Yonder Hiking App
Easing navigation anxiety and simplifying planning with a hiking app that provides waypoint guidance
ABOUT PROJECT
Driven by my love for hiking, I undertook a conceptual MVP mobile app design project to envision a digital solution that would enhance the outdoor experience for enthusiasts.
View Prototype
BACKGROUND
Great news, hiking is an easy way to exercise and get outside. But is there a barrier?
Great news, hiking is an easy way to exercise and get outside. But is there a barrier?
Great news, hiking is an easy way to exercise and get outside. But is there a barrier?
Over the years, hiking has gained popularity as it’s budget-friendly and hassle-free. There are plenty of resources out there to help new and seasoned hikers get out on the trails. Yet there are still improvements that can be done to help hikers feel their best while out in the wilderness.
Over the years, hiking has gained popularity as it’s budget-friendly and hassle-free. There are plenty of resources out there to help new and seasoned hikers get out on the trails. Yet there are still improvements that can be done to help hikers feel their best while out in the wilderness.
Over the years, hiking has gained popularity as it’s budget-friendly and hassle-free. There are plenty of resources out there to help new and seasoned hikers get out on the trails. Yet there are still improvements that can be done to help hikers feel their best while out in the wilderness.
PROBLEM
Hikers struggle to find reliable trail information, making it difficult to plan and enjoy their hikes.
Hikers struggle to find reliable trail information, making it difficult to plan and enjoy their hikes.
Hikers struggle to find reliable trail information, making it difficult to plan and enjoy their hikes.
The thrill of hiking can be dampened by the worry of getting lost or not knowing what to expect. It's not just about putting on boots and heading out; it involves researching and discovering the right trail for you.
The thrill of hiking can be dampened by the worry of getting lost or not knowing what to expect. It's not just about putting on boots and heading out; it involves researching and discovering the right trail for you.
The thrill of hiking can be dampened by the worry of getting lost or not knowing what to expect. It's not just about putting on boots and heading out; it involves researching and discovering the right trail for you.
HYPOTHESIS
With just 80 hours to create an MVP, I needed to narrow down my hypothesis about improving hiking experiences, as the initial idea was too broad.
DISCOVERY RESEARCH
Sending out a survey helped narrow down the scope while also recruiting interview participants
Sending out a survey helped narrow down the scope while also recruiting interview participants
Sending out a survey helped narrow down the scope while also recruiting interview participants
As a result from the survey, I was able to uncover 3 major insights. These helped narrow down my research goals further, and I was able to narrow down the scope for the MVP. Using these insights I was able to tailor my interview questions to more specific problems.
As a result from the survey, I was able to uncover 3 major insights. These helped narrow down my research goals further, and I was able to narrow down the scope for the MVP. Using these insights I was able to tailor my interview questions to more specific problems.
As a result from the survey, I was able to uncover 3 major insights. These helped narrow down my research goals further, and I was able to narrow down the scope for the MVP. Using these insights I was able to tailor my interview questions to more specific problems.
Connecting with nature is the top motivator for hiking
Hikers prefer to hike with others
Top challenges faced by hikers were navigation, fear of getting lost or injured, and weather conditions
COMPETITOR ANALYSIS
There are a lot of great hiking apps out there. But giving hikers the info they need before a hike is lacking.
There are a lot of great hiking apps out there. But giving hikers the info they need before a hike is lacking.
There are a lot of great hiking apps out there. But giving hikers the info they need before a hike is lacking.
In my survey, I asked people which hiking apps they use. Afterward, I compared the app features to see which ones work well and which don't. This helped me create interview questions to find out if users like these features and why or why not.
In my survey, I asked people which hiking apps they use. Afterward, I compared the app features to see which ones work well and which don't. This helped me create interview questions to find out if users like these features and why or why not.
In my survey, I asked people which hiking apps they use. Afterward, I compared the app features to see which ones work well and which don't. This helped me create interview questions to find out if users like these features and why or why not.
USER INTERVIEWS
Hikers' stories highlight the need for better pre-hike and on-trail info to truly enhance the adventure.
Hikers' stories highlight the need for better pre-hike and on-trail info to truly enhance the adventure.
