Trail Angel
Trail Angel
Trail Angel
Make the Invisible Tangible
Make the Invisible Tangible
Make the Invisible Tangible
Trail Angel is an innovative mobile application designed to empower outdoor enthusiasts with real-time air quality information, ensuring safe and enjoyable adventures even in regions prone to wildfires. By seamlessly connecting to a portable air tracker, Trail Angel offers users the ability to monitor air quality conditions in real-time and provides alternative route planning when air quality becomes compromised.
Trail Angel is an innovative mobile application designed to empower outdoor enthusiasts with real-time air quality information, ensuring safe and enjoyable adventures even in regions prone to wildfires. By seamlessly connecting to a portable air tracker, Trail Angel offers users the ability to monitor air quality conditions in real-time and provides alternative route planning when air quality becomes compromised.
Trail Angel is an innovative mobile application designed to empower outdoor enthusiasts with real-time air quality information, ensuring safe and enjoyable adventures even in regions prone to wildfires. By seamlessly connecting to a portable air tracker, Trail Angel offers users the ability to monitor air quality conditions in real-time and provides alternative route planning when air quality becomes compromised.
Product Name
Product Name
Trail Angel
Trail Angel
Contribute
Contribute
UX & UI Design
Industrial Design
UX & UI Design
Industrial Design
Tools
Tools
Figma
FigJam
Cinema 4D
Google Workplace
Figma
FigJam
Cinema 4D
Google Workplace
Duration
Duration
2022-2023
2022-2023
Overview
Overview
Overview
Why Trail Angel?
Why Trail Angel?
Why Trail Angel?
The increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires, particularly in regions like California, have made air quality a critical concern for outdoor enthusiasts. With wildfire seasons extending up to nine months, there's a pressing need for real-time air quality monitoring to protect public health. Trail Angel addresses this gap by providing timely, location-specific air quality information, enabling users to make informed decisions about their outdoor activities.
The increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires, particularly in regions like California, have made air quality a critical concern for outdoor enthusiasts. With wildfire seasons extending up to nine months, there's a pressing need for real-time air quality monitoring to protect public health. Trail Angel addresses this gap by providing timely, location-specific air quality information, enabling users to make informed decisions about their outdoor activities.
The increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires, particularly in regions like California, have made air quality a critical concern for outdoor enthusiasts. With wildfire seasons extending up to nine months, there's a pressing need for real-time air quality monitoring to protect public health. Trail Angel addresses this gap by providing timely, location-specific air quality information, enabling users to make informed decisions about their outdoor activities.
Problem Statement
Problem Statement
Problem Statement
How might we provide real-time air quality information to outdoor enthusiasts, enabling them to plan and adjust their activities safely in the face of wildfire-related air pollution?
How might we provide real-time air quality information to outdoor enthusiasts, enabling them to plan and adjust their activities safely in the face of wildfire-related air pollution?
How might we provide real-time air quality information to outdoor enthusiasts, enabling them to plan and adjust their activities safely in the face of wildfire-related air pollution?
Currently, there is no straightforward method for determining the air quality index for specific trails or routes, leaving outdoor lovers uncertain about the safety of their planned activities.
Currently, there is no straightforward method for determining the air quality index for specific trails or routes, leaving outdoor lovers uncertain about the safety of their planned activities.
Currently, there is no straightforward method for determining the air quality index for specific trails or routes, leaving outdoor lovers uncertain about the safety of their planned activities.
Goal
Goal
Goal
Trail Angel aims to offer users:
Trail recommendations based on air quality preferences
Accurate forecasts of wildfire-related air pollution
Real-time alerts for air pollution incidents
Alternative route suggestions when air quality becomes unsafe
Trail Angel aims to offer users:
Trail recommendations based on air quality preferences
Accurate forecasts of wildfire-related air pollution
Real-time alerts for air pollution incidents
Alternative route suggestions when air quality becomes unsafe
Trail Angel aims to offer users:
Trail recommendations based on air quality preferences
Accurate forecasts of wildfire-related air pollution
Real-time alerts for air pollution incidents
Alternative route suggestions when air quality becomes unsafe
Understand
Understand
Understand
Observation
Observation
Observation
During California's extended wildfire season, residents face constant uncertainty regarding air pollution from wildfires, even when they are already in affected areas. This uncertainty often leads to last-minute cancellations of outdoor plans or, worse, exposure to harmful air quality.
