Tomo App & Smartwatch
Overview
The project focuses on creating a real-time safety and wayfinding system for beginner to early-intermediate skiers and snowboarders who are navigating big or unknown resorts. The concept focuses on skill-based navigation, real-time guidance, group coordination, and safety support compared to current apps which promote performance tracking.
Role
UX/ UI Designer
Scope
UX/ Research & Prototype
Timeline
9 Weeks
Tools
Figma
Illustrator
Photoshop
Google Forms
Problem
Given that ski resorts are complex environments, post-activity performance tracking is the primary focus of current digital tools. Beginner skiers or snowboarders, often feel overwhelmed by trail maps, find it difficult to understand run difficulty beyond color ratings, become separated from friends on group trips, and lack easy access to safety equipment.
Goal
To develop a real-time navigation and safety experience that enables skiers and snowboarders, especially beginners who have trouble with trail navigation, run difficulty, and group coordination, to make confident and smart choices while on the mountain.
Strategy
This project uses a user-centered design approach that emphasizes real-time decision-making and an understanding of beginner needs. After conducting research to find gaps in existing ski apps, a specific target user was identified, and safety, clarity, and usability were given priority over performance statistics. Features were created specifically to eliminate user confusion and anxiety while on the slopes.
Research & Insights
User interviews paragraph… what I did.
Suvrey Analysis
Out of 35 user research survey participants, when asked this multiple-selection question, "If you were skiing or snowboarding, which features would be most useful to you? Select up to 3." These are the final results for all experience levels, ranging from first-time rider to expert, all within the age range of under 18 to 54.
The data was then further analyzed and organized into three primary user groups: beginners, intermediates, and individuals who are interested in trying snowboarding or skiing for the first time. Through the survey results we were able to focus on what features they would find most useful within the app according to individual needs.
Competitive Analysis
App
Slopes
Pros
Automatic tracking with detailed stats, including distance, speed, duration, etc. Analyzes your progress and displays personal records.
Interactive maps and live location sharing with friends.
Allows you to replay your day on the slopes with 3D technology.
Cons
Requires premium for majority of features.
Only provides end-of-day performance statistics
Users have reported that the run detection feature doesn't pick up their progress and reports inaccurate statistics.
App
OnTheSnow
Pros
Daily snow reports, including snow depth, recent snowfall, and overall resort conditions.
Detailed resort-specific weather forecasts.
Access to resort webcams to check live conditions.
View and upload photos of resort conditions.
Compare conditions between multiple different resorts.
Cons
Users have reported that the interface can be extremely busy and distracting with advertisements and external links.
Snow conditions don't update regularly or quick enough and users find this feature inaccurate.
App
Snonav
Pros
In-ear navigation with audio cues for directions.
Choose and plan your route.
Real-time updates on which lifts and trails are operating.
View group location and set meet-up spots.
Download maps and get navigation without cell service.
Siri activation.
Cons
Need headphones for the audio navigation.
Subscription fee, even though it's advertised as free.
Limited resorts offered.
Users complain that they can’t get in contact with customer support.
Decreases battery life faster.
User Persona
Process
01 - User Research
Conduct user research to better understand beginner and intermediate skier and snowboarder needs.
02 - Competitive Analysis
Complete a competitive analysis of existing ski and snowboard apps.
03 - Conduct Primary Research
Create and distribute a Google Form to collect survey responses about navigation challenges, safety concerns, and group skiing and snowboarding experiences.
04 - Survey Analysis
Analyze survey results and prioritize features that solve current user pain points and map user flows.
05 - Brand Identity
Develop the brand identity, including the brand name, tagline, logo design, logo variations, and visual direction
06 - UI Style Guide
Establish a visual style guide, including colour palette, typography, and accessibility considerations for outdoor use. Taking into consideration a day and night mode
07 - Low-Fidelity Wireframes
Create paper prototypes and get peer feedback on various display sizes. As well as develop low-fidelity wireframes for the mobile app and smartwatch.
08 - User Testing
Conduct user testing with the app prototype and make iterations by implementing feedback and findings.
09 - High-Fidelity Prototype
Design high-fidelity UI screens and interactive prototypes for both the mobile app and smartwatch
Branding
Coming soon…
Tomo is currently a work in progress and will continue to be updated as the project progresses,