Hikers' stories highlight the need for better pre-hike and on-trail info to truly enhance the adventure.
I chatted with 5 casual hikers via Google Meet. The goal was to uncover the following:
Analyze hikers' needs, pains, and prep.
Study factors guiding trail choices.
Probe hikers' app attitudes.
I chatted with 5 casual hikers via Google Meet. The goal was to uncover the following:
Analyze hikers' needs, pains, and prep.
Study factors guiding trail choices.
Probe hikers' app attitudes.
I chatted with 5 casual hikers via Google Meet. The goal was to uncover the following:
Analyze hikers' needs, pains, and prep.
Study factors guiding trail choices.
Probe hikers' app attitudes.
Here are some key research insights, gathered from my affinity map:
Here are some key research insights, gathered from my affinity map:
Here are some key research insights, gathered from my affinity map:
USER PERSONA
Our app would aim to focus on "The Social Hiker"
Our app would aim to focus on "The Social Hiker"
Our app would aim to focus on "The Social Hiker"
Creating an archetype persona would help me focus later on during the ideation stage. *Spoiler* It would be easy to get caught up in all the features I could include, but having a persona kept me focused on what really mattered for the MVP.
Creating an archetype persona would help me focus later on during the ideation stage. *Spoiler* It would be easy to get caught up in all the features I could include, but having a persona kept me focused on what really mattered for the MVP.
Creating an archetype persona would help me focus later on during the ideation stage. *Spoiler* It would be easy to get caught up in all the features I could include, but having a persona kept me focused on what really mattered for the MVP.
CHOOSING A HMW
To help narrow down scope and choose a HMW, a journey map was made.
To help narrow down scope and choose a HMW, a journey map was made.
To help narrow down scope and choose a HMW, a journey map was made.
To simplify the decision-making process and select a How Might We (HMW) statement, I crafted a journey map. This visual roadmap allowed me to align my insights and pinpoint areas of opportunity where my MVP app could shine brightest.
To simplify the decision-making process and select a How Might We (HMW) statement, I crafted a journey map. This visual roadmap allowed me to align my insights and pinpoint areas of opportunity where my MVP app could shine brightest.
To simplify the decision-making process and select a How Might We (HMW) statement, I crafted a journey map. This visual roadmap allowed me to align my insights and pinpoint areas of opportunity where my MVP app could shine brightest.
BRAINSTORMING IDEAS
To help speed things up, I used creative constraints and ChatGPT to come up with solutions
To help speed things up, I used creative constraints and ChatGPT to come up with solutions
To help speed things up, I used creative constraints and ChatGPT to come up with solutions
It can sometimes be hard to just jump straight into ideation, so to “shake off the nerves”, I did a quick round of “worst ideas” first. I also had my companion, Chat GPT to help me out. In an ideal world, I’d be doing an ideation workshop with a team. But I'm in a team of one for this project.
After the “worst ideas” round, I felt “we” were ready to start really ideating. I did my best to keep an open mind, as you never know what ideas you can come up with.
In the end, I decided to move forward with an idea that’s focused on creating and using waypoints on a trail. I felt this was best because:
Comp analysis showed that there were a lack of waypoints in current hiking apps
Based off surveys, secondary research, and user interviews it appeared that navigation was a top issue for hikers
It felt like a feasible MVP to create in 80 hours
It can sometimes be hard to just jump straight into ideation, so to “shake off the nerves”, I did a quick round of “worst ideas” first. I also had my companion, Chat GPT to help me out. In an ideal world, I’d be doing an ideation workshop with a team. But I'm in a team of one for this project…
After the “worst ideas” round, I felt “we” were ready to start really ideating. I did my best to keep an open mind, as you never know what ideas you can come up with.
In the end, I decided to move forward with an idea that’s focused on creating and using waypoints on a trail. I felt this was best because:
Comp analysis showed that there were a lack of waypoints in current hiking apps
Based off surveys, secondary research, and user interviews it appeared that navigation was a top issue for hikers
It felt like a feasible MVP to create in 80 hours
It can sometimes be hard to just jump straight into ideation, so to “shake off the nerves”, I did a quick round of “worst ideas” first. I also had my companion, Chat GPT to help me out. In an ideal world, I’d be doing an ideation workshop with a team. But I'm in a team of one for this project…
After the “worst ideas” round, I felt “we” were ready to start really ideating. I did my best to keep an open mind, as you never know what ideas you can come up with.
