It’s easy for people to become distracted by the busyness of life that they can forget to take the time to enjoy their location. I wanted to design an app which not only helps people better explore their area, but also feel they are experiencing life to the fullest. GoLocal emerged from this idea and research guided the way for a holistic app design.
I’m sure each of us have thought at some point “where has the time gone?” or “time has sure flown by!” Personally, I have lived in four different states over the past four years and I can’t help but wonder why I didn’t spend more time fully taking advantage of the city I was in. The problem is, as the days go by, we start to develop a routine and exploration becomes less of a priority. I wanted to help people make the most of whatever city they’re living in so they won’t think back and wonder why they didn’t do more during that season in their life.
Research and design a high-fidelity prototype of the app, exploring some of its key features.
Create the branding for the new app.
User Interviews
Competitive Analysis
Secondary Research
Empathy Map
HMW & POV
Mind Map
Feature Roadmap
User Flow
Mood Board
Style Guide
Sketches
Wireframes
Hi-Fi Prototype
Usability Testing
Affinity Map
Iteration
I organized the responses into the four main steps people go through when having a new experience. I found this to be a simple way to list out the patterns and individual methods I was hearing. This step was an inspiration point for different directions I could take the app.
I organized the responses into the four main steps people go through when having a new experience. I found this to be a simple way to list out the patterns and individual methods I was hearing. This step was an inspiration point for different directions I could take the app.
I realized I needed a little more clarity in understanding my users. The empathy map exercise helped me lean more into the needs and emotions of my users.
One of the main problems I want to solve is helping people feel like time isn’t quickly passing them by. I was happy to see how some of the tips provided support my local experience app idea, while tackling this issue of lost time.
Through a google search, I looked for the best ranked journal apps, travel journal apps, and trip planning apps. I then tested them out, writing out the pros and cons for each.
I realized I needed a little more clarity in understanding my users. The empathy map exercise helped me lean more into the needs and emotions of my users.
One of the main problems I want to solve is helping people feel like time isn’t quickly passing them by. I was happy to see how some of the tips provided support my local experience app idea, while tackling this issue of lost time.
Through a google search, I looked for the best ranked journal apps, travel journal apps, and trip planning apps. I then tested them out, writing out the pros and cons for each.
Highlighting the user needs, the POV Statements organized my user research into practical examples I must design for.
How Might We...
...help users find experiences that fit their personality & mood?
...allow users to sort through information easily?
...inspire & assist users in planning activities?
...make creating journal entries a fun and satisfying experience?
Highlighting the user needs, the POV Statements organized my user research into practical examples I must design for.
How Might We...
...help users find experiences that fit their personality & mood?
...allow users to sort through information easily?
...inspire & assist users in planning activities?
...make creating journal entries a fun and satisfying experience?
I had first created this feature roadmap as a way to explore what the app will be like and help narrow down my ideas. This was primarily based on my competitive set research. After completing the user interviews and going through the other exercises, I adjusted this list to better fit the user needs.
I used Lucid Chart to create a user flow going though the main steps of the app (Find, Save, Plan, [Experience], Document). This step helped me think about the flow of my prototype and how the features from the feature roadmap will come into play.
I had first created this feature roadmap as a way to explore what the app will be like and help narrow down my ideas. This was primarily based on my competitive set research. After completing the user interviews and going through the other exercises, I adjusted this list to better fit the user needs.
I used Lucid Chart to create a user flow going though the main steps of the app (Find, Save, Plan, [Experience], Document). This step helped me think about the flow of my prototype and how the features from the feature roadmap will come into play.
I searched for images which conveyed: Summer, Fun, Bright, Adventure, and a mixture of Nature and City.
I decided on the name “GoLocal” because it suggests action and advocates for local experiences. From there, I went into ideation mode and narrowed it down to two options. I had a very hard time selecting the final iteration that I took it to Instagram! The “Happy Location” option took the crown for its clean and friendly aesthetic.
I searched for images which conveyed: Summer, Fun, Bright, Adventure, and a mixture of Nature and City.
I decided on the name “GoLocal” because it suggests action and advocates for local experiences. From there, I went into ideation mode and narrowed it down to two options. I had a very hard time selecting the final iteration that I took it to Instagram! The “Happy Location” option took the crown for its clean and friendly aesthetic.
I conducted the usability tests on my previous interview participants. The age range was 30 years (ages 19-49). While everyone made it through the test, I found the app was more intuitive with the younger participants. I gained some valuable feedback as the participants talked me through their thoughts, feelings and processes as they navigated the app.
I conducted the usability tests on my previous interview participants. The age range was 30 years (ages 19-49). While everyone made it through the test, I found the app was more intuitive with the younger participants. I gained some valuable feedback as the participants talked me through their thoughts, feelings and processes as they navigated the app.
After user testing, I created an affinity map to help me sort, prioritize and rank the feedback. From there I developed the design into what it is today!
After user testing, I created an affinity map to help me sort, prioritize and rank the feedback. From there I developed the design into what it is today!
