Overview
Collaborating with Mountain Equipment Coop (MEC) and B.C. Parks, design a web-based tool (app) to increase the interest in camping, increase MEC membership and sales, and reduce the barrier of entry into the world of camping.
Personas
It was important to find who the user would be. Aside from putting a face to a name, it is equally important to note the user’s experience, attitudes, behaviours- this allows the web app to cater to the user needs.
Developing the personas
To find the personas, there was a combination of phone and in-person surveys. By using first-hand information, it was possible to gather the users actual experience versus a generic response from unknown sources. Through a physical interaction, it was possible to understand the user’s attitudes and feelings through their tone and body language. This played a crucial component of prioritizing the design features.
The Results
Persona Summary:
From the research, a polar opposite of personas were discovered. On one end, we have the “wild childs” that are extremely familiar with the mechanics of camping. On the other end, we have the “urban junglers” that only live and breathe within metropolises. However, both users were very technologically educated and were very comfortable using technology.
Designing for the User
Now that know users are identified, it is time to design for them. However, as the personas above show, there is a massive gap in experience between the users.
Designing for the differences
The initial attempt was to create an all-in-one camping app. This would include a variety of encompanying tools such beginner guide to expert challenges. However, through a second round of user questioning, the results were a disaster. Users were unsure which category they would fall under which led to dissuasion of using the app in the first place. Furthermore, with everyone having different background and experiences, it was to categorize topics.
Designing for the similarities
Through a second rework, the entire perspective was flipped; instead of encompassing all users, we should design based on what encompasses all users. To break that down, we began to design what both users had in common, where both users felt frustrated. Upon reviewing the interview notes and project goals, there was a difficulty and barrier of entry to the planning process. Thus, the camp booker concept was born.
Design Goals
Prototype Design Process
User Flow
Before building any prototype, a top-level birds-eye-view is mandatory. This documentation not only determines what needs to be made, but how each screen needs to be connected.
Drafting in low fidelity
Paper, pencil, pen, markers, and a whole lot of grit
Before emersing in making a full scale prototype, a paper prototype is a crucial element. These sketches are the first translation of ideas into actual design. It is at this stage where we begin the incorporation of the user flow into the actual design
Designing in Medium Fidelity
Finally into Invision
And alas, the final product is created. By importing the sketch file into Invision and adding the necessary hotspots, the prototype was completed. Below is just a sample of the final product
For the full website visit: https://invis.io/S85WQLMKF
Integration Results
Developing into the pre-existing website and function was a difficult challenge. However, through a 2am brainstorm session, the solution became apparent: integrate at points of intersection. Going back into the user flow, find areas in which the user will have interaction either between MEC or the MEC Community
The Results
The Shopping Cart
Using the MEC Share as an example, it shows that MEC already has a system for non-store items. By converting the campsite booking into a unique-code product, it can be added into the shopping cart and ultimately, purchasable.
The Review System
During the interview, many experienced users chose their campsite based on word of mouth. As a result, it was vital to have an active review function within the web app. However, keeping the reviews current is a stressful problem. Thus, the review point system was born. Everytime a user leaves a review, they can be rated by others as helpful or not helpful. These ratings are then converted into review points. Upon reaching a certain amount of review points, MEC will reward the user with additional MEC shares. This allows the user to later redeem these shares for gift certificates. Having this sy
Forward
MEC is a community. By extending this app to include a social platform, this will allow the app to integrate this aspect of the company.
Other integrations can also include development of the gear swap system into the camp booker. Although, this allows users to bond further into the community as well as reduce the price barrier of entry into camping.