In the end, I decided to move forward with an idea that’s focused on creating and using waypoints on a trail. I felt this was best because:
Comp analysis showed that there were a lack of waypoints in current hiking apps
Based off surveys, secondary research, and user interviews it appeared that navigation was a top issue for hikers
It felt like a feasible MVP to create in 80 hours
PRIORITIZING FEATURES
A feature prioritization was created to help narrow down and choose the priority features for the MVP
A feature prioritization was created to help narrow down and choose the priority features for the MVP
A feature prioritization was created to help narrow down and choose the priority features for the MVP
Must-Have
Waypoint creation
Waypoint creation
Waypoint creation
Map with trails and waypoints
Map with trails and waypoints
Map with trails and waypoints
Download trail map for offline use
Download trail map for offline use
Download trail map for offline use
Filter trails
Filter trails
Filter trails
Nice-To-Have
Sharing capabilities
Sharing capabilities
Sharing capabilities
Feedback system on waypoints
Feedback system on waypoints
Feedback system on waypoints
Surprising & Delightful
Badges/Stamps for completing hikes, updating waypoints, adding waypoints
Badges/Stamps for completing hikes, updating waypoints, adding waypoints
Badges/Stamps for completing hikes, updating waypoints, adding waypoints
Can Come Later
Connect app to wearable (Apple Watch, Garmin, etc.)
Connect app to wearable (Apple Watch, Garmin, etc.)
Connect app to wearable (Apple Watch, Garmin, etc.)
Record hike
Record hike
Record hike
TASK FLOWS
Task flows were created to help map out the journey the user would take on the app
Task flows were created to help map out the journey the user would take on the app
Task flows were created to help map out the journey the user would take on the app
LO-FI WIREFRAMES
I put together the main screens by mixing and matching design tricks from popular hiking apps.
I put together the main screens by mixing and matching design tricks from popular hiking apps.
I put together the main screens by mixing and matching design tricks from popular hiking apps.
I gathered inspiration from well-know hiking apps and determined what was working and what wasn't. I received feedback from design critiques from fellow peers and design mentors before moving forward to mid-fidelity screens.
I gathered inspiration from well-know hiking apps and determined what was working and what wasn't. I received feedback from design critiques from fellow peers and design mentors before moving forward to mid-fidelity screens.
I gathered inspiration from well-know hiking apps and determined what was working and what wasn't. I received feedback from design critiques from fellow peers and design mentors before moving forward to mid-fidelity screens.
BRANDING +UI KIT
Creating branding that symbolizes fun, reliability, and adventure
Creating branding that symbolizes fun, reliability, and adventure
Creating branding that symbolizes fun, reliability, and adventure
The name "Yonder" was chosen for its playful and friendly appeal, reflecting the app's focus on enjoyable outdoor experiences, while the Montserrat font adds professionalism and a touch of adventure to the interface. The logo, with a trail pin between two mountains, symbolizes navigation assistance and the spirit of adventure, aligning with the app's name and purpose.
The name "Yonder" was chosen for its playful and friendly appeal, reflecting the app's focus on enjoyable outdoor experiences, while the Montserrat font adds professionalism and a touch of adventure to the interface. The logo, with a trail pin between two mountains, symbolizes navigation assistance and the spirit of adventure, aligning with the app's name and purpose.
The name "Yonder" was chosen for its playful and friendly appeal, reflecting the app's focus on enjoyable outdoor experiences, while the Montserrat font adds professionalism and a touch of adventure to the interface. The logo, with a trail pin between two mountains, symbolizes navigation assistance and the spirit of adventure, aligning with the app's name and purpose.
