LG U+
Navigation
Navigation mobile app for pedestrians
Easy public transportation directions.
01. Project Brief
My Role
Full Time Designer
UX/UI Designer
Timeframe
OTC 2017-
DEC 2017
Team (18)
Product Managers
Project Manager
Engineering Manager
Android Engineers
iOS Engineers
What I Accomplished
- Designed the holistic experience from concept to the final product: IOS/Android Mobile.
- Delivered all design screens and assets on time, on a tight deadline.
- Usability testing average score: 80 positive results from initial designs.
Problem Statement
The objective of this project is to design a mobile app that will help pedestrians navigate through city streets and neighborhoods.
The increase in pedestrian traffic in urban areas has made pedestrian navigation a critical aspect of transportation. While there are numerous navigation apps available, many are geared toward drivers and do not consider the unique challenges of pedestrian navigation. Therefore, there is a need for an app that is designed specifically for pedestrians and that provides accurate and efficient navigation. This project aims to address this need.
02. Research
Through research, we tried to obtain the following information
Research Methods
Market Research
Analysis
Customer Interviews
Prototype Testing
Information Architecture
Questions
- What challenges do they face when walking in the city?
- What do they wish they had in a navigation app?
User Behaviors
Observe how pedestrians currently navigate through the city.
Where do they tend to walk?
What routes do they take?
How do they interact with their surroundings?
Competitor Analysis
Research existing navigation apps, such as Naver Map and T-map, to understand their strengths and weaknesses. This can help inform the design of the new app and identify opportunities for differentiation.
Data Analysis
Reasons for using pedestrian navigation apps.
Barriers preventing the use of pedestrian navigation apps.
What people like the least in their pedestrian navigation apps.
What people like the most in their pedestrian navigation apps.
Key Insite
Reasons for Using Pedestrian Navigation Apps
Selecting the shortest routes between two locations
Finding specific locations, such as restaurants, shops, and public facilities
Collecting useful walking data (travel distance, travel time, optional routes, etc.).
58%
Respondents do not use any pedestrian navigation app for walking
≥ 45
Non-users were more likely to be adults aged between 45-64 years old and elderly individuals aged ≥65 years old
Barriers preventing the use of PNAs (pedestrian navigation apps) among non-users include a lack of interest or perceived usefulness, a preference for traditional paper maps, privacy concerns, and a lack of knowledge or technical skills to use PNAs.
Key Insite
Pedestrians often face challenges while navigating through cities, such as getting lost in unfamiliar neighborhoods, encountering unsafe areas or high-traffic zones, and difficulty finding points of interest.
Many navigation apps designed for drivers are not optimized for pedestrians, leading to a poor navigation experience.
These issues can result in frustration, wasted time, and even safety concerns.
03. Research
The app should be designed to provide an easy and accurate navigation experience, taking into account pedestrian-friendly routes, nearby points of interest, and real-time traffic updates.
Key Insite
Urban Dwellers
The target audience for the app is urban dwellers who frequently walk for transportation or leisure. This includes people who live or work in the city, as well as tourists who are visiting Korea.
Age Range
The app is likely to be most useful for younger adults, such as millennials and Gen Z, who are more likely to live in urban areas and rely on walking as a mode of transportation. However, older adults who enjoy walking and exploring the city may also find the app useful.
Smartphone Users
The app is designed to be used on a mobile device, so the target audience should be comfortable using smartphones and mobile apps. This may exclude some older adults who are less familiar with technology.
Key Insite
Adjustable Features
App developers should concentrate on developing mobility-supported smartphone applications with different types of adjustable features to match pedestrians' daily mobility needs more effectively.
Reliable and Precise Navigation
The apps should be more reliable and precise in terms of navigation, offering several options for selecting routes and be easier to understand, particularly regarding the beginning of the route: where am I? Which is the right direction to start walking?
Focus on pedestrian infrastructure data
The apps should provide navigation that is supported by pedestrian infrastructure data (characteristics and conditions of sidewalks, informal paths, pedestrian barriers, landmarks) rather than road data.
Integrated transport data
PNAs should provide access to integrated transport data to allow the use of the pedestrian mode in combination with other modes of transport (public transport stations and schedules, bike share docks, and bike lanes, among others) to reach a specific destination.
04. Information Architecture
A sitemap representing information architecture
05. Lo-fi Wireframe
06. Design Guide
Simple and Minimalist Design
To create a clean and simple design, I used a predominantly white background, with pops of color to draw attention to important features and information. I also used a simple and easy-to-read font for text throughout the app. The overall design is intended to be visually appealing and intuitive, without being overwhelming or cluttered.
User-Focused Approach
To ensure that the app is easy to use and understand, I focused on a user-centered design approach. This includes incorporating features such as large buttons and icons that are easy to tap, clear and concise messaging, and a seamless and intuitive flow from one screen to the next. By keeping the user's needs and preferences in mind, the app is designed to be both accessible and engaging.
Clear and Concise Messaging
To guide users through each step of the navigation process, I used short and simple sentences with large fonts to make messaging easy to read and understand. This includes providing clear directions, highlighting important landmarks and points of interest, and providing users with information about upcoming turns and other relevant information.
Visual Hierarchy
To create a clear visual hierarchy, I used a variety of design techniques such as large fonts, bright colors, and a consistent layout. This helps to guide users through each step of the navigation process and ensures that important information is highlighted and easy to find.
Tutorial Screen
A symbol that is always perceived in the same way
A clear symbol design was used. It is also designed according to the grid and guidelines so that it can be recognized at any size.
Key Features
Features and Functionality
Configuration to See Expanded Information
Route details, navigation panel
You can pull out the detailed route by flicking the bottom area and entering the top menu by pressing the navigation bar at the top.
Quickly Control the Main Menu
Main map screen
You can quickly access the key menus by long-tapping the My Location icon.
Clearly Distinct Design Elements
Nearby bus stops, bus arrival information
Design elements are designed with colors, sizes, and shapes that can be easily recognized even on complex maps.
Consistent Tone and Manners
It was designed by maintaining one consistent tone and manner.
07. What I Learned
The goal of this project was to create a mobile app for pedestrians to navigate city streets and neighborhoods. Through this project, I learned the importance of user research and incorporating feedback throughout the design process.
By conducting user interviews and observations, I gained insights into pedestrians' needs and challenges. I used this feedback to guide the design and development of the app.
I also learned the value of iterative testing and incorporating user feedback. Through sketches, wireframes, and prototypes, I visualized design ideas and gathered input. This helped me refine the app's functionality and usability.
The result was a user-friendly app with real-time maps, route recommendations, and points of interest information. Users found it helpful for navigating and exploring new areas.