Brainstorming

After figuring out the problem and hypothesis of the project I went ahead and started to brainstorm the different aspects of the project that I would need to figure out. I started out with an Empathy Map to determine what the potential user was thinking and feeling about the problem at hand. What would the user be motivated by, any frustrations they felt about using different apps that were currently available to them, sights and sounds they are encountering in the environment while using the app as well as other thoughts. Then went into creating a User Flow to determine the basic layout and functions of the app.

Visual Design

Once the Low Fidelity Wireframes were completed I created a Mood Board to determine the general feel and look of the app. The thought behind the visual design choices were to create an app that felt bright and friendly. I noticed that a lot of map apps had a much cooler, blue tone to them. Even though they are well designed I felt that they gave a more lifeless, systematic tone. I instead wanted to focus on a more handmade, vintage feel.

Even from initial concept to final design there were many changes that were made. Some User Experience changes that were made included less inputs for the starting and ending address, a slider instead of a drop down menu for details and overall less clicking and navigating for the user.

Final Thoughts

There are things that looking back now, I would want to fix. I do think that visually there is a good consistency throughout the app but I feel that it is a bit too sparse. If I were to go back I would want to add more illustrations throughout just to give a little bit more visual interest. Overall I was pleased with the final product that I came up with.