University DigiMap

Summary

Tasked with designing a product that enables wheelchair-using students to experience university life like any other student, I investigated the primary stresses of wheelchair users during travel. I designed a digital map app that provides detailed university wayfinding information, to find best routes to get to destination on time and safely. The app allows users to report on hazards in real-time to ensure that travelling on campus is not delayed by unpredictable factors.

Individual project

Year: 2021

Scope: 14 weeks

Category: App & UX Design, Designing for Disability

Skills Used:

Sketching, wireframing
Photoshop, Illustrator
Prototyping
JustinMind (UI prototyping software)

Design Brief

The project tasked me with designing an accessible solution for wheelchair-using students on campus. The goal was to create a product that enhances mobility, ensures timely and safe travel, and contributes to a more inclusive university environment. The solution needed to offer a unique Value Proposition by combining accessibility features into a user-oriented, market-differentiated product, while addressing key UNSDG goals.

The Problem

For students reliant on wheelchairs, there are many basic on-campus routines and pedestrian facilities - exploring campus grounds, getting to classes on time, meeting up with friends - that requires a double-layer of planning to accomplish. Not doing so causes a great deal of worry and anxiety for unexpected delays. The current tools available for navigating around Parramatta South campus do not effectively support these needs and concerns.

General and Accessibility Maps of Parramatta South Campus, WSU.

The information and details included in each of these 3 maps are completely different and each have its own purpose as indicated by their names. As such, mobility-aid users feel that some information are difficult to locate, and it can be taxing having to plan travel routes with disconnected, static information.

Ideation, Process, Prototype compilation.jpg

Ideation & Wireframing

Functionality mapping to determine the structure and layout for the app's pages.

The “front” pages of the digital map application. The sidebar can be accessed in two ways. One, by selecting the info icon at the end of the search bar and displays all the buildings, points of interests, accessibility info and key designations. The other, by swiping in from the right edge of the screen.

In selecting the triangle with exclamation icon, users can report on potential hazards, missing info, and acquire assistance wherever they are. They would need to point out the location for campus staff and the digital map to be accurately informed.

Users can view details of any feature on the digital map either from the sidebar or directly selecting the feature on the map. These details are all from the existing campus accessibility information online. There is also space for student and staff to leave questions and answers.

The digital map application provides route suggestions in either accessible (disabled access) or general (walking) options, according to the general landscape of the campus. Users are encouraged to leave ratings and reviews of routes to better enhance this guidance. This feature is not intended for navigation, more towards providing users a sense of where they can go and what is in that direction, so that they feel secure.

The “front” pages of the digital map application. The sidebar can be accessed in two ways. One, by selecting the info icon at the end of the search bar and displays all the buildings, points of interests, accessibility info and key designations. The other, by swiping in from the right edge of the screen.

In selecting the triangle with exclamation icon, users can report on potential hazards, missing info, and acquire assistance wherever they are. They would need to point out the location for campus staff and the digital map to be accurately informed.

Users can view details of any feature on the digital map either from the sidebar or directly selecting the feature on the map. These details are all from the existing campus accessibility information online. There is also space for student and staff to leave questions and answers.

The digital map application provides route suggestions in either accessible (disabled access) or general (walking) options, according to the general landscape of the campus. Users are encouraged to leave ratings and reviews of routes to better enhance this guidance. This feature is not intended for navigation, more towards providing users a sense of where they can go and what is in that direction, so that they feel secure.

The digital map application provides route suggestions in either accessible (disabled access) or general (walking) options, according to the general landscape of the campus. Users are encouraged to leave ratings and reviews of routes to better enhance this guidance. This feature is not intended for navigation, more towards providing users a sense of where they can go and what is in that direction, so that they feel secure.

The digital map application provides route suggestions in either accessible (disabled access) or general (walking) options, according to the general landscape of the campus. Users are encouraged to leave ratings and reviews of routes to better enhance this guidance. This feature is not intended for navigation, more towards providing users a sense of where they can go and what is in that direction, so that they feel secure.

The digital map application provides route suggestions in either accessible (disabled access) or general (walking) options, according to the general landscape of the campus. Users are encouraged to leave ratings and reviews of routes to better enhance this guidance. This feature is not intended for navigation, more towards providing users a sense of where they can go and what is in that direction, so that they feel secure.

Wireframe sketches using the university's existing map icons and colours.

3D Prototype

A cardboard model of a mobile phone and paper screens were created to test the reality of usability. The prototype helped to achieve fluidity in terms of expanding information screens and switching between screens. It also helped with appropriate arrangement of information per screen (i.e headings, location of text, size of text). These are to ensure that mobility aid users need not spend too much time wondering what a button means and how much info there is to read through.

> Main page
> Side bar: Campus Info

> Hazard Report
> Report Hazard: select type of hazard
> Report Hazard: locate where
> Report Hazard: final summary and select risk level (if applicable)
> Pop up: requests WSU ID or valid email address
Requires valid ID or email as a measure against spam or inappropriate use.

> Selected destination: route options panel appear
> Expand panel: Reviews and ratings appear; option to Draw Own Route
> Selected details (the list icon): route details panel expanded
> Start travel

> Main page
> Side bar: Campus Info

> Hazard Report
> Report Hazard: select type of hazard
> Report Hazard: locate where
> Report Hazard: final summary and select risk level (if applicable)
> Pop up: requests WSU ID or valid email address
Requires valid ID or email as a measure against spam or inappropriate use.

> Selected destination: route options panel appear
> Expand panel: Reviews and ratings appear; option to Draw Own Route
> Selected details (the list icon): route details panel expanded
> Start travel

University DigiMap

Summary

Design Brief

The Problem

General and Accessibility Maps of Parramatta South Campus, WSU.

Ideation & Wireframing

Wireframe sketches using the university's existing map icons and colours.

3D Prototype

Final Look

Made in Justinmind.