UI/UX APP DESIGN
DESCRIPTION
Create an adventure app similar to trail apps but adjust the app to the needs of users surveyed through out the semester. Design, build, measure, and reiterate as necessary.
PROCESS
I was put in charge of design and building of our adventure app for class User Interface and Evaluation Design.
The steps that I followed in my process were:
1. The color scheme was decided by the group and by the Team Lead. Suggestions were offered about utilizing an action color such as orange. The end result was orange/pink and navy blue which has a similar but different look then already utilized apps.
2. The group after conducting a first set of interviews had settled on the name of True North and utilizing a compass pointing to the “N” in north. Mention of utilizing sunrise/sunset color and those seen in Arches National Park or the Grand Canyon.
3. After speaking with 12 target audience users and comparing with classmates information I went to work on sketches. I created thumbnail sketches for the logo. I laid out a sitemap of possible pages and began paper sketches of known possible main pages.
4. Testing on paper sketches is difficult since it requires in person testing and this class was done during Covid-19. Testing sketches is also difficult because while you don’t want to lead your user you have to explain or move pieces as they try to interact with the paper.
5. The next round went straight to digital utilizing Adobe XD. The next few rounds is sometimes frustrating because no matter how much you emphasize that color is added last and that not all items are clickable. Yet we were able to get great feedback on what was confusing and ignored throughout the design. You also get to hear the stories the users want to app to share.
MESSAGE
True North is a trail finding app that helps you find trails near and far. It connects its users and allows them to rate trails and map new ones. At its heart, it connects humans with the outdoors and with each other.
True North – “Get Going”
Mark is a 45-year-old married professional, also living in Atlanta, GA. He works in a
prestigious tech sales company and relies on technology daily. Mark is a highly experienced mountain biker. He participates in multiple races yearly and helps to create routes and train newbies. In the off season, Mark loves hiking, going to the gym, and travelling with his wife Angel and their 3 kids.
Scenario:
Recently Mark’s 14-year-old son Liam started expressing interest in mountain biking.
Mark and Liam went on a few small adventures together, and Liam showed a lot of
potential. He wants to train for the race next year. Father and son love to train together and always look for new places to visit and new trails to explore.
Persona 3 – Amber:
Amber is a 26-year-old friend of Ryan. She loves to stay active and enjoys hiking and
mountain climbing with her friends. She doesn’t know much about mountain biking but she is adventurous and loves trying new things.
Scenario:
Amber recently showed interest in learning how to ride a mountain bike after seeing all of the awesome pictures of places Ryan visited. She just purchased her first bike from classifieds and now wants Ryan to show her the easiest trails she could explore first. He referred her to the app to see what areas they could ride first. She is a bit hesitant but eager to plan her first adventure and become better at riding and to see all the beautiful places around.
Paper Mockup and First XD Design (*With Home/Menu Navigation)
Second XD Iteration (*With Adjustments to Functionality and Navigation)
Final Interactive Prototype – *Final Navigation with Color
