Kawabonga is a mobile app that informs and connects people seeking to visit Southern California beaches in the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego.

From conception to follow through, I designed the app to be both a visual representation of Southern California and a functional resource for users. The branding and prototype showcases how this app aims to provide up-to-date, streamlined information in a way that allows users to navigate with ease while fostering connectivity. The prototype was received enthusiastically from a pool of over 700 potential with many users expressing demand for the product.

Project Details

One letter size booklet (8.5"x5.5" folded) booklet with 15 spreads, featuring over 60 photographs, 3 recipes, cohesive branding, and expressive writing.
This project began with studying a collection cookbooks currently on the market, taking notes on design and format. The beginning stages also included extensive project management — compiling recipes, researching Filipino history, and planning a production calendar.
My plan was to take a variety images that featured intentional staging, detailed close ups, and thorough documentation. A color palette was selected from the fully processed images, ensuring a cohesive color story throughout the design.
The photography, color palette, illustrations, layout, and writing all integrate and gain inspiration from one another, resulting in a polished an unified product that tells a story.
Victoria Cruz Almario, Recipes
Michael Tarui, Editor
Emmie Santiaguel, Editor
Boomerang Print, Publications
HeyZine!, Interactive Digital Publications

Art Direction

The name and branding of the app is heavily influenced by Southern California surf and beach culture. The color palette and wave-shaped section dividers are reminiscent of the ocean waves while the orange accents give the warmth of the California sun. Inspired by the study of the user environment, icon elements include palm trees, lighthouses, surfboards, and umbrellas.
Designed with the average beach goer in mind, the app allows users to search for beaches by name, by filters, or by county. Information is presented in an organized and intuitive manner, featuring up-to-date information: hours of operation, crowd meters, tide and weather conditions, upcoming events, parking details and other amenities. The prototype’s functionality showcases that the app would be a resourceful tool to help users feel prepared and plan their beach trips with ease.
The app also offers user shared information that promotes connectivity and helps foster community. Users have the capability to create an account, add friends, leave reviews, share photos, give advice, and host events. This aspect further caters to the needs and interests of locals and tourists alike.