Abstract

sumida-gawa is a collaborative digital guidebook project developed in Tokyo, centered on the historic and culturally 
rich Sumida River.

Designed with a strong focus on visual storytelling, this project breaks away from the sterile, utilitarian feel of conventional travel apps. Instead, it embraces a tactile, analogue-inspired aesthetic through hand-crafted collages and whimsical illustrations, bringing warmth and personality to the user experience.

Blending historical narratives with curated food reviews, the guide invites both young and older travelers to engage with the river's past and present through an accessible, art-forward lens. 

Our design approach foregrounded human touch, narrative flow, 
and visual charm — crafting an interface that feels more like flipping through an artist’s sketchbook than navigating a typical tourist tool.

sumida-gawa stands as an exploration of how design can create more emotionally resonant and memorable encounters with place.