Ivan Atlas

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Via Eurasia

When a quick fix turned into cultural immersion

Role

Product Designer

Timeline

2 weeks

Tools

Figma · Adobe CC

Project

CareerFoundry Route Trail App Redesign

Challenge

Modernize a dated trail app while making routes easier to plan and discover.

Target

Travelers who value authentic culture and history experiences.

Solution

Asked for a simple UI refresh, I delivered a complete reimagining. Via Eurasia connects hikers to 2,000 years of history, but the original app buried that story under legal text and confusing navigation. My redesign puts culture and safety first, turning ancient paths into modern adventures.

Instant route insight

Difficulty, time, rating + weather surfaced in one card

Culture, not clutter

Historical context replaces legal text, because these trails have stories

Safer starts

Downloadable safety guides + offline maps for areas with no signal

The gap

CareerFoundry asked for basic UI improvements to an NGO's hiking app. As a Utah native who loves trails, I couldn't ignore the deeper problems: Via Eurasia's incredible cultural heritage was buried under heavy text that felt like reading terms and conditions before a hike.

My research into the actual Via Eurasia trail revealed 2,000 years of history, ancient trade route stories, cultural festivals, and village traditions. These were completely missing from the app. The rich cultural story? Nowhere to be found.

Legal splash and text stalled exploration

No at-a-glance difficulty or weather

Original hierarchy caused confusion

Three pivotal moves

One-page hierarchy

Simplified navigation based on hiking app best practices. My mentor said: "You delivered 10K value on a 1K brief."

Culture in context

Researched actual trail history to weave cultural stories throughout. These aren't just paths, they're important pilgrimage routes.

Trail cards at-a-glance

Modern card UI inspired by successful apps but tailored for hikers who need info fast to gauge a trail in one swipe instead of opening multiple screens.

Before
The original buried the spirit of adventure under heavy legal text and poor hierarchy.
After
An immersive video now sets the tone for discovery while keeping navigation clear.
Before
The original routes page lacked inspiration by offering a plain list view that made journey planning feel uninspired and disconnected.
After
Video previews and smart filters now guide route planning while nearby cultural events connect travelers to local history.
Before
Route details lacked depth while weather updates and key planning info were buried across screens.
After
Weather updates and downloadable maps now make planning easier and safer while connecting to trail history.
Before
Essential safety info and route tips were scattered across screens making preparation difficult.
After
The new guide combines trail basics, safety features, and local customs to keep
travelers prepared.
Before
A simple list layout obscured points of interest with limited visuals and hidden distance details, making exploration difficult.
After
Clear categories and quick-view cards now let travelers see key info instantly, ensuring they can easily discover nearby attractions.
Before
The original about page was text-heavy by making it hard for users to connect with its story or legacy.
After
Immersive visuals and a streamlined layout make the story engaging while inviting users to explore its rich legacy.
Before
The footprint symbol was simple but missed the chance to represent Via Eurasia's cultural significance.
After
The new design weaves historical architecture with winding paths, symbolizing journeys through time.
Before
The original palette’s bold and energetic tones felt disconnected from Via Eurasia’s history.
After
The new earth-toned palette reflects the trail’s natural surroundings, creating a better connection to its cultural roots.
Before
The original buried the spirit of adventure under heavy legal text and poor hierarchy.
After
An immersive video now sets the tone for discovery while keeping navigation clear.
Before
The original routes page lacked inspiration by offering a plain list view that made journey planning feel uninspired and disconnected.
After
Video previews and smart filters now guide route planning while nearby cultural events connect travelers to local history.
Before
Route details lacked depth while weather updates and key planning info were buried across screens.
After
Weather updates and downloadable maps now make planning easier and safer while connecting to trail history.
Before
Essential safety info and route tips were scattered across screens making preparation difficult.
After
The new guide combines trail basics, safety features, and local customs to keep
travelers prepared.
Before
A simple list layout obscured points of interest with limited visuals and hidden distance details, making exploration difficult.
After
Clear categories and quick-view cards now let travelers see key info instantly, ensuring they can easily discover nearby attractions.
Before
The original about page was text-heavy by making it hard for users to connect with its story or legacy.
After
Immersive visuals and a streamlined layout make the story engaging while inviting users to explore its rich legacy.
Before
The footprint symbol was simple but missed the chance to represent Via Eurasia's cultural significance.
After
The new design weaves historical architecture with winding paths, symbolizing journeys through time.
Before
The original palette’s bold and energetic tones felt disconnected from Via Eurasia’s history.
After
The new earth-toned palette reflects the trail’s natural surroundings, creating a better connection to its cultural roots.
Before
The original buried the spirit of adventure under heavy legal text and poor hierarchy.
After
An immersive video now sets the tone for discovery while keeping navigation clear.
Before
The original routes page lacked inspiration by offering a plain list view that made journey planning feel uninspired and disconnected.
After
Video previews and smart filters now guide route planning while nearby cultural events connect travelers to local history.
Before
Route details lacked depth while weather updates and key planning info were buried across screens.
After
Weather updates and downloadable maps now make planning easier and safer while connecting to trail history.
Before
Essential safety info and route tips were scattered across screens making preparation difficult.
After
The new guide combines trail basics, safety features, and local customs to keep
travelers prepared.
Before
A simple list layout obscured points of interest with limited visuals and hidden distance details, making exploration difficult.
After
Clear categories and quick-view cards now let travelers see key info instantly, ensuring they can easily discover nearby attractions.
Before
The original about page was text-heavy by making it hard for users to connect with its story or legacy.
After
Immersive visuals and a streamlined layout make the story engaging while inviting users to explore its rich legacy.
Before
The footprint symbol was simple but missed the chance to represent Via Eurasia's cultural significance.
After
The new design weaves historical architecture with winding paths, symbolizing journeys through time.
Before
The original palette’s bold and energetic tones felt disconnected from Via Eurasia’s history.
After
The new earth-toned palette reflects the trail’s natural surroundings, creating a better connection to its cultural roots.
Before
The original buried the spirit of adventure under heavy legal text and poor hierarchy.
After
An immersive video now sets the tone for discovery while keeping navigation clear.
Before
The original routes page lacked inspiration by offering a plain list view that made journey planning feel uninspired and disconnected.
After
Video previews and smart filters now guide route planning while nearby cultural events connect travelers to local history.
Before
Route details lacked depth while weather updates and key planning info were buried across screens.
After
Weather updates and downloadable maps now make planning easier and safer while connecting to trail history.
Before
Essential safety info and route tips were scattered across screens making preparation difficult.
After
The new guide combines trail basics, safety features, and local customs to keep
travelers prepared.
Before
A simple list layout obscured points of interest with limited visuals and hidden distance details, making exploration difficult.
After
Clear categories and quick-view cards now let travelers see key info instantly, ensuring they can easily discover nearby attractions.
Before
The original about page was text-heavy by making it hard for users to connect with its story or legacy.
After
Immersive visuals and a streamlined layout make the story engaging while inviting users to explore its rich legacy.
Before
The footprint symbol was simple but missed the chance to represent Via Eurasia's cultural significance.
After
The new design weaves historical architecture with winding paths, symbolizing journeys through time.
Before
The original palette’s bold and energetic tones felt disconnected from Via Eurasia’s history.
After
The new earth-toned palette reflects the trail’s natural surroundings, creating a better connection to its cultural roots.