During California's extended wildfire season, residents face constant uncertainty regarding air pollution from wildfires, even when they are already in affected areas. This uncertainty often leads to last-minute cancellations of outdoor plans or, worse, exposure to harmful air quality.
Secondary Research
Secondary Research
Secondary Research
Data from CAL FIRE and other authoritative sources highlight the frequency and impact of wildfires in California. In 2023 alone. The following data underscores the critical need for reliable, real-time air quality information for outdoor enthusiasts.
Data from CAL FIRE and other authoritative sources highlight the frequency and impact of wildfires in California. In 2023 alone. The following data underscores the critical need for reliable, real-time air quality information for outdoor enthusiasts.
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis
While many apps provide trail maps and weather forecasts, none offer comprehensive, real-time air quality updates and alerts specifically tailored for outdoor activities. Trail Angel fills this crucial gap by providing:
Real-time air quality data
Route adjustment tools
Safety tips for navigating wildfire-affected areas
While many apps provide trail maps and weather forecasts, none offer comprehensive, real-time air quality updates and alerts specifically tailored for outdoor activities. Trail Angel fills this crucial gap by providing:
Real-time air quality data
Route adjustment tools
Safety tips for navigating wildfire-affected areas
Interview
Interview
Interview
We conducted in-depth interviews with three target audience members and two experts in the field. These conversations revealed a strong demand for an app that combines comprehensive trail information with real-time environmental data.
We conducted in-depth interviews with three target audience members and two experts in the field. These conversations revealed a strong demand for an app that combines comprehensive trail information with real-time environmental data.
Key insights included:
Strong demand for an app combining trail information with real-time environmental data
Users expressed anxiety about planning outdoor activities during wildfire season
Experts emphasized the importance of accurate, localized air quality data for public health
Key insights included:
Strong demand for an app combining trail information with real-time environmental data
Users expressed anxiety about planning outdoor activities during wildfire season
Experts emphasized the importance of accurate, localized air quality data for public health
Key insights included:
Strong demand for an app combining trail information with real-time environmental data
Users expressed anxiety about planning outdoor activities during wildfire season
Experts emphasized the importance of accurate, localized air quality data for public health
Affinity Diagram
Affinity Diagram
Affinity Diagram
To synthesize our research findings, we utilized an affinity diagram. This tool was instrumental in refining our insights and achieving a comprehensive, user-centric solution, especially when pinpointing exact user needs proved challenging.
To synthesize our research findings, we utilized an affinity diagram. This tool was instrumental in refining our insights and achieving a comprehensive, user-centric solution, especially when pinpointing exact user needs proved challenging.
Key Insight From Research
Key Insight From Research
Key Insight From Research
Health and Emotional Impacts
Wildfires create both health risks and emotional stress due to their unpredictable nature.
Demand for Reliable Information
Users urgently need fast, accurate information on air quality and the status of areas affected by wildfire smoke.
Desire for Predictive Tools
There is a strong preference for features that predict air quality changes to help with planning outdoor activities.
Health and Emotional Impacts
Wildfires create both health risks and emotional stress due to their unpredictable nature.
Demand for Reliable Information
Users urgently need fast, accurate information on air quality and the status of areas affected by wildfire smoke.
Desire for Predictive Tools
There is a strong preference for features that predict air quality changes to help with planning outdoor activities.
Persona
Persona
Persona
We created detailed personas to represent our diverse user base. These personas helped us identify specific user needs, frustrations, and technological preferences, guiding our design decisions.
We created detailed personas to represent our diverse user base. These personas helped us identify specific user needs, frustrations, and technological preferences, guiding our design decisions.
We created detailed personas to represent our diverse user base. These personas helped us identify specific user needs, frustrations, and technological preferences, guiding our design decisions.
Key Insight From Persona
Key Insight From Persona
Key Insight From Persona
Diverse User Profiles
Understanding different user needs and preferences within the same app context.
