ORIIEN

content list

● PROBLEM & CONTEXT
● RESEARCH BREAKDOWN
● IDEATION & INITIAL CONCEPTS
● DESIGN DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
● THE PRODUCT OUTCOME
● FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES & CONSIDERATIONS

PROBlem & context

Research Question & Problem Scope

Large urban spaces can be difficult for newcomers to interpret due to their scale, visual complexity, and unfamiliarity. Navigating these environments often requires people to make sense of unfamiliar landmarks, pathways, and information, which can contribute to confusion, stress, and cognitive overload.

Existing solutions also present limitations. Static signage provides reliable information but often requires users to passively interpret information on their own, while GPS applications provide precise directions but can encourage over-reliance and reduce engagement with the surrounding environment. This presents an opportunity to explore alternative approaches that better support users during navigation and exploration of such spaces.

As Brisbane continues, South Bank, a major urban precinct, was selected as a focus area to investigate these challenges and opportunities.

research breakdown

Survey and interview findings revealed destination direction (41.8%) and orientation (40.0%) as the highest-priority information needs. Together with respondents’ reliance on landmarks as key navigational cues (58.2%) and interest in interactive exploration
(51%), these insights informed ORIIEN’s final design outcome.

People try to make sense of their surroundings all the time for safety, for navigational purposes. It’s the first thing that any human does to kind of try to understand where they are.
wayfinding designer at dotdash

Name: Complete Research Report
File Type: application
File Size: 1 B
Link: Download File

ideation & initial concepts

Concept 5 was the chosen design direction and was further developed through prototyping and iterations.

design development process

prototyping & iteration

The prototyping process began with low-fidelity cardboard and paper models before progressing through multiple rounds of feedback, iteration, and refinement. Sketches, CAD modelling, 3D-printed prototypes, and user testing were used to explore, evaluate, and improve the design throughout development.

the product outcome

Product Overview

ORIIEN is an interactive wayfinding kiosk designed to complement existing wayfinding systems within South Bank. Rather than acting as a standalone navigation tool, it provides an additional layer of support for newcomers that focuses on immediate orientation, exploration, and helping users build a stronger understanding of the space around them.

Inspired by traditional toposcopes, each section is geographically aligned with the landmarks it represents, allowing users to quickly understand what surrounds them and where key destinations are located.

Rotating Pointer Interaction

The rotating pointer serves as ORIIEN’s primary interaction, allowing users to physically select and align with a chosen destination. Rather than relying solely on passive observation, the interaction encourages users to actively engage with the information presented. By physically aligning the pointer with a destination, users connect the information on the kiosk to the surrounding environment. This combination of physical interaction and mental processing helps build familiarity with the space while strengthening memory of key landmarks and destinations.

The transparent acrylic window allows users to view information beneath the pointer and the handles help block adjacent quadrants, allowing users to focus on a single destination at a time. Its flowing form subtly references an arrow while echoing the curved geometry of the base, reinforcing a cohesive visual language throughout the product.

Designed to be both functional and expressive, the pointer acts as a guiding element that encourages users to engage with information through movement and interaction.

how does it work?

key features

Form & CMF (color | material | finish)

Inclusive design

Integrated lighting

● South Bank is active even at night so the lighting improves visibility during evening use.
● Highlights key graphics and information.
● Invites users to interact.
● Elances safety.

customised pictograms & graphics

Inspired by South Bank’s environment and visual identity, the color-coded quadrants clearly organize information into distinct categories. Pictograms and simplified graphics further support quick interpretation, helping users understand information at a glance and improving accessibility for users with language barriers.

additional design considerations

Environmental Durability

● Drainage holes prevent water pooling.
● Sealed lighting protects internal wiring.
● Secure fasteners improve structural stability.
Internal Access Point for Ease of Maintenance

Concealed wiring runs through the lighting channel, concrete, through the base and into the underground power. A removable access panel is added to simplify access and lighting maintenance.
Vandal Resistant Measures

The pointer is designed to be modular but still durable. It is connected to ring that circles the upper side of the base to prevent easy tampering or lifting.
Safety Consideration

Rounded aluminium edges, controlled clearances, and designated grip areas on the pointer handles help minimise potential entrapment and pinch hazards during use.
Modular Construction

Modular design allows individual components to be maintained or replaced without replacing the entire structure.

Michelle Fortune

content list

PROBlem & context

Research Question & Problem Scope

research breakdown

ideation & initial concepts