Before
The original buried the spirit of adventure under heavy legal text and poor hierarchy.
After
An immersive video now sets the tone for discovery while keeping navigation clear.
Before
The original routes page lacked inspiration by offering a plain list view that made journey planning feel uninspired and disconnected.
After
Video previews and smart filters now guide route planning while nearby cultural events connect travelers to local history.
Before
Route details lacked depth while weather updates and key planning info were buried across screens.
After
Weather updates and downloadable maps now make planning easier and safer while connecting to trail history.
Before
Essential safety info and route tips were scattered across screens making preparation difficult.
After
The new guide combines trail basics, safety features, and local customs to keep
travelers prepared.
Before
A simple list layout obscured points of interest with limited visuals and hidden distance details, making exploration difficult.
After
Clear categories and quick-view cards now let travelers see key info instantly, ensuring they can easily discover nearby attractions.
Before
The original about page was text-heavy by making it hard for users to connect with its story or legacy.
After
Immersive visuals and a streamlined layout make the story engaging while inviting users to explore its rich legacy.
Before
The footprint symbol was simple but missed the chance to represent Via Eurasia's cultural significance.
After
The new design weaves historical architecture with winding paths, symbolizing journeys through time.
Before
The original palette’s bold and energetic tones felt disconnected from Via Eurasia’s history.
After
The new earth-toned palette reflects the trail’s natural surroundings, creating a better connection to its cultural roots.
Before
The original buried the spirit of adventure under heavy legal text and poor hierarchy.
After
An immersive video now sets the tone for discovery while keeping navigation clear.
Before
The original routes page lacked inspiration by offering a plain list view that made journey planning feel uninspired and disconnected.
After
Video previews and smart filters now guide route planning while nearby cultural events connect travelers to local history.
Before
Route details lacked depth while weather updates and key planning info were buried across screens.
After
Weather updates and downloadable maps now make planning easier and safer while connecting to trail history.
Before
Essential safety info and route tips were scattered across screens making preparation difficult.
After
The new guide combines trail basics, safety features, and local customs to keep
travelers prepared.
Before
A simple list layout obscured points of interest with limited visuals and hidden distance details, making exploration difficult.
After
Clear categories and quick-view cards now let travelers see key info instantly, ensuring they can easily discover nearby attractions.
Before
The original about page was text-heavy by making it hard for users to connect with its story or legacy.
After
Immersive visuals and a streamlined layout make the story engaging while inviting users to explore its rich legacy.
Before
The footprint symbol was simple but missed the chance to represent Via Eurasia's cultural significance.
After
The new design weaves historical architecture with winding paths, symbolizing journeys through time.
Before
The original palette’s bold and energetic tones felt disconnected from Via Eurasia’s history.
After
The new earth-toned palette reflects the trail’s natural surroundings, creating a better connection to its cultural roots.
Before
The original buried the spirit of adventure under heavy legal text and poor hierarchy.
After
An immersive video now sets the tone for discovery while keeping navigation clear.
Before
The original routes page lacked inspiration by offering a plain list view that made journey planning feel uninspired and disconnected.
After
Video previews and smart filters now guide route planning while nearby cultural events connect travelers to local history.
Before
Route details lacked depth while weather updates and key planning info were buried across screens.
After
Weather updates and downloadable maps now make planning easier and safer while connecting to trail history.
Before
Essential safety info and route tips were scattered across screens making preparation difficult.
After
The new guide combines trail basics, safety features, and local customs to keep
travelers prepared.
Before
A simple list layout obscured points of interest with limited visuals and hidden distance details, making exploration difficult.
After
Clear categories and quick-view cards now let travelers see key info instantly, ensuring they can easily discover nearby attractions.
Before
The original about page was text-heavy by making it hard for users to connect with its story or legacy.
After
Immersive visuals and a streamlined layout make the story engaging while inviting users to explore its rich legacy.
Before
The footprint symbol was simple but missed the chance to represent Via Eurasia's cultural significance.
After
The new design weaves historical architecture with winding paths, symbolizing journeys through time.
Before
The original palette’s bold and energetic tones felt disconnected from Via Eurasia’s history.
After
The new earth-toned palette reflects the trail’s natural surroundings, creating a better connection to its cultural roots.
Before
The original buried the spirit of adventure under heavy legal text and poor hierarchy.
After
An immersive video now sets the tone for discovery while keeping navigation clear.
Before
The original routes page lacked inspiration by offering a plain list view that made journey planning feel uninspired and disconnected.
After
Video previews and smart filters now guide route planning while nearby cultural events connect travelers to local history.
Before
Route details lacked depth while weather updates and key planning info were buried across screens.
After
Weather updates and downloadable maps now make planning easier and safer while connecting to trail history.
Before
Essential safety info and route tips were scattered across screens making preparation difficult.
After
The new guide combines trail basics, safety features, and local customs to keep
travelers prepared.
Before
A simple list layout obscured points of interest with limited visuals and hidden distance details, making exploration difficult.
After
Clear categories and quick-view cards now let travelers see key info instantly, ensuring they can easily discover nearby attractions.
Before
The original about page was text-heavy by making it hard for users to connect with its story or legacy.
After
Immersive visuals and a streamlined layout make the story engaging while inviting users to explore its rich legacy.
Before
The footprint symbol was simple but missed the chance to represent Via Eurasia's cultural significance.
After
The new design weaves historical architecture with winding paths, symbolizing journeys through time.
Before
The original palette’s bold and energetic tones felt disconnected from Via Eurasia’s history.
After
The new earth-toned palette reflects the trail’s natural surroundings, creating a better connection to its cultural roots.

