OrenjiGO
A Playful Journey Through San Francisco’s Hidden Stories
Results and Feedback
Early testers loved the playful interaction and how it made everyday locations feel special.
Can I touch it? It's so cute.
-Alan
The experience is playful and made me feel connected to places I’ve been to countless times. I just wish there were even more locations to explore!
- Yi
I think this has a lot of potential. As someone who’s not very tech-savvy, I found parts of it a bit confusing. I wasn’t sure what to do next after unlocking the story. It’s a great idea, but I would’ve appreciated clearer instructions.
- Doris
Problem
After graduating, I found myself caught in a routine. The sense of wonder I once had started to fade, and life felt a little mundane. I realized I wasn’t alone—many people feel disconnected from the world around them, moving through familiar spaces without really noticing them.
How could I bring back that feeling of discovery and joy in everyday life?
Inspiration
For me, San Francisco has always been more than a city—it’s a place full of hidden stories and unexpected moments.
Rediscovering it reminded me how much magic is in the small details, like a cozy cafe or a quiet street corner. I wanted to create something that would help others feel that same spark of curiosity and connection, encouraging them to explore the city in a fresh and playful way.
Feature 1:
Discover Hidden Orenji Ceramics
Users can explore San Francisco, finding NFC-embedded Orenji ceramics hidden in places like cafes and parks.
Each Orenji unlocks a unique story tied to the location.
Phase 1: Ideation & Sketches
I began by thinking about what makes a city feel magical—it’s the unexpected discoveries. I sketched various forms of interaction, from postcards, paper fortune cookies and to digital treasure hunts.
But nothing felt as real and tactile as ceramics. That’s how Orenji, a cheerful little guide, was born—blending my love for handmade art and interactive design.
Design Process
The design process was highly iterative and non-linear, involving multiple rounds of ideation, testing, and refinement. Continuous testing helped evolve the concept, leading to a playful and cohesive final product that merges exploration and storytelling.
Let's go exploring SF.
Digital Interface
NFC Tag attached
Physical Touchpoint
Thank you for reading.
Feature 2:
Tap and Unlock Stories
Tapping the Orenji ceramic triggers a hidden story, bringing a personal or playful narrative tied to the location. Users experience these stories as a fun surprise, making their daily routine feel magical.
User Journey Overview
and Touchpoints
Feature 3:
Collect Stickers
With each story unlocked, users earn a digital sticker tied to the location. The goal is to collect all 9 stickers across the city.
Design Reflection
The design of OrenjiGO was inspired by my love for San Francisco, art, and interaction. The playful colors, intuitive interface, and tactile interactions make it fun and easy for users to explore the city in a new way.
Feature 4:
Share Your Own Story
After unlocking a story, users are invited to leave their own memory for others to discover—creating an ongoing, shared experience tied to each location.
Next Steps and Future Plans
I plan to continue developing the concept and exploring partnerships with local businesses to create even more meaningful interactions.
Social Medea and Ad mockups
Social media plays a crucial role in raising awareness about OrenjiGO. By creating engaging content across platforms like Instagram, I aim to inspire curiosity and encourage users to explore their city while interacting with Orenji ceramics.
Description
OrenjiGO is my love letter to San Francisco—a city filled with hidden stories, just waiting to be discovered. Inspired by my own journey of rediscovering the city after graduating, this playful project invites you to explore, connect, and uncover magic in the most unexpected places. Through simple taps on handcrafted Orenji ceramics, you can unlock the tales and moments that make this city special.
Duration
One Month (September - October 2024)
Role
UX/UI Designer, Video Editor, Product Designer, Ceramic Artist
Tools Used
Figma, Adobe Premiere, Procreate, NFC Technology
FInal thoughts
Through this project, I’ve learned the power of storytelling, the joy of exploration, and the magic of blending the digital and physical worlds.
I hope that this project brings others the same sense of wonder I felt when creating it.
See my other projects...
3. Shared Physical Spaces Foster Community
2. Nostalgia and Playfulness Create Joy
1. Tactile Interaction Builds Stronger Connections
Research and Key Insights
In today’s digital age, people spend so much time online that they look for experiences that are tactile, nostalgic, and playful.
Inspired by physical message boards at places like CCA and local Cafes, I wanted to explore how we can use physical interactions to build stronger connections to our environment and community.