Specific Needs and Frustrations
Crucial information for developing features that address user pain points effectively.
Technology Usage and Preferences
Insights to design an intuitive interface that meets users' technological comfort levels.
Lifestyle Contexts
Information to ensure the app fits seamlessly into users' lifestyles.
Diverse User Profiles
Understanding different user needs and preferences within the same app context.
Specific Needs and Frustrations
Crucial information for developing features that address user pain points effectively.
Technology Usage and Preferences
Insights to design an intuitive interface that meets users' technological comfort levels.
Lifestyle Contexts
Information to ensure the app fits seamlessly into users' lifestyles.
Diverse User Profiles
Understanding different user needs and preferences within the same app context.
Specific Needs and Frustrations
Crucial information for developing features that address user pain points effectively.
Technology Usage and Preferences
Insights to design an intuitive interface that meets users' technological comfort levels.
Lifestyle Contexts
Information to ensure the app fits seamlessly into users' lifestyles.
Ideation
We created MVP sketches to brainstorm solutions, ultimately selecting three core features that best meet our users' needs:
We created MVP sketches to brainstorm solutions, ultimately selecting three core features that best meet our users' needs:
We created MVP sketches to brainstorm solutions, ultimately selecting three core features that best meet our users' needs:
Trail Plan
Trail Plan
Trail Plan
Helps outdoor lovers choose safer paths by showing air quality, past wildfires, and planned burns.
What: Offers users the ability to create personalized outdoor trail plans with integrated air quality data.
How: Utilizes GIS mapping technology combined with real-time air quality data from IoT sensors and satellite imagery.
Tech: Integrates APIs from weather services and air quality monitoring networks, using cloud-based data processing for real-time updates.
Helps outdoor lovers choose safer paths by showing air quality, past wildfires, and planned burns.
What: Offers users the ability to create personalized outdoor trail plans with integrated air quality data.
How: Utilizes GIS mapping technology combined with real-time air quality data from IoT sensors and satellite imagery.
Tech: Integrates APIs from weather services and air quality monitoring networks, using cloud-based data processing for real-time updates.
Helps outdoor lovers choose safer paths by showing air quality, past wildfires, and planned burns.
What: Offers users the ability to create personalized outdoor trail plans with integrated air quality data.
How: Utilizes GIS mapping technology combined with real-time air quality data from IoT sensors and satellite imagery.
Tech: Integrates APIs from weather services and air quality monitoring networks, using cloud-based data processing for real-time updates.
The following storyboard illustrates the journey of persona Wyatt, a product manager and a father who uses the Trail Angel app to ensure his family's outdoor activities are safe from wildfire smoke by using the Trail Plan MVP.
The following storyboard illustrates the journey of persona Wyatt, a product manager and a father who uses the Trail Angel app to ensure his family's outdoor activities are safe from wildfire smoke by using the Trail Plan MVP.
The following storyboard illustrates the journey of persona Wyatt, a product manager and a father who uses the Trail Angel app to ensure his family's outdoor activities are safe from wildfire smoke by using the Trail Plan MVP.
AQI Alert
AQI Alert
AQI Alert
Uses IoT technology to provide instant alerts about air quality, allowing users to adjust routes quickly.
What: Provides instant alerts about air quality changes, enabling users to make quick decisions about their routes.
How: Connects to a portable air quality monitor via Bluetooth, offering continuous real-time monitoring.
Tech: Employs IoT technology and low-energy Bluetooth connectivity, with edge computing for rapid data processing and alerts.
Uses IoT technology to provide instant alerts about air quality, allowing users to adjust routes quickly.
What: Provides instant alerts about air quality changes, enabling users to make quick decisions about their routes.
How: Connects to a portable air quality monitor via Bluetooth, offering continuous real-time monitoring.
Tech: Employs IoT technology and low-energy Bluetooth connectivity, with edge computing for rapid data processing and alerts.
Uses IoT technology to provide instant alerts about air quality, allowing users to adjust routes quickly.
What: Provides instant alerts about air quality changes, enabling users to make quick decisions about their routes.
How: Connects to a portable air quality monitor via Bluetooth, offering continuous real-time monitoring.
Tech: Employs IoT technology and low-energy Bluetooth connectivity, with edge computing for rapid data processing and alerts.
