Summary
Client requested an app that could catalogue different hiking trails across the United States. Key features included hiking wish list, ability to social network, share media files, and earn badges and awards for completing different hikes and trails. The client wanted the app to serve more as a multimedia platform for hikers rather than a hiking companion app. “Think Facebook or Instagram for hikers”.
My Role
Defined the goals of the UX Research
Facilitated user experience testing and feedback sessions
Designed and developed wireframes and hi-fidelity prototypes
Challenges
There are a few different hiking companion apps that provide some of the functionality the client had requested, but none of them were social media focused and driven. I was challenged to develop a design that put social engagement and content at the forefront.
Persona
“Hiking is social.”
Meet Armando, my persona. Armando is a 30 year old wedding photographer who lives in St. George, Utah with his wife and three kids. He spends the majority of his free time traveling around the state perfecting his craft of photography and enjoying the outdoors. Armando enjoys hiking and sharing memories with friends and family. On most of his days off, you can find him outdoors with his camera in hand, ready to share his perspective with the world.
Pain Points
- Lack of a dedicated hiking social media app
- Apps not focused on community engagement
- Can’t create sharable hiking lists
Solution
Create a highly engaging app that allows a a user to share media, engage with community members, and log and track hikes. Incorporate features that users are familiar with with other social media platforms.
Architecture & Design
New Hike User Flow
Creating a list of essential functions and sketching out ideas helped me create an intuitive user flow experience that felt familiar to other social media apps while new and exciting at the same time.
Sketches
Sketching out the initial designs helped give me perspective on what was important to consider as key features and the layout that best encourages user engagement.
Wireframes
After reviewing and modifying the sketches, I was ready to build wireframes and make a clickable prototype. The prototype helped me get a better understanding of the key features and focus my design.
Critiques
Issue #1
Difficult to tell who posted on updates on feed
Solution #1
Added large profile pictures above posts
Issue #2
Media upload screen was too cluttered and confusing
Solution #2
Cleaned up the clutter and added a large “Add Media” button
Insights
User #1
User’s trail name should display first
Highlight navigation bar icons
User #2
Lock navigation bar when creating new hike
Display number of completed hikes on lists
User #3
Badges should larger on profile screen
High Fidelity Prototype
