How can we increase visitors to the Olmsted Linear Parks?
We were tasked with creating a mobile solution to increase awareness, visitors and revenue at Olmsted Linear Parks. These goals are all connected, so we did some research to find out the real cause.
Role: Wireframed using Adobe XD, created storylines.
Role: Wireframed using Adobe XD, created storylines.
Working alongside the Olmsted Linear Park Alliance, we created an interactive mobile experience that highlights the rich history and spirit of the Olmsted Linear Parks. The goal for this app was to not only get people to the parks but to get them to interact with it and ideally donate money.
We conducted research on area demographics in order to shape the mobile experience to the appropriate audience and combined our research with information the Park Alliance provided from an extensive tree survey, the general history of Olmsted, and the placards located within the parks. Using this information, we created two personas to tailor the application to the local demographic.
Our team crafted a scenario that enabled us to envision how a visitor would use the app to interact with the parks. We then developed a lo-fi prototype that included elements from park history, GPS tracking and the tree survey. This prototype simplified information enough that visitors were able to use the app while they were mobile.
The initial hi-fi prototype used icons and color schemes to create a cohesive and intuitive experience when using the application. “Tree men” characters were created as well in order to guide the users through their park experience. Key features from the hi-fi prototype include a quest mode that enables users to go on scavenger hunts to find landmarks, GPS tracking that allows users to see their location in the park, and a history library with information relevant to the parks.
We conducted research on area demographics in order to shape the mobile experience to the appropriate audience and combined our research with information the Park Alliance provided from an extensive tree survey, the general history of Olmsted, and the placards located within the parks. Using this information, we created two personas to tailor the application to the local demographic.
Our team crafted a scenario that enabled us to envision how a visitor would use the app to interact with the parks. We then developed a lo-fi prototype that included elements from park history, GPS tracking and the tree survey. This prototype simplified information enough that visitors were able to use the app while they were mobile.
The initial hi-fi prototype used icons and color schemes to create a cohesive and intuitive experience when using the application. “Tree men” characters were created as well in order to guide the users through their park experience. Key features from the hi-fi prototype include a quest mode that enables users to go on scavenger hunts to find landmarks, GPS tracking that allows users to see their location in the park, and a history library with information relevant to the parks.
We used Heuristic evaluations to better understand user behavior in a simple manner. When reviewing the app, evaluators were asked to consider the following:
The majority of feedback centered on the topic “Viability of system status,” and we received some comments about needing to simplify the design.
The final prototype design aesthetic evolved as a more linear design with straight lines and edges. Additional changes were made, including a change to black, rather than grey, text, and section titles were added to the main menu bar to clarify the meaning of the menu icons.
- Visibility of system status
- Match between system and the real world
- User control and freedom
- Consistency and standards
- Error prevention (Omitted in review because none were noted)
- Recognition rather than recall
- Flexibility and efficiency of use
- Aesthetic and minimalist design
- Any other problems you saw that do not fit under the previous eight
The majority of feedback centered on the topic “Viability of system status,” and we received some comments about needing to simplify the design.
The final prototype design aesthetic evolved as a more linear design with straight lines and edges. Additional changes were made, including a change to black, rather than grey, text, and section titles were added to the main menu bar to clarify the meaning of the menu icons.