Steps

Focus

Outcome

1 Competitive scan + user stories

Pin-pointed critical pain areas

2 Low-fid paper decks

Validated “culture-first” framing with mentor

3 Mid-fid walkthroughs (mentor + tutor)

Navigation clarity rose “night-and-day” in feedback

4 Hi-fid mobile

Design system with Figma tokens locked

Learnings

Protecting the soul

Even 'simple' redesigns need cultural sensitivity. These trails carry centuries of stories, the UI should honor that.

Scaling utility

Created a full design system (not required by brief) to ensure consistency as the app grows. Implemented Figma tokens for easier scalability.

Next up

Seasonal cultural events calendar + guide booking system. Imagine timing your hike to catch village festivals along the way.

Going Beyond the Ask

The project brief asked for basic UI improvements: move some logos, update colors for accessibility, clean up navigation. Standard redesign fare.

Diving into Via Eurasia's history revealed so much untapped potential. I delivered a complete visual redesign with a more immersive design, researched cultural stories to weave throughout the experience, and built safety-first features with offline capability. Even created a full design system with tokens and a scalable component library that wasn't required.

My mentor's reaction said it all: "This is exactly the kind of thinking we want to see. Going beyond requirements to solve real problems." Sometimes the best redesigns happen when curiosity takes over and you discover what's possible.

Let's Chat

Home

About Me

Case Studies

Connect

Via Eurasia

Challenge

Target

Solution

Instant route insight

Culture, not clutter

Safer starts

The gap

Legal splash and text stalled exploration

No at-a-glance difficulty or weather

Original hierarchy caused confusion

Three pivotal moves

One-page hierarchy

Culture in context

Trail cards at-a-glance

Before

After

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After

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After

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After

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Steps

Focus

Outcome