venture at.

wanderlens title image

Problem

Currently, we have access to tons of resources that help us find great places to travel to such as Tripadvisor or Google Maps. These sites provide basic information and directions on how to get there. Yet, these tools often fail to accurately depict the exact appearance of a specific location. As a photographer, it's challenging to convey the envisioned scene without a comprehensive view of the entire space. Not all websites advise photographers with the correct information such as photography permits and visitor rules. This along with accessibility problems have been a common issue when finding the perfect place to take pictures at. Visitors aren’t the only ones with travel issues, property owners also find themselves frustrated with miscommunication regarding what is allowed at specific locations. This unfortunately leads to trash and vandalism at sites. Ultimately, searching for locations to take pictures is still very difficult. With a lack of property knowledge beforehand, both visitors and property owners have a frustrating time.

Insights

To better understand how WanderLens was going to be designed, I gathered insights that helped me figure out what was most needed in my solution. I first went out to study how photographers find ideal locations. I had a proficient photographer try to locate and recreate a specific photo along with giving them the liberty to find it however they choose. Which ultimately resulted in him struggling due to terrain similarities, emphasizing the need for varied perspectives to pinpoint locations accurately. I then gathered information on what makes a location unique. My findings revealed that people associate places with relationships and personal experiences. Some locations hold significance due to past events, which motivates people to visit less popular spots. With the right context and information provided, visitors showcase more respect for these destinations. Last, I revisited the topic of inspiration for other exploration apps like Explorest, which offers sought-after travel destination coordinates. This app has influenced the development of WanderLens and how it appeals to photographers. Another app called Sky Guide, a star tracker app utilizing AR, has inspired WanderLens' approach to making use of 360-degree panorama movement using the device’s compass.

Access tons of information ranging from peak times and accessibility, to photographer oriented insights and gear tips.
Access tons of information ranging from peak times and accessibility, to photographer oriented insights and gear tips.
Explore a range of different locations across the globe.
Explore a range of different locations across the globe.
Immerse yourself into a location before you go using a VR headset.
Immerse yourself into a location before you go using a VR headset.
Access tons of information ranging from peak times and accessibility, to photographer oriented insights and gear tips.
Access tons of information ranging from peak times and accessibility, to photographer oriented insights and gear tips.
Explore a range of different locations across the globe.
Explore a range of different locations across the globe.
Access tons of information ranging from peak times and accessibility, to photographer oriented insights and gear tips.
Access tons of information ranging from peak times and accessibility, to photographer oriented insights and gear tips.

Solution

WanderLens is a new way to find and scope out photo-worthy locations dedicated for photographers. It offers a range of information such as descriptions, weather, best time to be there, parking information, rules, and reviews. This eliminates the tedious task of searching for additional information online. Users can also explore a location in its entirety through 360-degree imaging using a VR headset. Unlike the mobile app, the VR experience offers users a highly realistic and precise representation of the scene. Complete with detailed visuals and immersive sound, making them feel as if they are truly there.

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