Always know the best time to explore!
Role: UX/UI Designer
Mar - June 2022
Tools: Figma
Overview
We rate the weather so you know if you are good to go!
KNOW WHEN IT'S SAFE
Safety mode readouts let you know if weather conditions are hazardous so you can plan for the worst.
STAY COMFORTABLE
Comfort mode readouts help you find the optimum times to hike for maximum enjoyment.
GET A WEEKEND PICK
We compare weekend days and pick a winner so you know the best day to go.
Problem Space
Planning an outdoor adventure can be easy.
Knowing how the weather will be like is the problem.
Research
Findings
What's wrong with current weather apps?
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The weather changes very rapidly, and even the most reliable computer models are prone to error and inconsistencies.
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The apps do not take geography or microclimates into account and have problems forecasting for snow and thunderstorms.
What's wrong with current hiking apps?
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Hiking apps lack user input which could avoid hiking accidents. Statistics indicate that, historically, at least 50% of rescues are due to, in one way or another, hikers’ inexperience with their own physical limitations, the weather, or important equipment. - NPS
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Unfortunately, many difficulty ratings in hiking apps are presented without any explanation, which means they end up being largely subjective.
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Generalized weather conditions in hiking apps can also be dangerous. While it may be above freezing and sunny at the trailhead, at elevation a route might be significantly colder, with poor visibility or snow.
According to the Interviewers, these are their common struggles:
Microweather
Inaccurate
Conditions
Not Personalized
Wish there were fog weather conditions
General weather, instead of the hike location.
Feels like weather with freeze also not available
Visibility in different elevations are not available
Unreliable weather apps!
It's 80º but in nature its 72º
Chances of rain are given for the entire city. Not by my true location
Wind makes a lot of difference in weather, yet this info is often hidden
Dry/humidity makes for hotter days - warnings should be in place
I wish I could get personal hiking suggestions
It would be nice to have my heat and cold tolerance applied
Suggestions for a good day to hike and locations near me
My personal input taken into account for my own safety
Insights
Why is this problem worth solving?
Project
Solution
Know the weather before you go!
Your Comfort and Safety should always be on the touch of your hands.
Competitive Analysis
OpenWeatherMap
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Highly reported inaccurate weather predictions.
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Helpful stats, graphics, and this day in history charts are available for your reference.
Dark Sky
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Only available for iOS users and there is no free version.
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Just a couple of taps allows you to learn much more about your weather location.
AccuWeather
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Missing some of the advanced features like being able to see the weather at varying altitudes
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The hourly forecast provides enough info for planning most hikes or walks.
OpenSummit
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The locations are limited and specific. You can’t necessarily see a neighborhood park forecast you wish to visit.
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The hourly data is color-coded to make it easy to digest the info at a glance.
User Exploration
User Flow
Personas
App Flow
Wireframes
& Prototyping
User Location evolution
Weather & Trail Report evolution
Lo-fi wireframe:
User
Testing
A
Search > Favorites
A
Daily Weather signifiers
B
Maps > Favorites
B
Subtle daily weather signifiers
Final Design
Figma Prototype
Design System
Future Steps
- Develop*
- Elaborate new changes with more user testings
- Implement images from user comments/reports
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Coming soon to your App Store!
* Already under development
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My takeaway
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Communication is Key!
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Not all of your ideas and designs will come into development. Business is business!
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Learned through each iteration and discussion planning
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Trust your intuitions! Users will have the final say.
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My internship with Hiker's Weather thought me many things. I truly am thankful to have worked in such a complex app development from a pdf idea to App Store ready. With this opportunity I was able to gather real life experience and polish my skills set in the field.
Thank you!