This storyboard depicts persona Harper and his cycling group using the Trail Angel app to navigate and adapt their biking routes in response to varying air quality levels by using the AQI Alert MVP.
This storyboard depicts persona Harper and his cycling group using the Trail Angel app to navigate and adapt their biking routes in response to varying air quality levels by using the AQI Alert MVP.
This storyboard depicts persona Harper and his cycling group using the Trail Angel app to navigate and adapt their biking routes in response to varying air quality levels by using the AQI Alert MVP.
Wildfire Prediction
Wildfire Prediction
Wildfire Prediction
Employs machine learning to predict fire risks, helping users plan safer outdoor activities.
What: Predicts potential wildfire risks and their impact on air quality for specific areas.
How: Uses machine learning algorithms to analyze historical wildfire data, weather patterns, and current conditions.
Tech: Implements advanced machine learning models (e.g., Random Forests, Neural Networks) trained on extensive historical datasets, with cloud-based processing for real-time predictions.
Employs machine learning to predict fire risks, helping users plan safer outdoor activities.
What: Predicts potential wildfire risks and their impact on air quality for specific areas.
How: Uses machine learning algorithms to analyze historical wildfire data, weather patterns, and current conditions.
Tech: Implements advanced machine learning models (e.g., Random Forests, Neural Networks) trained on extensive historical datasets, with cloud-based processing for real-time predictions.
The following storyboard outlines Judy’s journey of using the Trail Angel app to navigate air quality challenges while training for a marathon by using the wildfire prediction MVP.
The following storyboard outlines Judy’s journey of using the Trail Angel app to navigate air quality challenges while training for a marathon by using the wildfire prediction MVP.
The following storyboard outlines Judy’s journey of using the Trail Angel app to navigate air quality challenges while training for a marathon by using the wildfire prediction MVP.
Prototype
User Flow
User Flow
User Flow
We developed a straightforward user flow, integrating extensive data content into a seamless experience. The information architecture was carefully crafted to ensure easy navigation and content accessibility.
We developed a straightforward user flow, integrating extensive data content into a seamless experience. The information architecture was carefully crafted to ensure easy navigation and content accessibility.
We developed a straightforward user flow, integrating extensive data content into a seamless experience. The information architecture was carefully crafted to ensure easy navigation and content accessibility.
Make a Trail Plan
Detour a Trail
Change a Trail Plan
Information Architecture
The IA was designed from the ground up, inspired by insights gathered during the MVP development phase.
The IA was designed from the ground up, inspired by insights gathered during the MVP development phase.
The IA was designed from the ground up, inspired by insights gathered during the MVP development phase.
Problems Fixed
Problems Fixed
Problems Fixed
Navigation Efficiency
Clear hierarchy from home page to specific functions.
Content Accessibility
Inclusion of search filter and planned trails pages.
User Engagement
Enhanced personalization through a profile page.
Navigation Efficiency
Clear hierarchy from home page to specific functions.
Content Accessibility
Inclusion of search filter and planned trails pages.
User Engagement
Enhanced personalization through a profile page.
Navigation Efficiency
Clear hierarchy from home page to specific functions.
Content Accessibility
Inclusion of search filter and planned trails pages.
User Engagement
Enhanced personalization through a profile page.
Wireframe
Valuable Lessons
Valuable Lessons
Valuable Lessons
User Interaction Flow
Visualizing how users will move through the app
Feature Relevance
Assessing the placement and utility of features
Design Feasibility
Evaluating the practicality of implementing planned features
User Interaction Flow
Visualizing how users will move through the app
Feature Relevance
Assessing the placement and utility of features
Design Feasibility
Evaluating the practicality of implementing planned features
User Interaction Flow
Visualizing how users will move through the app
Feature Relevance
Assessing the placement and utility of features
Design Feasibility
Evaluating the practicality of implementing planned features
Iteration
Usability Testing
We conducted thorough usability tests with our target audience, observing their interactions with the low-fidelity prototype. This phase was crucial in refining the app's usability and ensuring it meets and exceeds user expectations for functionality and experience.
