Overview

Walkity aims to improve the independent functioning of the visually impaired community through intuitive navigational prompts.

I joined this student-led startup with 10 people as a design consultant. I was responsible for creating the logo, along with web design and other marketing collaterals. Currently, the team is incubated at NSRCEL - IIM Bangalore, and I am still actively giving feedback to the team.

Company

VisIoT Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

Type of Engagement

Contracted as a Freelance Design Consultant

Contribution

Branding and Identity Design, Visual Design, Usability Testing

Duration

2 weeks

Context

Walkity is focused on assisting the visually impaired community, a shoe attachable that helps aid navigation by connecting to a smartphone via Bluetooth. It uses vibrational motors to generate haptic feedback which is then used to notify the wearer about upcoming turns and arrivals.

Approach

During the brand strategy, I identified the importance of revealing Walkity's intricate technology and assistive nature through visual and verbal simplicity. I targeted a brand and UX/UI experience that would elevate the product’s beautiful, minimal design while stoking aspirations for an autonomous lifestyle.

Logo and Branding

To punctuate the visual system, I created a minimal, iconic mark to serve as a stamp—a sign of sophistication and technological innovation that could play well both physically and digitally. To kick off the logo building process, I engaged with the stakeholders in a word-mapping exercise which led us to the following target words around which we'd base our logo.

Location, Shoes, Footsteps, Map, W (alphabet), Eye, Haptic Technology, Blind, Walk

For Walkity's typography, we landed on Work Sans that edges simplicity and refinement with a visionary tech lining. Finally, a subtle, unsaturated color palette added maturity and prevented against sterility and coldness.

Website

Designing the website came with several challenges. It needed to present, explain, and sell a product in a simple way, easy to understand even for a visitor without overloading them with tons of data while still showing the full range of knowledge of our product. I designed the UI which could convey trust and technological innovation. I gathered some ideas and inspiration before actually start designing can streamline the design process and cut down the time I spend staring at a blank screen.

Beyond the Pixels

Besides crafting the visual identity, I also helped the team in conducting user testing of the device, shooting and editing the demo video, and also suggested some potential improvements in the product design of the device.

If you’re looking to work with me or want to grab some coffee, feel free to email me at kingermayank@gmail.com