ambi
Academic project
A centralized space for UC San Diego students to explore study spots with confidence
ROLE
Product Designer
SKILLS
User Research
UI/UX Design
Wireframing
Interactive Prototyping
TEAM
Vipra Bindal
Product Manager
Dylan Cheng
Product Marketer
TIMELINE
7 weeks, 2024
ambi
Personal project
A centralized space for UC San Diego students to explore study spots with confidence
ROLE
Product Designer
SKILLS
User Research
UI/UX Design
Wireframing
Interactive Prototyping
TEAM
Vipra Bindal
Product Manager
Dylan Cheng
Product Marketer
TIMELINE
7 weeks, 2025
ambi
Personal project
A centralized space for UC San Diego students to explore study spots with confidence
ROLE
Product Designer
SKILLS
User Research
UI/UX Design
Wireframing
Interactive Prototyping
TEAM
Vipra Bindal
Product Manager
Dylan Cheng
Product Marketer
TIMELINE
5 weeks, 2025
THE COFFEE SHOP EFFECT
THE COFFEE SHOP EFFECT
THE COFFEE SHOP EFFECT
Ever tried a coffee shop for your wfh day?
Ever tried a coffee shop for your wfh day?
Ever tried a coffee shop for your wfh day?
Cafes have taken over the internet with their trending drinks and aesthetics for the perfect photo opportunity — but beyond the visuals , they've become curated hubs for creativity and productivity. The light chatter, warm lighting, and ambient motivation from others create a unique atmosphere that fuels focus. Striking the right balance of these elements is key when choosing the perfect cafe for your next work session, yet no app currently helps users find spaces based on these needs.
Cafes have taken over the internet with their trending drinks and aesthetics for the perfect photo opportunity — but beyond the visuals , they've become curated hubs for creativity and productivity. The light chatter, warm lighting, and ambient motivation from others create a unique atmosphere that fuels focus. Striking the right balance of these elements is key when choosing the perfect cafe for your next work session, yet no app currently helps users find spaces based on these needs.
THE PERFECT SEGWAY INTO OUR TEAM INTRO
THE PERFECT SEGWAY INTO OUR TEAM INTRO
THE PERFECT SEGWAY INTO OUR TEAM INTRO
Easier to settle on a generic spot than searching for the perfect cafe
Easier to settle on a generic spot than searching for the perfect cafe
Easier to settle on a generic spot than searching for the perfect cafe
Introducing the ambi team! When we first kicked off this project, we were excited by the idea of finding a vibey cafe to act as our creative grounds for team meetings and work sessions. But as we sifted through different options, our expectations for the perfect ambience and noise levels started to feel out of reach. In the end, we settled for a common spot on campus and began our journey for creating something we wish we had.
Introducing the ambi team! When we first kicked off this project, we were excited by the idea of finding a vibey cafe to act as our creative grounds for team meetings and work sessions. But as we sifted through different options, our expectations for the perfect ambience and noise levels started to feel out of reach. In the end, we settled for a common spot on campus and began our journey for creating something we wish we had.
Introducing the ambi team! When we first kicked off this project, we were excited by the idea of finding a vibey cafe to act as our creative grounds for team meetings and work sessions. But as we sifted through different options, our expectations for the perfect ambience and noise levels started to feel out of reach. In the end, we settled for a common spot on campus and began our journey for creating something we wish we had.
the team @ DIB
the team @ DIB
the team @ DIB...again
the team @ DIB...again
COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
Other apps centralize what matters most
Other apps centralize what matters most
Other apps centralize what matters most
We identified the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities within several applications in order to guide our next steps. These specific applications focused on food and entertainment—both core human needs— and centralized important information for simplified and reliable browsing.
We identified the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities within several applications in order to guide our next steps. These specific applications focused on food and entertainment—both core human needs— and centralized important information for simplified and reliable browsing.
We identified the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities within several applications in order to guide our next steps. These specific applications focused on food and entertainment—both core human needs— and centralized important information for simplified and reliable browsing.
LEVERAGING OUR COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
LEVERAGING OUR COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
LEVERAGING OUR COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
Studying is a consistent part of a student's routine
Studying is a consistent part of a student's routine
Studying is a consistent part of a student's routine
We chose UCSD students as our target audience because studying is a non-negotiable for students which allows ambi to be a core part of their cafe study exploration. Focusing on a specific group allows us to track our key performance metrics more effectively in the early stages.
