Research

This is a case study with a purpose of creating an app for individuals who enjoy hiking.

Persona

Name: Sarah Thompson

Age: 27

Location: Denver, Colorado

Occupation: Data analyst

Background and Demographics: Sarah loves to go on walks and explore different forests. She is always open to explore nearby hiking trails during weekends.

Goals and Motivations:

1.Exploration and Adventure: Sarah seeks new and exciting hiking trails to discover and explore.

2.Fitness and Well-being: She values physical fitness and sees hiking as a way to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

3.Stress Relief: Hiking provides Sarah with a much-needed break from her demanding job and allows her to unwind and connect with nature.

4.Social Connection: While she enjoys solo hikes, Sarah also values opportunities to connect with other outdoor enthusiasts, share experiences, and potentially meet like-minded individuals.

Challenges and Pain Points:

1.Limited Local Knowledge: Sarah often struggles to find new and lesser-known hiking locations beyond the popular trails.

2.Time Constraints: Sarah's demanding work schedule limits her availability for longer hikes, so she seeks information on trails that can be completed within a few hours.

3.Seasonal Variations: She needs to know about trail conditions during different seasons, including weather updates, trail maintenance, and closures due to environmental factors.

Target Audience: Outdoor Enthusiasts

Demographics:

1. Age: 25-55 years

2. Gender: All genders

3. Geographic Location: Hiking-friendly regions or areas with accessible trails

4.Education: Varied educational backgrounds

Psychographics:

1.Interest in Outdoor Activities: They have a genuine passion for outdoor activities, especially hiking and exploring nature.

2.Fitness Enthusiasts: They prioritize physical fitness and are interested in engaging in activities that offer both exercise and adventure.

3. Nature Lovers: They appreciate the beauty of nature and seek opportunities to immerse themselves in natural environments.

4.Tech-Savvy: They are comfortable using smartphones and mobile apps to enhance their outdoor experiences.

5. Socially Conscious: They have an environmental consciousness and are interested in sustainable practices such as Leave No Trace principles.

Behaviors:

1.Active Lifestyle: They frequently engage in physical activities and actively seek opportunities for adventure and exploration.

2.Travelers and Explorers: They enjoy discovering new places, including hiking trails, both within their local area and when traveling to new destinations.

3.Socially Engaged: They are open to connecting with other outdoor enthusiasts, sharing their experiences, and seeking recommendations for trails and outdoor gear.

4.Regular Hikers: They have a habit of hiking regularly, often on weekends or during their leisure time.

5.Goal-Oriented: They set personal goals related to hiking, such as completing a certain number of trails or reaching specific milestones in terms of difficulty or distance.

Key Needs and Pain Points:

1.Trail discovery: They want to explore different trails and would like to be made aware of popular trails.

2.Trail Reviews and Ratings: They rely on user-generated content and reviews to assess the quality and popularity of hiking trails.

3.Trail Recommendations: They appreciate personalized recommendations based on their preferences, fitness level, and location.

Mood Journey map

1. Anticipation:

·User opens the hiking app in anticipation of a hiking adventure.

·Excitement and eagerness builds up.

2. Exploration and Inspiration:

·User navigates to the "Explore" section of the app.

·Scrolling through stunning photos of various hiking trails evokes positive emotions and curiosity.

 3. Planning and Enthusiasm:

·User selects a specific trail based on their mood and preferences.

·Choosing a trail difficulty level aligns with the user's energy and determination for the day.

4. Immersion and Joy:

· On the day of the hike, the user starts the journey using the app's navigation.

·As the user walks amidst nature's splendor, feelings of joy emerge.

6. Achievement and Empowerment:

· Reaching a scenic viewpoint or a challenging summit triggers a sense of accomplishment.

7. Reflection and Gratitude:

· Pausing at a serene spot, the user captures photos and notes using the app.

· Sharing these reflections with the app's community fosters a sense of mindfulness and mindfulness.

9. Anticipation for Future Adventures:

· The app provides recommendations for future hikes based on the user's mood and interests.

· A sense of excitement and anticipation for the next adventure begins to build once again.

10. Ongoing Connection:

·The user remains engaged with the app's community.

·Sharing photos, stories, and advice from the hike sustains a sense of connection to fellow hikers.

Logo Design

The logo itself connects a path with mountains to specify a journey through nature.

Green color is used also to connect with nature.

App layout

App layout is simple and easy to use due to the fact that while hiking a complicated layout can be problematic and life threatening. It can cause panic and stress.

Sign up Screen

Explore Screen

Here hikers can share pictures from their hike and build a sense of community. The layout is similar to famous social media apps for the sense of familiarity for the user.

Profile Screen

Here you can view your hiking progress and see the different trails you have completed.

Checklist Screen

Here, you can add the items that you need for your hike. you can check/uncheck items and also include more.

Map Screen

The user can access maps which is similar to google maps as many users must already use it. The user can easily select nearby trails and start hiking.

Rough App Workflow

A mid process workflow of the app.

Social Media Marketing

Instagram posts and animation.