Kayak Trip Planning
Narrow down topic, analyze competitors and conduct user research using various research methods
Understand empathize with user needs, problems, and goals by creating personas and journey maps
Started with storyboarding, interaction models, wireframe sketching, ui design and prototype
Perform usability testing based on wireframe sketches and also the full prototype
For this project, I was recruited to work along side various stakeholders to create a kayaking safety and navigation app for the Blueways Water Trails for the Town of Hempstead, LI. As head UX Designer, I led the research and user studies. For the designs and prototype, I worked closely with my developer to work efficiently as possible with our given scope.
Kayakers are unable to quickly and properly prepare for their paddling trip on the Blueway Trails.
South Shore Blueway App is a mobile service that provides kayakers with the necessities to safely plan their trip before heading out on the water.
In total for an online survey given to South Shore Blueway kayakers and kayaking enthusiasts
With highly experienced kayakers & employees of South Shore Blueway and Town of Hempstead —gaining qualitative data to get a better understanding of each's needs
On field visits observing the launch and trailhead sites
"A lot of our kayakers are unaware of how much South Shore Blueway has to offer. Most stick to 1 or 2 of the same launch sites since location availability and site amenities change every season."
"I start planning my next paddle at least one day before by referencing various weather and tidal wave current apps, tv channels and internet searches. It's a lot of work to stay prepared."
Viewing a map of the South Shore Blueway trails will best prepare a kayaker out plan out their paddling trip.
To ensure the safety of kayakers, especially as they advance into more intermediate routes, means awareness of the weather, tides, currents, and climate as best as possible even though mother nature can become unpredictable.
Accurate launch site info will determine whether a kayaker will use that site. Many kayakers expressed their frustrations about not having updated location information. Seasonal changes as well as unforeseen circumstances such as COVID-19 change accessibility.
The mobile app solution made the most sense since 92% of those surveyed had their mobile phone with them even while kayaking. Next, I looked at the kayaker's journey distinguished into 3 stages: before, during & after. Given the time constraint, the software developer and I decided to focus on the before stage to set the foundation of the app for future stages.
● Temperature
● Sunrise/Sunset
● Tides/Currents
● Precipitation
● Wind/Wind gusts
● UV Rating
● Visibility
● Air Pressure
● Launch site accessibility
● Launch site hours
● Fees/Permits
● Restrooms
● Picnicking
● Parking
● Favorite launch sites
● History of launch sites visited tracked by gps
● Notification Settings
From the user research data, I remembered to keep in mind that the user interface must be intuitive and easy to read if it be used out on a trail during a kayaking trip.
I focused on sketching the wireframes while collaborating with the software developer to make sure we were headed in the right direction. Given our time constraint, this was the best and smartest move so we were on the same page before I began designing the user interfaces and prototype digitally.
Creating the project scope while collaborating with the software developer was a crucial step for this project to be produced. This method was extremely effective in getting the project done in the 11-week time.
The South Shore Blueway App provides kayakers with the necessities to plan their trip safely before heading out on the water.
Explore the prototype
