This case study shows how I translated my architectural training into UX design. Working on the placemaking of Nanjangud Temple Town, our team addressed challenges of crowd management, accessibility, and community needs through research, systems thinking, and iterative design. The project gave me hands-on experience in human-centered design at scale, skills I now apply to creating inclusive and user-focused digital experiences.
Site visits, activity mapping
Stakeholder interviews
Observational studies
Kevin Lynch mapping
Spatial and cultural analysis
Zoning and spatial planning
Circulation/flow diagrams
Universal accessibility integration
Concept models and sketches
Masterplan development
Urban Designer & Researcher
4 Months (Studio Semester)
University of Mysore
AutoCAD
SketchUp
Adobe Photoshop
Physical models / hand sketching
Nanjangud, a 100-year-old temple town, faced significant urban planning challenges despite its cultural and economic importance as home to the Srikanteshwara Temple. The town struggled with:
Overwhelming crowds during festival seasons (up to 5 lakh pilgrims)
Annual flooding from Kabini River
Lack of proper public amenities and infrastructure
Poor circulation and crowd management
Inadequate recreational and community spaces
Drawing from human-centered design thinking principles that I now apply in UX:
Empathy & Research: Extensive field studies, community interviews, and behavioral observation
Problem Definition: Kevin Lynch mapping to understand urban legibility and user mental models
Ideation: Collaborative brainstorming with multidisciplinary teams
Prototyping: Physical models and detailed architectural drawings
1. Temple Precinct Redevelopment
Museum and interpretation center for cultural education
Improved circulation with segregated pedestrian and vehicular flows
Enhanced accessibility through ramps and universal design principles
2. Riverfront Development
Transformed neglected Kapila riverfront into active public space
Bathing complex with proper sanitation facilities
Recreational areas balancing cultural activities with modern amenities
3. Canal Front Intervention
Converted underutilized canal spaces into community gathering areas
Integrated food streets and recreational zones
Preserved native ecology while creating user-friendly environments
4. Public Infrastructure
Skills development center and sports complex
Comprehensive market redesign for better vendor organization
Street improvements with proper pedestrian infrastructure
This project developed core competencies I now apply in UX design:
User Research: Understanding diverse stakeholder needs (pilgrims, locals, vendors)
Systems Thinking: Balancing multiple user journeys within complex urban ecosystems
Accessibility: Designing inclusive experiences for all users
Data-Driven Decision Making: Using foot traffic analysis and behavior patterns
Collaborative Design: Working with architects, planners, and engineers
Iterative Process: Continuously refining solutions based on user feedback