We conducted thorough usability tests with our target audience, observing their interactions with the low-fidelity prototype. This phase was crucial in refining the app's usability and ensuring it meets and exceeds user expectations for functionality and experience.
We conducted thorough usability tests with our target audience, observing their interactions with the low-fidelity prototype. This phase was crucial in refining the app's usability and ensuring it meets and exceeds user expectations for functionality and experience.
What We Gained
What We Gained
What We Gained
Clarity and Purpose
The redesign clearly highlights the app’s dual focus on trail planning and air quality, quickly orienting new users.
User Engagement
By emphasizing interactive elements like the “Create a New Trail Plan” button and featuring top trails, the interface boosts user interaction.
Optimized Design
The updated layout removes clutter and negative messaging, enhancing visual appeal and promoting positive user interactions.
Clarity and Purpose
The redesign clearly highlights the app’s dual focus on trail planning and air quality, quickly orienting new users.
User Engagement
By emphasizing interactive elements like the “Create a New Trail Plan” button and featuring top trails, the interface boosts user interaction.
Optimized Design
The updated layout removes clutter and negative messaging, enhancing visual appeal and promoting positive user interactions.
Clarity and Purpose
The redesign clearly highlights the app’s dual focus on trail planning and air quality, quickly orienting new users.
User Engagement
By emphasizing interactive elements like the “Create a New Trail Plan” button and featuring top trails, the interface boosts user interaction.
Optimized Design
The updated layout removes clutter and negative messaging, enhancing visual appeal and promoting positive user interactions.
Final Delivery
After an extensive journey through problem statement, research, ideation, prototype, user-testing, and visual design, we present the final delivery for Trail Angel:
After an extensive journey through problem statement, research, ideation, prototype, user-testing, and visual design, we present the final delivery for Trail Angel:
After an extensive journey through problem statement, research, ideation, prototype, user-testing, and visual design, we present the final delivery for Trail Angel:
Make Trail plan
Create personalized outdoor trail plans with integrated air quality considerations
Create personalized outdoor trail plans with integrated air quality considerations
Create personalized outdoor trail plans with integrated air quality considerations
On-time Information
The air tracker detect the air quality and the Trail Angel receive real-time air quality alerts and updates
The air tracker detect the air quality and the Trail Angel receive real-time air quality alerts and updates
The air tracker detect the air quality and the Trail Angel receive real-time air quality alerts and updates
Detour A Trail
Adjust routes on-the-go based on changing air quality conditions
Adjust routes on-the-go based on changing air quality conditions
Adjust routes on-the-go based on changing air quality conditions
Change A Trail Plan
Access predictive information about potential wildfire risks and air quality changes
Access predictive information about potential wildfire risks and air quality changes
Access predictive information about potential wildfire risks and air quality changes
Benefits
Health Protection
Real-time air quality data helps users avoid areas with poor air quality, reducing exposure to harmful pollutants.
Real-time air quality data helps users avoid areas with poor air quality, reducing exposure to harmful pollutants.
Real-time air quality data helps users avoid areas with poor air quality, reducing exposure to harmful pollutants.
Enhanced Safety
Alternative route suggestions ensure users can continue their activities safely when conditions change.
Alternative route suggestions ensure users can continue their activities safely when conditions change.
Peace of Mind
Predictive tools and alerts allow users to enjoy outdoor activities without constant worry about air quality changes.
Predictive tools and alerts allow users to enjoy outdoor activities without constant worry about air quality changes.
Enhanced Safety
Alternative route suggestions ensure users can continue their activities safely when conditions change.
Peace of Mind
Predictive tools and alerts allow users to enjoy outdoor activities without constant worry about air quality changes.
Reflection and Future Steps
The development of Trail Angel highlighted the critical importance of user-centric design in addressing complex environmental challenges.
Key learnings include:
The power of precise market segmentation in tailoring features to user needs
The importance of integrating diverse data sources for comprehensive environmental monitoring
The potential of machine learning in enhancing predictive capabilities for outdoor safety
Future developments will focus on:
Enhancing the app's predictive capabilities through more advanced machine learning models
Expanding the network of compatible IoT devices for more granular air quality monitoring
Developing partnerships with outdoor recreation organizations to broaden the app's reach and impact