We chose UCSD students as our target audience because studying is a non-negotiable for students which allows ambi to be a core part of their cafe study exploration. Focusing on a specific group allows us to track our key performance metrics more effectively in the early stages.
We chose UCSD students as our target audience because studying is a non-negotiable for students which allows ambi to be a core part of their cafe study exploration. Focusing on a specific group allows us to track our key performance metrics more effectively in the early stages.
STEPPING INTO STUDENTS' SHOES
STEPPING INTO STUDENTS' SHOES
STEPPING INTO STUDENTS' SHOES
Choosing a cafe is an art
Choosing a cafe is an art
Choosing a cafe is an art
Our team designed a survey with an aim to better understand UCSD students' overall sentiments for finding study spots. With 42 responses, the data showed that students appreciate cafes for their ability to add just enough novelty to enter a flow state. The emphasis on reaching this "goldilocks" feeling means that too much or too little of something can ruin an experience.
Our team designed a survey with an aim to better understand UCSD students' overall sentiments for finding study spots. With 42 responses, the data showed that students appreciate cafes for their ability to add just enough novelty to enter a flow state. The emphasis on reaching this "goldilocks" feeling means that too much or too little of something can ruin an experience.
Our team designed a survey with an aim to better understand UCSD students' overall sentiments for finding study spots. With 42 responses, the data showed that students appreciate cafes for their ability to add just enough novelty to enter a flow state. The emphasis on reaching this "goldilocks" feeling means that too much or too little of something can ruin an experience.
MAIN PAIN POINTS
MAIN PAIN POINTS
MAIN PAIN POINTS
A "go and find out" mentality
A "go and find out" mentality
A "go and find out" mentality
Using insights from our survey, we conducted affinity mapping and found that many users felt disappointed upon arriving at cafes due to a lack of information about the amenities and overall vibe beforehand.
Using insights from our survey, we conducted affinity mapping and found that many users felt disappointed upon arriving at cafes due to a lack of information about the amenities and overall vibe beforehand.
Using insights from our survey, we conducted affinity mapping and found that many users felt disappointed upon arriving at cafes due to a lack of information about the amenities and overall vibe beforehand.
We were intrigued to see that, despite valuing exploration, people often returned to familiar spots. Digging deeper, we found that the risk of an unbalanced experience often outweighed their desire to try something new. Finding a reliable place to study remained the top priority.
We were intrigued to see that, despite valuing exploration, people often returned to familiar spots. Digging deeper, we found that the risk of an unbalanced experience often outweighed their desire to try something new. Finding a reliable place to study remained the top priority.
We were intrigued to see that, despite valuing exploration, people often returned to familiar spots. Digging deeper, we found that the risk of an unbalanced experience often outweighed their desire to try something new. Finding a reliable place to study remained the top priority.
INITIAL IDEATION
INITIAL IDEATION
INITIAL IDEATION
Ideating for effortless confidence
Ideating for effortless confidence
Ideating for effortless confidence
Grounding our next steps in our problem statement and main pain points, I led feature ideation where we brainstormed big before narrowing down to three core features:
Grounding our next steps in our problem statement and main pain points, I led feature ideation where we brainstormed big before narrowing down to three core features:
Grounding our next steps in our problem statement and main pain points, I led feature ideation where we brainstormed big before narrowing down to three core features:
1
landing page of cafes and quick glance at available amenities and friends who've studied there
landing page of cafes and quick glance at available amenities and friends who've studied there
landing page of cafes and quick glance at available amenities and friends who've studied there
2
live busy time widget
live busy time widget
live busy time widget
3
cafe moodboarding
cafe moodboarding
cafe moodboarding
CREATING A PRODUCT THAT GROWS
CREATING A PRODUCT THAT GROWS
CREATING A PRODUCT THAT GROWS
Prioritizing friend recommendations
Prioritizing friend recommendations
Prioritizing friend recommendations
With our core features in place, we began asking ourselves how to promote longevity on the app—how to keep students engaged and exploring even after they’ve found a couple reliable spots.
With our core features in place, we began asking ourselves how to promote longevity on the app—how to keep students engaged and exploring even after they’ve found a couple reliable spots.
With our core features in place, we began asking ourselves how to promote longevity on the app—how to keep students engaged and exploring even after they’ve found a couple reliable spots.
