Project Context
In this project I developed an app where hikers can connect with others going hiking allowing people without cars to car-pool to trails. The idea is to connect people in the hiking community with one another and make the activity more accessible.
Project Brief
“You are tasked with designing an online (mobile) marketplace that connects sellers with buyers of a commodity or service of your choice in an efficient and trustworthy way. For example; pre-owned clothes, second hand bikes / scooters, pre-owned schoolbooks / school uniforms, houseplants, parking spots, carpooling, camping gear, dog walking etc. You may choose any of these examples but may also choose your own.”
Redefined Brief
“Design an app on the mobile marketplace that provides a service connecting hikers that drive with those that do not, making hiking more accessible to those that do not have cars. The design must focus on straightforward UI that has an emphasis on trust and connectivity to develop a community on the platform”
Development
Objectives
The primary objective of this project was to create an accessible platform connecting hikers without transportation to drivers heading to the same trails or campsites. The goal was to increase hiking accessibility and convenience for all participants, addressing common transportation barriers in the hiking community. The app serves hikers lacking personal transportation options, as well as drivers interested in shared travel experiences to trails and campsites.
Primary Features:
Matching service providing transportation solutions for hikers without vehicles.
A mutual messaging system enabling easy communication between passengers and drivers.
Notifications about upcoming planned trips.
Options for expense-covered trips, incentivizing driver participation.
Secondary Features:
Trail recommendations based on travel availability and popularity.
Community message boards grouped by geographic locations.
Review and rating system for trails, drivers, and passengers to ensure accountability.
Comprehensive information on campsites, parking, and trail details.
Feature to like and save preferred trails and user profiles.
References
For the development of the UI and the UX two apps were used as reference points:
All Trails, renowned for its sleek, user-friendly interface and functional design standards, influencing both the UI and UX approach.
Blah-Blah Car, an internationally recognized carpooling app, provided core feature ideas despite some identified UX challenges.
User Testing & Fixes
Action Flows involved participants performing specific tasks to identify usability issues. Tasks ranged from sign-up processes, messaging, booking rides, and driver/passenger interactions, highlighting key areas for improvement. The following is a list of some of the findings and subsequent improvements derived from the user tests.
Onboarding - Through user testing, an onboarding page was introduced to clearly guide new users, differentiating driver and passenger features. Labeled tabs and clearly marked toggles improved navigation and user understanding.
Page Headings - Testing revealed confusion due to headings appearing as clickable buttons. This was resolved by removing the pill-shaped frames, making headings distinctly separate from interactive elements.
Information Clarity - Icons indicating passenger capacity were updated from ambiguous user symbols to clearer car icons. Additionally, button indicators were refined to display clear, interactive explanations upon selection, enhancing accessibility and comprehension.
Section Labeling - Dropdown titles were made bold to differentiate clearly from selectable options. Confirmation buttons were visually adjusted to provide distinct feedback without causing confusion or visual discomfort.
Final Product
Onboarding & Login - Users sign up or log in, providing basic details and indicating if they want to offer or seek rides.
Ride Selection - The home screen shows available rides, including route details, pricing, and timings, enabling users to easily request or offer transportation.
Interactive Map & Messaging - An interactive map simplifies trip planning, while built-in messaging facilitates secure communication between users.
User Profile - Profiles display personal details, driver status, requested rides, and connected social media.
Booking & Payment - Detailed trip and driver information is provided, with straightforward checkout for one-way or round-trip rides.
Pickup & Reviews - Driver mode helps manage pickups efficiently. Post-ride, users leave reviews and ratings to ensure safety and accountability, with options to report misconduct.
More Photos of the final design
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