Given the increasing popularity of Bears Ears National Monument, there is a growing influx of visitors to these delicate areas for recreational purposes. Unfortunately, many of these individuals lack familiarity with outdoor etiquette and unintentionally cause harm to the environment. Therefore, the question arises: How can we engage people with the land in a harmonious manner? A solution can be the use of a storytelling platform, centered around photography, to promote a visit that embodies the Visit With Respect principles.
Storytelling encompasses a dynamic exchange between a storyteller and one or multiple listeners. The reactions and engagement of the audience actively shape the way the story unfolds. This collaborative and coordinated process between the narrator and their audience gives rise to storytelling. Importantly, it does not establish an artificial divide between the speaker and the listeners.
Photographs capture moments, which can carry sentimental or influential significance. These images hold the power to profoundly affect what people observe and how they act. They serve as bridges that connect individuals across the globe, fostering friendships and paving new pathways. Photography possesses the ability to inspire and influence a wide range of people.
An application that enables users to access trial maps of Bears Ears National Monument. During their hike, the app will prompt users to pause, capture photos, and record audio that captures their unique experiences. These user-generated content pieces will then be shared with previous hikers, fostering a deeper connection to the environment and enhancing empathy through a slowed-down, immersive exploration.
Using the Bullet Canyon Trail as a case study, I analyzed most of the points of interest along the hike and created an empathy map to illustrate the journey a hiker would experience. This map highlights the level of engagement with the app in relation to the points of interest encountered throughout the trail.
As Bears Ears National Monument gains popularity, visitors sometimes harm the environment due to a lack of outdoor etiquette. I propose a photography-based storytelling platform to encourage respectful visits.
Intent is an app centered around photography-based storytelling, crafted to enrich the hiking experience in protected lands. Creating a safe and thought provoking experience.
I created the landing page by drawing inspiration from the Friends of Cedar Mesas website. I replicated their color scheme and font to design a logo and user interface. The concept behind the logo was to seamlessly blend elements of the outdoors with a connection to mapping or hiking.
The homepage enables users to discover nearby hikes tailored to their location and also explore hikes globally for future trips. Users have the option to refine their search by applying filters like difficulty level, hike distance, point-to-point routes, and more.
Upon selecting a hike, users can access comprehensive details about the trail. This includes a brief historical description and other relevant information. Users can see reviews from previous hikers, along with star ratings, details on distance, elevation gain, and an estimated time required to complete the hike. Additionally, users have the option to download the hike, ensuring the map functionality remains accessible even in areas with low reception.
Once the hike starts, the app continuously tracks the user's progress, visually displaying their location on the trail through a map. Users have the flexibility to pause and resume the tracking at their convenience, ensuring accurate data recording during breaks. Throughout the hike, users receive real-time stats on their progress, including remaining distance, remaining time, speed, elevation gain, and additional details.
At designated locations or points of interest along the trail, users will receive notifications prompting them to pause and reflect on their experience. This feature encourages users to form a personal connection with these specific locations, enhancing their overall engagement and creating a more intimate and meaningful experience with the landscape.
Upon selecting "continue," users are prompted to capture a photo of anything they find noteworthy. Photographs have the power to encapsulate moments that hold sentimental or impactful significance. The art of photography serves as a potent tool in storytelling and fostering connections.
Following the photograph, users are prompted to create a voice recording, delving into more detail about their personal experience. This allows them to establish a deeper connection with the landscape and articulate the connection between their surroundings and the photograph they've just taken.
Finally, users can share their experience on the platform, unlocking the ability to access and listen to the narratives of those who have been at the same hike location in the past. Only after sharing their own encounter can users engage with the experiences of others.
Intent marked my initiation into app development, sparking my enthusiasm for UI/UX and human-centered design. Although the project was well-supported by extensive research involving discussions with the Education Director of Friends of Cedar Mesa, there was limited user testing on the application itself - a huge missed opportunity. Despite this, I gained valuable feedback during the final presentation and implemented notable changes before featuring it in my portfolio.
What would I do differently?
Initially, I lacked awareness of feasibility and constraints, leading me to attempt the incorporation of every feature idea for the app. Moving forward, my approach involves conducting user testing and maintaining constant communication with the target audience and engineers throughout the design process. This ensures informed design decisions that align with real-world constraints.