With the rise of urban temperatures and UV levels due to global warming, walking under direct sunlight has become a growing concern — especially for commuters and people with sensitive skin.
How might we help people avoid excessive UV exposure during everyday walks, while making their journey more comfortable and engaging?
With the rise of urban temperatures and UV levels due to global warming, walking under direct sunlight has become a growing concern — especially for commuters and people with sensitive skin.
How might we help people avoid excessive UV exposure during everyday walks, while making their journey more comfortable and engaging?
Why this matters
As cities heat up and UV levels climb, walking in direct sunlight is becoming a health concern. But navigation tools still ignore sunlight as a constraint.
UV Index Rising
Several studies have shown that surface UV radiation levels are on the rise worldwide, especially in mid- and low-latitude regions.
Sunlight Discomfort
60% of users reported avoiding sunny streets due to skin discomfort or heat stress.
Users Already Adapt
28% of pedestrians actively choose shaded paths when possible — without any tool to support it.
Why this matters
Why this matters
Research & Insight
We interviewed 12 pedestrians across 3 cities (Shanghai, London, Guangzhou). Most reported avoiding certain roads due to strong sunlight exposure.
68%
Prefer shaded routes even if it takes longer
61%
Want smarter walking tools that consider comfort
What users told us Through street interviews and remote surveys, we learned that sunlight is not just a physical discomfort — it’s a navigational constraint. People already plan routes to avoid heat. Our role is to design for that existing behavior with better tools.
Insight People are already self-navigating based on sunlight, but current apps don’t support this behavior.
Opportunity Build a navigation system that uses shade as a first-class routing factor, turning sunlight from invisible friction into visible guidance.
Research & Insight
Research & Insight
Design & Process
Storyboard
Sketch & Low fidelity The logic of the APP still refers to the interaction logic of ordinary navigation, but it will have an additional AR function, and the guided routes will include shopping malls, skywalks, subway stations, etc.
Ul Design
Design & Process
Design & Process
How it work
Key functions
Live UV Map
Get real-time UV index updates wherever you are. UV Mapper monitors local conditions and highlights hotspots, helping you plan your walk when the sun is strongest — or avoid it altogether.
Shade-Based Navigation
Not just the shortest path — the smartest one. Our algorithm finds walking routes based on building shadows, tree coverage, and underground access, keeping you in the shade from point A to B.
AR Guidiance
See your shade route come to life. With AR navigation, UV Mapper overlays live directions and shaded areas directly on your surroundings, helping you stay on track — and out of the sun.
As cities heat up and UV levels climb, walking in direct sunlight is becoming a health concern. But navigation tools still ignore sunlight as a constraint.
UV Index Rising
Several studies have shown that surface UV radiation levels are on the rise worldwide, especially in mid- and low-latitude regions.
Sunlight Discomfort
60% of users reported avoiding sunny streets due to skin discomfort or heat stress.
Users Already Adapt
28% of pedestrians actively choose shaded paths when possible — without any tool to support it.
Research & Insight
We interviewed 12 pedestrians across 3 cities (Shanghai, London, Guangzhou). Most reported avoiding certain roads due to strong sunlight exposure.
68%
Prefer shaded routes even if it takes longer
61%
Want smarter walking tools that consider comfort
What users told us Through street interviews and remote surveys, we learned that sunlight is not just a physical discomfort — it’s a navigational constraint. People already plan routes to avoid heat. Our role is to design for that existing behavior with better tools.
Insight People are already self-navigating based on sunlight, but current apps don’t support this behavior.
Opportunity Build a navigation system that uses shade as a first-class routing factor, turning sunlight from invisible friction into visible guidance.