We decided to incorporate a social review feature to build on our survey insight that students rely heavily on friends’ recommendations, as well as the broader trend of cafe hopping as a social activity and the fun of sharing personal takes on a spot’s study vibe and drinks.
We decided to incorporate a social review feature to build on our survey insight that students rely heavily on friends’ recommendations, as well as the broader trend of cafe hopping as a social activity and the fun of sharing personal takes on a spot’s study vibe and drinks.
We decided to incorporate a social review feature to build on our survey insight that students rely heavily on friends’ recommendations, as well as the broader trend of cafe hopping as a social activity and the fun of sharing personal takes on a spot’s study vibe and drinks.
STORYTELLING WITH OUR BRAND
STORYTELLING WITH OUR BRAND
STORYTELLING WITH OUR BRAND
We couldn't feel the essence of the cafes through the screen just yet
We couldn't feel the essence of the cafes through the screen just yet
We couldn't feel the essence of the cafes through the screen just yet
At this point, our app's name was SDudy. We sat with this for a while, feeling a sort of friction between us and our vision. It was missing something to truly make it feel alive; to give life to these different cafes that put intention into their interior design and menus.
At this point, our app's name was SDudy. We sat with this for a while, feeling a sort of friction between us and our vision. It was missing something to truly make it feel alive; to give life to these different cafes that put intention into their interior design and menus.
At this point, our app's name was SDudy. We sat with this for a while, feeling a sort of friction between us and our vision. It was missing something to truly make it feel alive; to give life to these different cafes that put intention into their interior design and menus.
As I searched through cafés for UI inspiration, one detail kept catching my eye: lighting. Gentle yet powerful, it sets the mood, shapes the energy, and quietly transforms a space into the perfect setting for focus and flow. All of these feelings come together in a single word: ambience.
As I searched through cafés for UI inspiration, one detail kept catching my eye: lighting. Gentle yet powerful, it sets the mood, shapes the energy, and quietly transforms a space into the perfect setting for focus and flow. All of these feelings come together in a single word: ambience.
As I searched through cafés for UI inspiration, one detail kept catching my eye: lighting. Gentle yet powerful, it sets the mood, shapes the energy, and quietly transforms a space into the perfect setting for focus and flow. All of these feelings come together in a single word: ambience.
OUR FINAL SOLUTION
OUR FINAL SOLUTION
OUR FINAL SOLUTION
An amenity-forward app for study spots you can feel
An amenity-forward app for study spots you can feel
An amenity-forward app for study spots you can feel
Ready for a change of environment for your next study session? Browse through the new, the lowkey, and the loved cafes around UCSD. Know what you're walking into with lists of amenities, moodboard glimpses, live busy times, and friend reviews.
Ready for a change of environment for your next study session? Browse through the new, the lowkey, and the loved cafes around UCSD. Know what you're walking into with lists of amenities, moodboard glimpses, live busy times, and friend reviews.
Ready for a change of environment for your next study session? Browse through the new, the lowkey, and the loved cafes around UCSD. Know what you're walking into with lists of amenities, moodboard glimpses, live busy times, and friend reviews.
DESIGN DECISION
DESIGN DECISION
DESIGN DECISION
Search for what you need, skip the rest
Search for what you need, skip the rest
Search for what you need, skip the rest
The landing page shows a big breath of cafes—and their amenities and opening times— for quick browsing. To curate the feed to your preference, add your own filters from sort options, amenities, and ambience.
The landing page shows a big breath of cafes—and their amenities and opening times— for quick browsing. To curate the feed to your preference, add your own filters from sort options, amenities, and ambience.
The landing page shows a big breath of cafes—and their amenities and opening times— for quick browsing. To curate the feed to your preference, add your own filters from sort options, amenities, and ambience.
DESIGN DECISION
DESIGN DECISION
DESIGN DECISION
Amenity-focused with subtle pictures and moodboarding
Amenity-focused with subtle pictures and moodboarding
Amenity-focused with subtle pictures and moodboarding
More often than not, students look at pictures first. On ambi, select a cafe and easily browse through pictures with those from friends appearing first. Oh and did you notice that glowing ring of light around the main picture? Click on it to find colors, pictures, and keywords that users associate with this cafe.
More often than not, students look at pictures first. On ambi, select a cafe and easily browse through pictures with those from friends appearing first. Oh and did you notice that glowing ring of light around the main picture? Click on it to find colors, pictures, and keywords that users associate with this cafe.
