MichTrails
New trails are less scary with a friend
What: UX/UI & Product Design Timeline: Jan 2024 - Apr 2024 Team: Polinna Maknev, Audrey Carter, Charlotte Lee, Caira Belvins Tools: Figma, Adobe Illustrator
Research Objectives
Prompt
To create a platform which fosters an online community for its users through a focus on shared interests or hobbies.
Our Goal
To create an online community centered around helping Michigan residents connect with the natural environment of their state, all while connecting with each other.
On MichTrails, users have the ability to post visual content to their personal accounts about Michigan parks, plants, animals, and outdoor activities. In addition, users can interact with other posts through commenting, sharing , and liking. Users will also have the ability to create and join subgroup channels regarding specific interests such as birding or biking, spreading helpful information on the subjects or organizing optional meet-ups.
The two existing products which are most in competition with MichTrails are AllTrails and iNaturalist.
AllTrails Weaknesses:
Caters to an audience that already has an active, outdoor lifestyle and knowledge of the natural world.
Does not hold space for an audience that is new to such activities, still learning, or trying to connect with other beginners.
iNaturalist Weaknesses:
May feel unapproachable as it is focused more on scientific data, rather than becoming more connected to nature through fun or relaxing activities.
To keep users safe by verifying new user’s age and residence in Michigan.
To create subgroup channels which allow user to connect with each other in a safe, kind environment.
iNaturalist Strengths:
Provides personalized experiences meeting users at their skill level.
Primarily focuses on biodiversity science and collecting research though app engagement.
To establish a clear code of conduct which communicates the values and expectations of our community.
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Polinna Maknev: Elevator pitch (idea), Designer, Ethical Reflections
Audrey Carter: Experience Scenarios, Designer,
Charlotte Lee: Design Report Writer and Designer
Caira Belvins: Design Report Editor
Collaborated to create the visual and conceptual identity of MichTrails, to create the design affordances, and all contributed supplementary work to the appendix and sources to the bibliography.
An online community of this size demands a significant level of active consideration for user privacy and safety.
Auto-moderators must be implemented to monitor hateful language, relieving the emotional burden of user monitoring.
To protect the MichTrails community from hate, would need to hire moderators to monitor content posted within subgroups.
Individual users will be able to report harmful or inaccurate content if they notice it before the auto-moderators do.
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To create posts which appear on user’s main feeds or in their subgroup(s), fostering community.
Competitor Analysis
AllTrails Strengths:
Users can share functional and technical information.
Provides maps that benefit planning logistics.
Design Goals
What do we want?
To create a user introduction which is both informative and customizable.
To create customizable account profiles which encourage individuality and celebrate the user.
Brand Guide
What’s the look?
Prototype
It’s official!
Did we achieve our design goals?
Onboarding process gives users autonomy over their MichTrails experience by allowing them to select interests
Onboarding process highlights that there is already an existing community ready to welcome each user
The code of conduct clearly communicates MichTrails values and community expectations
Posts can be made to individual user accounts of sent directly into subgroup channels, motivating users to share their thoughts
Affordances make it easy to engage with other users through comments, messaging and liking (or reporting harmful content)
Profile allows for individuality by making space for your photo, bio, community roles, and accomplishment badges
Badges are awarded to users for MichTrails achievements, celebrating their role in their communities
Verified accounts will provide content information to allow for off-app connections
Subgroups create a space for users to develop closer, intrapersonal bonds
Subgroup tabs such as New, Abuzz, and FAQs makes information easier to find
Meet-up chats within subgroups require users to verify their identity with a photo ID to protect the physical safety of attendees