LA Zoo- Guide App
At-a-Glance
The LA Zoo, nestled in the Los Angeles hills, offers a unique blend of recreation and education, fostering an appreciation for wildlife through its exhibits. Housing over 2,200 creatures from more than 270 diverse species, including 58 endangered ones, it serves as a sanctuary for mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles. Our primary audience includes parents, visitors, and animal enthusiasts seeking an efficient, enriching journey through our zoo.
Problem
For first-time visitors and parents who are not familiar with the extensive layout and array of exhibits at the Los Angeles Zoo, the experience can often feel overwhelming. With so much to see and do, there is a common feeling of not being able to fully take advantage of everything the zoo has to offer.
👉 Moreover, the LA Zoo didn't have a platform to generate revenue and enrich the experience of their visitors.
Solution
Enhancing navigation and improving the efficiency of the experience is crucial to ensuring a fulfilling visit for all and to fostering an appreciation of wildlife and education. Develop a user-friendly app for the LA Zoo, empowering visitors to effortlessly plan their route and seamlessly order food, thus enhancing the overall experience and efficiency during their zoo visit.
🚀 The aim is to improve visitors' experiences by enabling easy navigation and food ordering.
Process
User Research
I conducted interviews and built empathy maps to better understand the needs of the users I designed for. A key user group found through the study was parents with children who are still reliant on them and want to keep them involved. The user group supported the original predictions about LA Zoo visitors, but it also found that involvement was not the only constraint restricting their ability to explore the zoo. User issues can occur due to animal interests, schedules, or barriers that hinder a smooth zoo visit for children.
Sketches
Creating paper versions for each screen of the app ensured that the elements used in digital wireframes effectively addressed user pain points. I prioritized route alternatives on the route planning screen to save users time and provide guidance on where to start.
Stars indicate elements of each sketch that would be used in the initial digital wireframes.
Wireframes & Prototypes
The low-fidelity prototype connects the key user flow of creating a path across the zoo, allowing the prototype to be used in usability research with users.
Usability Study
I conducted two rounds of usability testing. The initial research results influenced the design process, including wireframes and mock-ups. The second method used a high-fidelity prototype to demonstrate which aspects of the mock-ups needed to be improved.
Major Design Interactions
Iteration 1: Option to opt out and do my own thing
Only a few individuals want to check out plants, birds, and go shopping. Making users go through every page of activities, even if they have the option to skip, can be boring. To improve this design, I added an option for the user to decide the activities they wish to participate in. From there, they will only see those screens.
Iteration 2: No one likes long lists
Users noticed that lists take up too much time when selecting species and planning a path around the zoo. To improve the design, I decided to include an "Add" button so that when people search for an animal, they can easily add it to their route directly from the animal profile.
Iteration 3: Sometimes people just like ready-made things
People often only know if a location has an app once they arrive. As a result, it allows users to select from a premade route instead of having to create one while at the zoo, which is a useful choice for retaining users.
Final Design
⏰Prototype Coming Soon!
Product Successes 🎉
The LA Zoo app demonstrates the park's commitment to visitor satisfaction. It improves the zoo experience by providing interactive maps and real-time notifications. Users are valued and cared for, which improves their journey and creates a lasting impression.
One quote from peer feedback:
“The app makes it easy for first-time Zoo visitors to get around and even for parents who need to keep their little ones on a schedule. I would totally use this app the next time I visit the zoo.”
What I Learned 🌿
While developing the LA Zoo app, I realized that the initial ideas just scratched the surface. The iterative design process, fueled by usability tests and peer feedback, is critical to shaping each app iteration. These reviews guarantee that the app evolves to meet and surpass user expectations, providing an engaging interface that improves their experience at the Los Angeles Zoo.