A native app that encourages and facilitates hiking for underrepresented groups
Hikescape
Deliverables
User research, affinity mapping, persona, wireframes, hi-fidelity designs, usability testing feedback
Tools
• Adobe XD
• Photoshop
• Illustrator
• Google forms
• Miro
• Otter.ai
• Marvel mirror app
Timeline
6 months - Springboard, Capstone/Passion project
OVERVIEW
Problem
There isn’t much diversity in hiking spaces. Why are other groups of people not hiking?
Outcome
I created an app that helps underrepresented groups - Black, Hispanic and Asian - feel safe, supported on hiking trails, as well as aiding with transportation.
RESEARCH
Understanding if this IS a problem
Primary Research
From a survey, I found 5 participants to interview.
60% belong in an underrepresented group
25-55 years old
Moderate-heavy phone users
Moderately fit
Interested in hiking more
Key Findings
Transportation
If trails are too far and hard to access the chance of hiking is slim to none, and the numbers drastically decrease for people in underrepresented groups
Walking pace
Feelings of joy increase when hiking is done at a certain pace level and decrease if it isn’t
Group or solo hike
Build positive feelings to connect with others of similar interests and goals, or go at it alone
Safety
Uncertainty in getting hurt or lost is present. Belonging and familiarity are needed to feel secure in trails
Persona
2 personas emerged, one extroverted the other introverted.
How might we show underrepresented groups safety, inclusion, and support on trails?
OPPORTUNITY
DEFINE
User Flows
Helping Alex, and Sabrina with travel accommodation's to a trail is crucial to determine if hiking is worth pursuing. If they relate to others, feel safe and joy, they may consider hiking more. The 3 main flows/tasks are:
> Travel arrangements
Provide transportation options (via train/carpooling) for trails
> Hiking compatibility
Feel connected, and safe through communities, groups hikes, and matching with others
> Go on a group or solo hike
Hike with others or on your own and record it
“Join a Group hike” user flow
IDEATE
Wireframes
Transportation is one of the biggest impediments for underrepresented groups to hike. I placed transportation accommodations on 2 main screens:
Home screen
Each group hike details screen
SOLUTION
Prototype
Hikescape prototype helps underrepresented groups in the following ways:
Find trails via carpooling or train
Solo hikes for peace and quiet
Find others who enjoy hiking the way you do, from energy level to personality type
TESTING
Validating iterations
After 3 iteration rounds and 15 participants later, the results are:
> General confusion
There is still confusion with all tasks
> Connecting on the app after meeting in person
Testers expressed positive feelings on meeting others and carpooling features, but only after hiking and building rapport
Third iteration issues
Transportation
Finding a way to get to the hike wasn’t obvious and most testers missed the carpool option.
Meeting others
Many said they wouldn’t feel comfortable matching with others prior to hiking even if they had common interests.
Group vs Solo Hikes
There was great confusion with the labels “Group Hikes” and “Solo Hikes”
REFLECTIONS
Key Learnings
1 - Carpooling safety concerns
Background check disclaimers didn’t help, testers still didn’t feel safe at the idea of entering an unknown person’s car.
2 - Word perception
Testers didn’t understand why “Group Hikes” and “Solo Hikes” were separated.
3 - Matching after hiking
Testers didn’t feel comfortable meeting others prior to a hike. 3 testers mentioned it felt like a dating app.
What I would do differently
1 - Safety is #1
One of the app’s goal is providing safety, especially in numbers, and with transportation to remote trails. To build trust offer features after an initial hike.
2 - List all hikes together
On the home screen show all types of hikes. A hike card displaying a host, and list of people is a group hike.
3 - Interview and test with underrepresented groups only
The app’s intention is to inspire and get underrepresented groups to hike. To design targeted beneficial solutions, speak and test only with this group.