PROJECT OVERVIEW
NGV Digital Map
Improving Wayfinding for First-Time Visitors
​
This project explores NGV’s digital map with a focus on improving wayfinding for first-time visitors. It explores how subtle UX adjustments can make navigation clearer and more intuitive, while respecting NGV’s existing visual tone and map structure.
Project type: Wayfinding
Project duration: 2 weeks, 2026
Tools used:
 Figma, Photoshop
​
​
​
THE PROBLEM
NGV’s current digital map uses a minimal black-and-white visual style that gives equal weight to structural elements and destinations, which can make orientation and wayfinding challenging for visitors unfamiliar with the gallery layout.
​
Exhibitions are shown as unlabeled square pictograms, so it’s unclear what each marker represents or whether it is interactive. Although a Key button explains the symbols, this information is hidden behind interaction, forcing first-time visitors to rely on trial and error to understand the map.
THE GOAL
The goal was to improve orientation and confidence for first-time visitors by making exhibition locations and interactive elements clearer, while keeping the map visually calm and consistent with NGV’s identity.
KEY DESIGN DECISIONS
Segmented Button: Map / Exhibitions List
A segmented button lets users switch between a map view and a full exhibitions list, allowing first-time visitors to quickly see what’s on at NGV and find exhibitions without searching the entire map, improving orientation and confidence.
Exhibition Labels & Highlights
Exhibition markers are labelled and visually highlighted instead of using unlabeled square icons, so visitors can immediately identify exhibitions without guessing, reducing trial-and-error and making the map more intuitive.
Bottom Sheet with Chips & Search Bar
A bottom sheet contains chips for accessibility, toilets, water fountains, and a search bar. When a chip is tapped, the map resizes to show the full gallery, and the relevant icons are highlighted on top, allowing users to quickly see and locate important points without searching the entire map.
​Exhibition Details & Links
Tapping an exhibition in the list shows key information and a short description, with the option to open its webpage for more details, providing layered information while keeping the map clean and uncluttered.
​
Minimal and Intentional Interactions
The map maintains NGV’s calm, black-and-white visual style to stay consistent with its identity and support clear orientation. Interactions were intentionally kept simple to avoid overwhelming users and to preserve NGV’s quiet, exploratory atmosphere.
Clear orientation without disrupting exploration
Improvements focused on helping users understand where they are and what they can interact with, without turning the map into a step-by-step navigation tool.
USER FLOW
Flow 1: Exploring Exhibitions
-
User scans the QR code → digital map opens.
-
User views the map.
-
User checks the exhibitions list.
-
User taps an exhibition ​
-
The exhibition’s webpage opens for more details.
Flow 2: Finding Facilities
-
User views the map.
-
User selects a facility chip (e.g., toilets, restaurant).
-
Map resizes to show context.
-
Selected facilities are highlighted on the map.
TAKEAWAYS
This project helped me understand how different digital maps are from physical maps, especially when used on mobile devices. I learned that clarity and restraint are just as important as adding features, and that too much interaction can reduce confidence rather than improve it. Looking at other museum digital maps helped me understand how different spaces handle wayfinding and exploration. With more time, I would like to test the design with real users and further explore accessibility needs, particularly for visitors with visual impairments.