Text logo for Search the Summits.

MINI-Project

Graphics & website design

Mockup of the BCAMA website displayed on a laptop and a phone to the right.

Project Description

This custom search engine created by a local software developer for the BC outdoor community was in need of a front end design and logo. Being a lover of mountains myself, I created this design with the simplicity and functionality of google in mind, but with its own unique touches to appeal to the outdoor community.

Role

Web designer

Length of project

1 week

Collaborators

Francis Bailey – creator (everything other than design)

Featured pages below ↧

Home page of search the summits search engine. It looks like the google home page but there is a custom theme with blue-ish mountains on the bottom.
Mobile version of the search results design for Search the Summits web page. It also looks similar to google but the result links are more turquoise, and the same mountain theme carries through on the bottom of the page as with the home page of the search engine.

Initial CONCEPTS & Design

Seeing as google has already set the standard for great UX for a search engine, we didn’t want to change too much in the way of functionality or layout to make sure users still find the experience intuitive. That said, it was still important to create something unique, and make sure this brand appeals to its community.

Many versions were created before arriving at the final. In the initial concept (below,) I chose a photo from one of my favourite trips this summer – the view from the tent when camping on Polemonium ridge. This view is not only special to me, it also includes some incredibly iconic summits in Southwest BC: the Sky Pilot group, Mt Atwell & Garibaldi, Table Mountain, and of course Garibaldi Lake. These are all very desirable destinations for hikers, mountaineers, skiers and climbers alike. It only seemed fitting for this area to represent a summit search engine.

The second concept based on feedback was to simplify this idea into a graphic. For this, I chose neutral and minimal colours to reflect the “clean” theme. From here, it was a few minor touches to arrive at the final result.

Version 1 of the homepage layout for Search the Summits engine
Version 1 of the search results layout for Search the Summits engine
Version 2 of the search results layout for Search the Summits engine
Version 2 of the homepage layout for Search the Summits engine

Final result can be seen here

Thanks for reading!

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