The problem space
The current National Parks Service App is overwhelmingly unorganized and does not encourage exploration of their natural spaces.
There are many dead ends, inconsistent UI elements, and confusing flows that decrease adventurers' confidence in navigating the app. None of these contribute to the NPS's goal of encouraging the planning and visiting of their national parks.
The opportunity
There are plenty of design opportunities that can better align with NPS's goals.
Restructure the information architecture to create a smooth navigation process.
Provoking an adventurous spirit to encourage a trip to National Parks
People tend to be unaware of what cues ACTUALLY trigger unwanted actions.
Competitive analysis
Our competitive analysis found that neither competitor app truly showcases the wonders of the world.
Instead, they get lost in a lack of information, arbitrary definitions that measure trail difficulties, and confusing UI. We recognized that with these shortcomings, come improvements we can consider when redesigning the National Parks Service App.
Design strategy
Our main priority was to make an informative yet easy-to-navigate app.
We focused on making the app as useful as possible by addressing design opportunities and shortcomings in competitor apps. Most importantly, we were designing beyond simply being useful, but also to encourage travelers to explore and plan trips to national parks.
UX pillars
Above all, we want to unveil fresh, engaging experiences for park visitors.
Our UX pillars that led the app's redesign touched on three different sides of the app; one to organize, one to motivate, and one to stay informed.
Existing shortcomings
The NPS app were missing basic yet vital features.
As park users ourselves, we noticed that basic information such as park overviews and considerations, were not easily seen, if present at all. This was a massive roadblock in our pursuit of encouraging adventure if adventurers didn't even know where to begin.
Ideation
Our visitor needs informed our concept card ideation...
...With a focus on provoking an adventurous spirit. Adventurers should feel inspired to visit national parks in person and immerse in the stunning environment.
To promote this, we integrated a trip planner, editorial experience, and fun facts.
Style guide
To provoke an adventurous spirit, we curated a style guide and moodboard.
Contrary to the original UI design, we aimed for a sleek design which would highlight the stunning enivornments of national parks and encourage adventurers to explore in person.
Redesign changes
A look back to the beginning: What did our redesign improve?
Contrary to the original UI design, we aimed for a sleek design which would highlight the stunning enivornments of national parks and encourage adventurers to explore in person.
Final design
Presenting our final NPS app redesign!
A fresh look, a better navigation system, and an experience crafted around creating the best National parks adventure experience.
Challenges, takeaways, and conclusions!
Lots to say, lots to thank, and lots to reflect on.
The right job for the right people
Realistically, this wasn’t a linear path to success. This was an arduous yet adventurous 5-week journey to address a problem at its roots and change it for the better. But, for a 5-week redesign challenge, we were extremely efficient. Part of this is because the group we curated took advantage of everyone's strengths and challenged us to improve our weaknesses!
Conclusions & thoughts
Personally, I'm not ready to finish this project. The time constraint meant we had to prioritize certain features and set aside others, and in the future I hope to develop those further. Ultimately, this was an amazing experience with a great team. Shoutout to my teammates and Bill Flora for guiding us through the process!
