Oria
Beyond the screen, back to orientation
In the smart era, “technical smart” does not equal “humanity smart.” When the balance between them tips—especially as convenience and dependence take over—human initiative and ability decline.
True “smart” is what makes people smarter.
CONCEPT
Building on this, the project focuses on “navigation and direction”. It not only supports wayfinding, but helps users build a personalized spatial reference system.
Through 2 modes—Basic Navigation and Free Explosion—it reduces reliance on the screen and encourages active perception of the surroundings, strengthening spatial orientation and related abilities.
DESIGN GUIDELINES
Unlike traditional arrow-and-route navigation, the location compass is the core element; it updates in real time with the user’s movement and turns.
Oria works as a map app plugin, improving usability
Uses dark mode and a simplified map for smartwatch use
Only primary roads, global landmarks, and personalized special interests are displayed.
ACCESS OPTION-A
Mobile Plugin
ACCESS OPTION-B
Smartwatch
NAVIGATION & VIEWS
Pull down to switch between text and no-text modes; text mode clarifies landmark info.
The Overview shows the route and landmarks, start and destination, the compass, and total time.
All routes are segmented by 3 key-location landmarks
Navigation starts in the Overview view
Compass updates in sync
Local View
Nearest
Landmark
Total estimated time for the route
Users can switch between the two views.
Estimated time for the current segmen
When the direction is correct, the landmark enlarges as an animation cue.
A gentle haptic pulse also confirms
Multisensory Feedback
Along-the-route landmarks also matter during navigation—especially on longer stretches when the key landmarks are out of view.
Approaching the landmark triggers a gentle haptic pulse.
On reaching the current segment’s landmark, the landmark and the compass time update to the next segment’s info.
On arrival, a gentle haptic pulse and an animation cue confirm the destination.
INTERSECTION ASSISTANCE
At complex intersections, three visualized assistance modes are provided; swipe to switch between them, with gentle haptic pulses.
Combined Compass–Route View
Street View with Corresponding Landmark
Shows only the 3D model of the landmark building to reduce clutter and highlight the target.
Zoom in/out with the crown.
3D Mode Focused on the Corresponding Landmark
Change Landmarks
Users can change landmarks at the key locations. Recommendations prioritize route and turn points; if a landmark is unfamiliar, users can replace it with a familiar alternative.
New Navigation Route
Interactions with the smart assistant use different icons and animations.
The system prioritizes familiar or preferred landmarks, suggests route and landmark optimizations, and preserves user autonomy.
FREE EXPLORATION MODE
Explore city and surroundings freely
—by weather, mood, and interests.
Free Explosion includes 3 key locations, each with 3 landmark options prioritized by user familiarity
When navigation isn’t needed, simpler information and interface design free users from the screen.
SPECIAL INTERESTS
The smart assistant shows personalized special interests; tap any item to start navigation.
PERSONALIZATION
Six main setting items, all customizable; personalization gives users a degree of autonomy.
Special interests and assist modes can be reordered within each section by drag-and-drop.
Users choose whether to display different landmarks and suggestions.