KEY SCREENS
Quickly going from mid to high fidelity thanks to design feedback and a UI kit
Quickly going from mid to high fidelity thanks to design feedback and a UI kit
Quickly going from mid to high fidelity thanks to design feedback and a UI kit
Filter out trails based on available waypoints
Filter out trails based on available waypoints
Filter out trails based on available waypoints
Users have the option to discover trails featuring 5 different waypoint categories: restrooms, scenic views, rest areas, landmarks, and drinking water.
These categories facilitate navigation by providing essential waypoints that enhance safety, comfort, and enjoyment during a hike.
Users have the option to discover trails featuring 5 different waypoint categories: restrooms, scenic views, rest areas, landmarks, and drinking water.
These categories facilitate navigation by providing essential waypoints that enhance safety, comfort, and enjoyment during a hike.
Users have the option to discover trails featuring 5 different waypoint categories: restrooms, scenic views, rest areas, landmarks, and drinking water.
These categories facilitate navigation by providing essential waypoints that enhance safety, comfort, and enjoyment during a hike.
Download trails for offline use
Download trails for offline use
Download trails for offline use
Users can download the trail with the waypoint information. They can then follow the map and see upcoming waypoints while on the hike.
Users can download the trail with the waypoint information. They can then follow the map and see upcoming waypoints while on the hike.
Users can download the trail with the waypoint information. They can then follow the map and see upcoming waypoints while on the hike.
Create waypoints after a hike
Create waypoints after a hike
Create waypoints after a hike
Users can use their phone's camera and GPS to take photos during the hike, and later, they can open the app to turn those photos into waypoints with categories and descriptions.
Users can use their phone's camera and GPS to take photos during the hike, and later, they can open the app to turn those photos into waypoints with categories and descriptions.
Users can use their phone's camera and GPS to take photos during the hike, and later, they can open the app to turn those photos into waypoints with categories and descriptions.
TESTING
All tasks were successfully completed, but there needs to be more clarification and transparency around waypoint creation.
All tasks were successfully completed, but there needs to be more clarification and transparency around waypoint creation.
All tasks were successfully completed, but there needs to be more clarification and transparency around waypoint creation.
I conducted moderated usability testing via Google Meet with 5 users who are hike regularly and use hiking apps. The goals were to uncover any difficulties/ friction a user encounters, and understand users’ overall impressions (related to features, tasks, and UI). In order to fully uncover insights from these tests, I used a data matrix and root cause analysis.
I conducted moderated usability testing via Google Meet with 5 users who are hike regularly and use hiking apps. The goals were to uncover any difficulties/ friction a user encounters, and understand users’ overall impressions (related to features, tasks, and UI). In order to fully uncover insights from these tests, I used a data matrix and root cause analysis.
I conducted moderated usability testing via Google Meet with 5 users who are hike regularly and use hiking apps. The goals were to uncover any difficulties/ friction a user encounters, and understand users’ overall impressions (related to features, tasks, and UI). In order to fully uncover insights from these tests, I used a data matrix and root cause analysis.
The results at a glance:
The results at a glance:
The results at a glance:
100%
completetion rate
(with little to no assists)
4.2
Average usefulness rating
(5= very useful, 1 = not useful)
4.5
Average difficulty rating
(5= very easy, 1 = very difficult)
Using root cause analysis to uncover issues and prioritize iterations:
Using root cause analysis to uncover issues and prioritize iterations:
Using root cause analysis to uncover issues and prioritize iterations:
After adding all issues in a data matrix table I then ranked them based on impact severity. I chose to prioritize addressing high-impact-rated issues because they could cause significant problems for users, such as task completion difficulties or confusion, necessitating immediate attention.
After adding all issues in a data matrix table I then ranked them based on impact severity. I chose to prioritize addressing high-impact-rated issues because they could cause significant problems for users, such as task completion difficulties or confusion, necessitating immediate attention.
After adding all issues in a data matrix table I then ranked them based on impact severity. I chose to prioritize addressing high-impact-rated issues because they could cause significant problems for users, such as task completion difficulties or confusion, necessitating immediate attention.
ITERATIONS
Priority iterations focused on making features more clear to the users
Priority iterations focused on making features more clear to the users
Priority iterations focused on making features more clear to the users
I focused on issues that have a high impact severity, this allowed me to stay within my intended time frame as well as ensured that the changes would have the highest impact.
