Nicholas Palomino

Torii Tour is a gamified map of Little Tokyo in Downtown Los Angeles. Providing detailed directions to products or services within Little Tokyo utilizing AR. As well as giving users the opportunity to use the games within the app to earn coupons or discounts at local stores. Creating a more enjoyable experience for visitors to Little Tokyo.

Little Tokyo is a history and culturally rich area of Downtown Los Angeles. However, there is seemingly a lack individuality amongst the buildings. Resulting in many visitors getting lost, or have no clue where they are going. Despite having so much history, it goes mostly unnoticed.

‍While gathering our research we learned that many visitors and potential visitors of Little Tokyo were often too worried about what to do at Little Tokyo. “I didn’t know where to start” one user told us as a reason for never being to Little Tokyo. Some interviewees also expressed their concerns with navigation itself, because parking is such an issue for the area many visitors have to park far away. Leading to many issues meeting up with friends and finding their destination.

Torii Tour is a new fun and engaging navigation app. Allowing users to locate stores and even specific items within Little Tokyo. Having engaging features like "I'm Feeling Lucky" where users are randomly given a location based on their preferences. As well as giving users the opportunity to earn coupons by playing the game in the app.