Planning a Trip? Imagine an App that Makes it Easier by Connecting You with Local Experts

Summer travel is something we look forward to all year. But planning it? That’s a different story. With endless social media recommendations and no clear way to connect with locals, choosing where to go (or who to ask) can feel like its own full-time job.

That’s where Tourology comes in.

Created by Narges Pourmoghadasi, a graduate of the University of Regina’s Human-Centred Computing (HCC) program, the app prototype aims to connect travellers with real people. Inspired by her own experiences as a solo traveler, Narges saw a gap in how digital tools support travelers. While popular social media pages helped her find interesting places they never provided a sense of real connection. So, she built something that could.

The best software doesn’t just work; it fits into people’s lives in meaningful ways —Narges Pourmoghadasi, Master of Science in Computer Science, Human-Centred Computing, University of Regina

A People-First Travel App

Whether you want to dive into local history or take a walking tour with someone who knows the city inside and out, Tourology makes it easy. Built with people in mind, the app lets travellers instantly connect with verified local guides. There’s no third-party booking site and no waiting. You can find, message, book, and meet a guide all in one place. To make the experience even smoother, the app includes live location sharing and a simple QR code check-in system.

“It’s not just about finding places to go but having someone to guide you there,” says Narges.

The Coder Behind the Connection

Narges came to the U of R from Iran to pursue a master’s in computer science, bringing with her seven years of experience in software and web development. She was drawn to the HCC program for its unique focus on blending technical expertise with empathy-driven design.

“I believe the best software doesn’t just work,” she says. “It fits into people’s lives in meaningful ways.”

Through courses such as Mobile Computing and a co-op placement at the province’s licensing and registration operations, Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI), Narges gained hands-on experience building user-focused digital tools. She credits Dr. Orland Hoeber, head of the department, and Dr. Daryl Hepting, professor, for helping shape Tourology’s direction through ongoing guidance and feedback.

“Narges not only showed a high degree of professionalism in the pursuit of this project,” says Dr. Hoeber, “but was also able to design and implement a high-quality prototype application in just one semester of design and development work.”

Set to graduate in the fall of 2025, Narges is continuing to refine Tourology by gathering feedback, expanding features, and exploring opportunities for a pilot launch. She’s ready to hit the ground running and continue building tools that make people’s lives easier. With a bright future ahead, she hasn’t forgotten the support that helped her along the way.

“I hope to give back to Regina’s tech and academic community in some way—whether through mentorship, collaboration, or local initiatives—as a way to thank the city and university that supported my journey,” says Narges.

Keep an eye out for Tourology, it could be your go-to travel companion in the near future.

Want to build tech that puts people first? Explore the U of R’s Human-Centred Computing program and discover how you can turn big ideas into user-first solutions.