State Park Recreation Accessibility
Mobile App & Responsive Website, December 2022
3 weeks | UX Designer & Researcher
Overview
Each year, Minnesota State Parks receive over 9 million visitors. State parks are open to all but have difficulties attracting some groups of people, including those with limited mobility. The current website is hard to navigate for those who want to find outdoor accessibility resources. This project shows a more robust outdoor recreation accessibility section so users can find information easily.
THE PROBLEM
Users with unique mobility needs want to find information about outdoor accessibility such as trail information, campsites, and other opportunities easily. The current website is difficult to navigate and gives users very little information to help them plan ahead when visiting State parks.
THE SOLUTION
The responsive website and mobile app designs include easy to find information about outdoor recreation accessibility features at State parks. The information is easier to find compared to the current State Park website. Users interviewed feel more excited to plan their outdoor adventures.
Research
PERSONAS
To better understand users needs in regards to accessibility within State parks, I created two different personas to relate to users who would benefit from easier to access information.
COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
In this analysis, I reviewed two websites that had outdoor recreational accessibility information. Many state parks do not have easy to find accessibility features for users with mobility needs. The two websites that were audited offered some features that would be helpful for users.
Ideation
SKETCHES
Utilizing the crazy eights technique, I came up with many ideas that might work to help users find accessible outdoor recreational features.
Design
WIREFRAMES
Designs included more images with park contact information to help users find accessible recreation opportunities. After feedback, a trail link will be added to make it easier for users to find information.
LOW-FIDELITY PROTOTYPE
The low fidelity prototype leads users to find outdoor recreational accessibility information on the main page then to more details. When sharing this, I received feedback that more headings would help users navigate easier.
Testing
USABILITY STUDY
FINDINGS
The usability study was conducted with five participants that all have visited State Parks. Some participants had mobility concerns. The study was moderated with two activity prompts looking for trail maps. Participants were remote. Sessions were approximately 30 minutes in length.
Reflection
DESIGN ADJUSTMENTS
After the feedback and the usability study, headings were included to create clear hierarchy to help the users. Users also wanted maps to download, so a link was added. When shared with peers, the feedback included links back to additional maps found on the main State park website.
HIGH-FIDELITY PROTOTYPES
The high-fidelity prototype allows users to view information about state parks with accessible trail maps. The downloadable map link was added after the usability study. Feedback from peers was that contact information should be in the mobile app instead of an additional click.
ACCESSIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS
Designs need to be accessible by a variety of users. These are a few things I considered when creating the design. I want to continue to adjust the design to ensure access for all.
NEXT STEPS & TAKEAWAYS
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Closely check accessibility of the design to ensure access for all by consulting WCAG.
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Review the user flow for the other sections of the website and mobile app to make sure the user experience is consistent with positive experiences from the usability studies conducted.
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Explore the possibility of reserving accessible equipment via the website or mobile app to use at the various state parks.
“This design of accessibility information in the state parks is so much easier than what is currently available. This feels like the accessibility of outdoor recreation is for everyone and is not something that is added-on but truly part of the experience within the state parks.”
- Jeanne, Usability study participant
Note: This project was an unsolicited redesign of the current Minnesota State Parks website.
