**Disclaimer: This project was created as part of a design course and is a conceptual piece. It is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or officially associated with Arlington National Cemetery.
The Arlington National Cemetery project focuses on enhancing the user experience of the ANC Explorer app, which helps visitors navigate the cemetery, locate gravesites, and learn about the historical significance of this iconic location. The redesign aims to honor the cemetery's mission of remembrance and reflection by improving navigation, adding educational features, and creating a more intuitive and respectful digital experience.
My Approach
My design approach focused on creating a balance between functionality and reverence. I aimed to modernize the app’s interface while preserving its respectful tone. I prioritized clear navigation, an improved grave locator, and enhanced historical content to provide visitors with a more enriching and seamless experience. The visual design incorporates dignified colors, clean typography, and a minimalistic layout to maintain a respectful aesthetic throughout the app.
Unique Challenges
The existing ANC Explorer app serves a crucial role in guiding visitors through Arlington National Cemetery but struggles with connectivity issues, an outdated interface, and limited features beyond basic navigation. The challenge was to redesign the app to make it more intuitive, reliable, and informative while maintaining the solemnity and respect the cemetery deserves.
The process
Research & User Feedback
Conducted a usability analysis of the existing ANC Explorer app, focusing on user reviews to understand key pain points like connectivity issues, outdated interface, and limited features.
Researched best practices in designing respectful and educational digital experiences, particularly for historical and memorial-focused applications.
Wireframing & UX Strategy
Developed wireframes for web, tablet, and mobile formats, ensuring consistent user experience across all devices.
Improved the grave locator feature with more precise mapping and enhanced search filters.
Designed a custom walking tours feature, allowing visitors to plan their visit based on historical landmarks and notable gravesites.
Introduced historical context integration, offering users images, stories, and facts about the people and monuments they visit.
UI Design & Prototyping
Created high-fidelity prototypes in Adobe XD showcasing updated navigation, cleaner layouts, and subtle interactive elements.
Designed a new app icon featuring a golden five-point star surrounded by a laurel wreath, symbolizing honor and remembrance. The dark blue background reinforces the formal and dignified nature of the cemetery.
Final Deliverables
Redesigned App Interface
Enhanced Features
UI Elements & Icon Design
Conclusion
The Arlington National Cemetery App Redesign focuses on improving usability while honoring the sacred space it represents. By enhancing the navigation, integrating historical context, and modernizing the interface, the redesign offers visitors a meaningful and respectful digital experience. This project allowed me to explore the complexities of designing for memorial spaces, balancing functionality with reverence, and creating a user-centric app that supports reflection and learning.
