OBJECTIVE
Create a hypothetical application that promotes trails and parks throughout local communities.
RESEARCH INSIGHTS
At places such as Aman Park and PJ Hoffmaster, there were no maps to take with you on the trails, only the maps featured on the main sign located at the trailhead.
Letters, numbers, colors, and symbols were used interchangeably on wayfinding and became confusing to follow. At one point, signage became unapparent completely.
IDENTITY
I chose Interstate as the brand's font due to its optimization for signage and navigation. The primary green color comes from trail signs and road signs, with yellows and blues to touch on the sky above.
PROTOTYPING
I began by sketching the main app screens and then wireframed and prototyped them on Sketch®.
Upon opening the app, the user is greeted with a sign in page that allows them to create an account or continue as a guest.
A 'Continue as Guest' button allows for users to use the app casually if they don't want to create an account. This limits access to certain functions such as games and networking. An incentive is given to the user to create an account.
A social feed allows users to see posts made by other individuals in their community. They can upload their own photos, warnings, or accomplishments as well.
A user's profile lets them see the posts they've made, track their fitness and trail stats, and access their favorite trails.
Other apps can track your calories or weight loss. Rather, trailpal focuses on tracking your stats on the trail and lets Apple Watch do the rest.
The explore page features an interactive map that shows trails and parks within a specified distance. Each trail contains a downloadable map and information about difficulty, length, and rules.
Built-in trail games use camera functions to immerse the user in the trail and learn more about the foliage and wildlife through automatic photo detection.
This feature was inspired by small signs on the Aman Park trail that identified flowers and other fauna. The feature also helps keep the games educational and allows users to learn more about what each trail has to offer.
The planning page lets trail-goers browse trails by features such as biking, dog-walking, skiing, and more while also giving easy access to an individual's favorite trails and current park passes.
Conditions were often treacherous on the trails. At one point, a wooden plank was placed as a makeshift bridge over the mud for hikers. Trailpal will warn you about these dangers before you head out.
EXTENDED TOUCHPOINTS
I extended trailpal's identity to include merchandise that is still relevant to a user's hike, such as water bottles, hoodies, wristbands, and button pins.
SOCIAL STRATEGY
