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What I did
What I did
As the Senior Art Director for Apple Maps at Virtuos Xi’an, I led a talented team of 15 junior artists responsible for creating models of iconic landmark buildings. My role encompassed conducting detail reduction reviews and performing final quality passes to ensure that our work met the highest standards. I provided guidance and training when necessary to enhance the team’s skills and performance.
Throughout the project, I maintained close communication with a small team at Apple in the United States, facilitating collaboration and alignment on project goals. As the work evolved from simple grey buildings to a new generation of highly stylized assets, I played a crucial role in fostering the creative input required for this transition. This shift presented a unique challenge, as the team was not initially equipped to deliver the level of creativity needed for these more intricate designs.
What is Apple Maps?
What is Apple Maps?
Apple Maps has undergone a significant transformation since its launch in 2012. Initially, the app faced criticism for its inaccuracies, missing data, and confusing user interface, primarily due to the reliance on third-party mapping data. This early version struggled to compete with established mapping services, resulting in a rocky start for Apple in the navigation space.
In response to user feedback, Apple revamped the application, introducing a simpler design characterized by grey, minimalist buildings and a more streamlined interface. This update aimed to provide users with a cleaner visual experience while enhancing map accuracy and navigation features. The grey building outlines simplified the map’s appearance, making it easier to read and navigate but lacked the vibrant detail found in competitor maps.
The latest iteration of Apple Maps has embraced a more stylized and colorful approach, featuring 3D-rendered buildings and richer details that enhance the user experience. This version incorporates vibrant colors, realistic textures, and intricate architectural representations, creating a more immersive and engaging environment. New features, such as improved pedestrian pathways, bike lanes, and enhanced landmarks, make exploring cities more intuitive and enjoyable.
Apple Maps now reflects the company’s commitment to providing users with an intuitive, visually appealing, and functional navigation tool, continuously evolving to meet the needs of its users in an ever-changing digital landscape.
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