I focused on issues that have a high impact severity, this allowed me to stay within my intended time frame as well as ensured that the changes would have the highest impact.
I focused on issues that have a high impact severity, this allowed me to stay within my intended time frame as well as ensured that the changes would have the highest impact.
Clarifying download & navigate buttons
Clarifying download & navigate buttons
Problem
Issues with finding the download icon and unclear on the ability to open the map to a larger view
Solution
Make the icons larger, change "expand" icon to "navigate" to make the function clearer
Clearer updates on waypoints
Clearer updates on waypoints
Problem
Uncertain if a waypoint was updated, confusion on how to report a waypoint, and needing a quick way to find waypoint on map
Solution
Improve waypoint liking visibility, change the "report issue" icon to a thumbs-up for better recognition, and offer an alternative map view for waypoints.
Change state of selected waypoint
Change state of selected waypoint
Problem
Issues with finding the download icon and unclear on the ability to open the map to a larger view
Solution
Make the icons larger, change "expand" icon to "navigate" to make the function clearer
Adding transparency in waypoint creation
Problem
Users are unclear how photos are obtained and worry about privacy
Solution
Add clarifying content writing & ask for photo access during the waypoint creation process
REFLECTION
What I learned
What I learned
What I learned
Crafting an app within an 80-hour timeframe was quite the challenge. While I tackled it on my own, the idea of team collaboration and exploring different directions intrigued me. Amidst the potential, I realized the importance of refining the app extensively. A significant aspect I identified was the need to provide users with comprehensive trail information – from parking details to park rules and pet policies. Enhancing user experience through such details emerged as a key priority for next steps.
Crafting an app within an 80-hour timeframe was quite the challenge. While I tackled it on my own, the idea of team collaboration and exploring different directions intrigued me. Amidst the potential, I realized the importance of refining the app extensively. A significant aspect I identified was the need to provide users with comprehensive trail information – from parking details to park rules and pet policies. Enhancing user experience through such details emerged as a key priority for next steps.
Crafting an app within an 80-hour timeframe was quite the challenge. While I tackled it on my own, the idea of team collaboration and exploring different directions intrigued me. Amidst the potential, I realized the importance of refining the app extensively. A significant aspect I identified was the need to provide users with comprehensive trail information – from parking details to park rules and pet policies. Enhancing user experience through such details emerged as a key priority for next steps.
What I would have done differently
What I would have done differently
What I would have done differently
If given the chance, I would have introduced a badge incentive system earlier, fostering engagement through user contributions. The idea of forming partnerships with outdoor brands using earned points would have added further value. Of course, such decisions would need to be back with further testing and research.
If given the chance, I would have introduced a badge incentive system earlier, fostering engagement through user contributions. The idea of forming partnerships with outdoor brands using earned points would have added further value. Of course, such decisions would need to be back with further testing and research.
If given the chance, I would have introduced a badge incentive system earlier, fostering engagement through user contributions. The idea of forming partnerships with outdoor brands using earned points would have added further value. Of course, such decisions would need to be back with further testing and research.
Considering the business side
Considering the business side
Considering the business side
Sustainability emerged as a critical consideration. The idea of implementing a subscription model came to mind, offering premium features and unlimited downloads. Reflecting on my journey, I recognized my oversight in integrating business elements. Going forward, I’m enthusiastic about delving into business strategies to ensure a well-rounded approach to success.
Sustainability emerged as a critical consideration. The idea of implementing a subscription model came to mind, offering premium features and unlimited downloads. Reflecting on my journey, I recognized my oversight in integrating business elements. Going forward, I’m enthusiastic about delving into business strategies to ensure a well-rounded approach to success.
Sustainability emerged as a critical consideration. The idea of implementing a subscription model came to mind, offering premium features and unlimited downloads. Reflecting on my journey, I recognized my oversight in integrating business elements. Going forward, I’m enthusiastic about delving into business strategies to ensure a well-rounded approach to success.
Thanks for reaching the end!
Check out more of my projects:
Let's connect!
Send me an email: emily.r.walker@gmail.com