More often than not, students look at pictures first. On ambi, select a cafe and easily browse through pictures with those from friends appearing first. Oh and did you notice that glowing ring of light around the main picture? Click on it to find colors, pictures, and keywords that users associate with this cafe.
DESIGN DECISION
DESIGN DECISION
DESIGN DECISION
The best time to head out
The best time to head out
The best time to head out
Quickly glimpse at the summarized note, suggesting if it's a good time to head out. It might be better to wait for the crowd to subside! Additionally, a visualization of the live busy times easily bring into perspective the usual flow of students studying there.
Quickly glimpse at the summarized note, suggesting if it's a good time to head out. It might be better to wait for the crowd to subside! Additionally, a visualization of the live busy times easily bring into perspective the usual flow of students studying there.
Quickly glimpse at the summarized note, suggesting if it's a good time to head out. It might be better to wait for the crowd to subside! Additionally, a visualization of the live busy times easily bring into perspective the usual flow of students studying there.
DESIGN DECISION
DESIGN DECISION
DESIGN DECISION
Shhh…the cafe study spot connoisseur is speaking
Shhh…the cafe study spot connoisseur is speaking
Shhh…the cafe study spot connoisseur is speaking
Once you've visited a place, add your review for you to reference later as well as for your friends to consider. Contribute to the moodboard with optional, yet thought provoking "this or that" survey selections.
Once you've visited a place, add your review for you to reference later as well as for your friends to consider. Contribute to the moodboard with optional, yet thought provoking "this or that" survey selections.
Once you've visited a place, add your review for you to reference later as well as for your friends to consider. Contribute to the moodboard with optional, yet thought provoking "this or that" survey selections.
DESIGN DECISION
DESIGN DECISION
DESIGN DECISION
See which cafes your friends are studying at
See which cafes your friends are studying at
See which cafes your friends are studying at
With new cafes and their study-centric opportunities arising everyday, sometimes your friends might find them before you. Read their reviews and try them for yourself! Similarly, look back on your own reviews to remember your take on the place.
With new cafes and their study-centric opportunities arising everyday, sometimes your friends might find them before you. Read their reviews and try them for yourself! Similarly, look back on your own reviews to remember your take on the place.
With new cafes and their study-centric opportunities arising everyday, sometimes your friends might find them before you. Read their reviews and try them for yourself! Similarly, look back on your own reviews to remember your take on the place.
thank you
thank you
to my beautiful team and mentors.
to my beautiful team and mentors.
to my beautiful team and mentors.
None of this would have been executed as passionately as it was without the support and genuine cohesiveness within this team. We built strong friendships beyond the scope of this project which bled into every decision and late night call. I learned the value of constant and transparent communication about progress, bandwidth, and ways in which we could support each other.
As the sole product designer on this project, I found it an exciting opportunity to brainstorm ideas together, ground us back down to our problem statement, and also incorporate marketing and management strategies to think about ambi on a bigger scale. Gaining feedback from my mentors frequently throughout the process taught me to design while allowing myself to fail, get perspective, iterate, and create something captivating.
Stay tuned! We are in the works of making this a fully functional application.
None of this would have been executed as passionately as it was without the support and genuine cohesiveness within this team. We built strong friendships beyond the scope of this project which bled into every decision and late night call. I learned the value of constant and transparent communication about progress, bandwidth, and ways in which we could support each other.
As the sole product designer on this project, I found it an exciting opportunity to brainstorm ideas together, ground us back down to our problem statement, and also incorporate marketing and management strategies to think about ambi on a bigger scale. Gaining feedback from my mentors frequently throughout the process taught me to design while allowing myself to fail, get perspective, iterate, and create something captivating.
Stay tuned! We are in the works of making this a fully functional application.
None of this would have been executed as passionately as it was without the support and genuine cohesiveness within this team. We built strong friendships beyond the scope of this project which bled into every decision and late night call. I learned the value of constant and transparent communication about progress, bandwidth, and ways in which we could support each other.
As the sole product designer on this project, I found it an exciting opportunity to brainstorm ideas together, ground us back down to our problem statement, and also incorporate marketing and management strategies to think about ambi on a bigger scale. Gaining feedback from my mentors frequently throughout the process taught me to design while allowing myself to fail, get perspective, iterate, and create something captivating.
Stay tuned! We are in the works of making this a fully functional application.