Recreation.gov App Redesign
UI/UX Design
This Redesign for Recreation.gov was an assignment given to me as a Graphic Design student taking interaction design at California Polytechnic University. I was the only student working on this project with strict deadlines and limited resources.
Rec.gov?
Recreation.gov is an online platform, run by the federal government, that many nature lovers use to find and reserve campsites across the United States. Users can review and upload pictures of their experience, as well as pay for campsites on the platform. An application version of the platform is offered on both IOS and Android store
Problem Statement
The problem with the current Recreation.gov application is that, despite a recent major redesign aimed at meeting user needs, the process of reserving a campsite remains confusing and stressful for users. Additionally, the application's UI lacks personality and contributes to the confusion users experience when attempting to complete their desired task. These issues have resulted in a poor user experience and have likely led to user frustration, decreased engagement, and lost business opportunities. Therefore, our UX team has identified the need to address these issues and improve the overall user experience of the Recreation.gov application.
User Interview
To better understand the flaws in the Recreation.gov application, I conducted user research by interviewing frequent users. Through the interview process, I was able to identify several pain points commonly experienced by users. One significant issue was the challenge of finding a desirable campsite, only to discover that it was unavailable for their intended weekend stay. This resulted in frustration and wasted time for users. Additionally, I found that the task flow for reserving a campsite was long and complex, leading to a higher possibility of user error and further frustration. These issues identified through our user research highlight the need for a more streamlined and user-friendly reservation process in the Recreation.gov application, in order to improve the overall user experience and increase user satisfaction.
User wants/needs:
Reserve a campsite
Apply for hiking permits
Share permit and campsite reservations
User does NOT want/need:
Finding a campsite and learning that it is unavailable for the date he has selected
Lacking in functionality in locations without service, considering many NP do not have cell service
Design with Personality
In the redesign of the Recreation.gov application, I recognized the need to update the interface to improve its overall aesthetic appeal and create a more engaging user experience. The previous interface felt outdated and lacked personality, so I chose to incorporate a new color scheme to create a more modern and naturalistic feel. I selected a dark green background combined with yellow and white text to provide a familiar and inviting experience for nature lovers. This color palette was inspired by the National Geographic graphics, which are well known for their beautiful depictions of the natural world. By incorporating a similar color scheme, I aimed to create a cohesive and visually appealing experience for users, while also improving the usability of the application. Overall, my redesign of the interface has resulted in a more engaging and aesthetically pleasing user experience for Recreation.gov users.
New Task Flow
The previous task flow in the Recreation.gov application had several issues, including complexity and a high possibility for user error and frustration. In my redesign of the application, I made it a priority to simplify the task flow and make it more user-friendly. The new task flow is now shorter and simpler, allowing users to navigate from screen to screen faster and with less effort. Additionally, I added a feature on the home screen where users can select the dates they plan to visit, and the application will filter out campsites that are unavailable during those dates. This change has made it easier for users to find available campsites and decreased the likelihood of wasted time and frustration. Overall, my redesign of the task flow has resulted in a more streamlined and user-friendly experience for Recreation.gov users.
Old task flow
New task flow
Filters
Recognizing that not all campsites are created equal, my redesign of the Recreation.gov application includes a new feature that allows users to filter campsites based on their specific needs and preferences. For example, users can now filter campsites based on whether they are family-friendly and have restrooms and running water, or whether they are only accessible via off-road trails. This added functionality ensures that users can easily find a campsite that meets their unique needs and desires, improving the overall user experience of the application. By providing this feature, I hope to make the process of finding and reserving a campsite on Recreation.gov more efficient and personalized for all users.
