Wander LA

WanderLA is a playful educational website that helps children discover the history of Los Angeles through architecture.

Using an interactive map, young learners can explore iconic buildings and hidden cultural landmarks while uncovering the stories that shaped the city. The goal is to turn LA’s urban landscape into a fun, story-driven learning experience.

Interaction Design Features

Users can explore LA both in the daytime and nighttime; different visuals and moods appear.

Day/Night mode toggle

Clickable icons/buildings

Historical Timeline

Research & Ideas

Visual Element

Focus on the architecture of Los Angeles and explore its history, design style, and changes over time through interactive maps, with a "day and night mode" to enhance the experience. The main contents of the map include:

Los Angeles landmarks (Hollyhock House, Griffith Observatory, The Bradbury Building, etc.)
Architectural styles (Googie futurism, modernism, art deco, etc.)
Time comparison
Environmental interaction (day vs. night, observe the visual changes of buildings)

8 Architecture (Day Mode)

Idle Hour Café

Chemosphere House

Griffith Observatory

LA Central Library

LA Union Station

Capital Record Building

The Hollyhock House

The Bradbury Building

Target Users
Children and young explorers (Age 3–13)

Goal
Help children and families discover the history and culture of Los Angeles through architecture, even if they have little prior knowledge of buildings or design.

Experience
An interactive city map allows kids to explore LA playfully. Using map markers, story-based exploration, and day/night modes, the platform presents architectural history in a simple and engaging format.

Interaction
Children can click on buildings to unlock short stories, fun facts, and visual explanations about each landmark.

Learning Features
Explore different architectural styles across Los Angeles, such as Modernism, Art Deco, and Futurism, helping young learners understand how design reflects history and culture