The Tiles app

Overview

Tiles is a location-based exploration app that turns the world into a grid of hexagons. Each tile represents a real place that can be discovered, unlocked and remembered through pins made with photos or/ and notes. Also, it can be shared with other friends around the world and reply to that specific pin with your own media.

I created Tiles from concept and UX research to the final iOS product built with Xcode, using Mapbox as a map provider and CloudKit as a backend.

The project started as a personal idea and later grew into a startup concept during my participation in the Antler entrepreneurship program in Copenhagen, where I developed its early vision and product foundation.

Identifying the core problems

Most map apps are built for navigation, not discovery. They show you where to go, but not what’s interesting around you or what stories others have experienced there. I wanted to create something that captures curiosity and connection through real places.

Solution

Tiles reimagines exploration as a creative experience. The map is divided into hexagonal tiles you can unlock by visiting them. Inside each tile, users can leave Pins contained with photos or notes that capture a moment. Your friends can also post Pins, making the map a shared memory space.

It’s not about likes or followers, but about personal discovery and shared experiences. When you open the map, you see your story layered over the real world.

My Role

This was a full solo project, I worked on:

• Concept, research and product design
• UX and UI in Figma
• Visual identity and design system
• iOS implementation in Xcode using Swift, Mapbox, and CloudKit
• Testing and iteration based on user feedback

Doing everything myself gave me full control over every detail, from how the app feels when you open it to how data syncs in the background.

Design Approach

I built Tiles using Apple’s new visual style from iOS 26. The interface uses minimal controls that doesn't interfere with the map. The experience is calm and immersive, focused on the feeling of exploring rather than consuming content.

Each type of Pin is designed to blend naturally into the world view. The quick toolbar and context menus keep navigation fluid and always keeping the focus on the most important thing, the map, so you can capture a moment with one tap.

Outcome

Tiles is now a functional iOS prototype with:

• A full Mapbox-based map engine
• CloudKit integration for users, pins, and friend pins
• Glass-effect quick toolbars and contextual actions
• A feed that connects map activity with shared moments

It’s currently being tested with early users on Testflight, and launching really soon on the App Store.