Company University of Colorado Boulder
Role
UX Researcher, designer
Tools
Figma, Photoshop, Illustrator
In Colorado, where outdoor adventure is a way of life, natural beauty attracts millions of sports enthusiasts every year, from locals to tourists. Mountain biking, specifically, is a hugely popular sport in the hills and mountains of the state. However, the challenge of accessing these experiences can sometimes diminish the overall enjoyment. In all seriousness, going downhill is the fun part. Whether due to physical limitations or a lack of time, climbing back up a slope can be impossible or make the experience less exciting.
To explore the feasibility of providing a solution and assess the marketability of this concept, we interviewed mountain bikers and bike shop owners in the foothills of Boulder, CO, and researched backend app solutions. Our goal was to create a prototype of a mountain biking shuttle application that would enhance the overall experience for riders and lower the barrier of entry to this growing market.
To address this issue, we set out to provide a convenient and reliable shuttle service designed to enhance the outdoor sports experience, making it easier and more appealing for people to engage in these activities. As more people seek out experiences that connect them with nature and challenge their physical limits, the demand for services that streamline these experiences is increasing.
Research overview
User Interview Findings
The research aimed to gauge the interest level in a mountain biking Uber-style app among various demographics of mountain bikers. For this study we recruited 30 mountain bikers in the Colorado Foothill area from ages 16-65.
Conducted through short interviews during mountain biking outings, the study sought to understand potential users' willingness to use such a service, which would offer shuttle rides to mountain biking trails. Respondents were categorized by age groups and their interest levels were noted as either "Yes," "No," or "Conditional."
Demographic:
Age: 18-40 years old
Gender: Predominantly Male
Interests:
Individuals who enjoy riding with friends
Those who prefer downhill sessions without the uphill pedaling
Behaviors:
Regular participants in downhill mountain biking
Seek convenience in transportation to easily access mountain trails
Needs:
Desire for a hassle-free way to reach the top of mountain trails
Want to maximize time spent on downhill sessions
Value the convenience of on-demand shuttling services
Motivations:
Interested in recreating a bike park experience at local trail systems
Value efficient and easy-to-use transportation solutions for downhill mountain biking
Conducted through short interviews during mountain biking outings, the study sought to understand potential users' willingness to use such a service, which would offer shuttle rides to mountain biking trails. Respondents were categorized by age groups and their interest levels were noted as either "Yes," "No," or "Conditional."
Demographic:
Age: 18-40 years old
Gender: Predominantly Male
Interests:
Individuals who enjoy riding with friends
Those who prefer downhill sessions without the uphill pedaling
Behaviors:
Regular participants in downhill mountain biking
Seek convenience in transportation to easily access mountain trails
Needs:
Desire for a hassle-free way to reach the top of mountain trails
Want to maximize time spent on downhill sessions
Value the convenience of on-demand shuttling services
Motivations:
Interested in recreating a bike park experience at local trail systems
Value efficient and easy-to-use transportation solutions for downhill mountain biking
We conducted research on the backend infrastructure necessary to create a fully functional taxi and shuttle service tailored for outdoor sports enthusiasts. This research involved a deep dive into the data management and API integrations that are crucial for building a reliable and user-friendly platform.
Diving into the data and API resources of modern taxi apps such as Uber and synthesizing with our specific need of mountain biking trail beginnings and ends as well as parking lots in remote locations, we settled on the utilization of four main APIs.
Google S2 Library:
-Decomposes the earth into units of squares
-Used for sectioning areas of taxi drivers and potential customers
Google Maps API:
-Determine time between riders and customers
-Calculate path to pick-up and to drop-off
Trailforks API:
-Database of mountain biking trails, their starting point and ending point
-Nearest parking lot
-Time it takes from start to finish of a trail, as well as difficulty
-Popularity of routes
Kaftka API:
-Handling, processing, monitoring, and communicating data from sources
Google S2 Library:
-Decomposes the earth into units of squares
-Used for sectioning areas of taxi drivers and potential customers
Google Maps API:
-Determine time between riders and customers
-Calculate path to pick-up and to drop-off
Trailforks API:
-Database of mountain biking trails, their starting point and ending point
-Nearest parking lot
-Time it takes from start to finish of a trail, as well as difficulty
-Popularity of routes
Kaftka API:
-Handling, processing, monitoring, and communicating data from sources
Design Overview
Our brand and iconography were developed with the grassroots and counter-culture of street and outdoor athletics in mind, paying homage to the origins of mountain biking. With this inspiration, combined with a modern and clean design approach, we created iconography and branding that explore arrows to represent the riders being transported up and down the trails, as well as tree and branch-like elements to honor the natural landscape.
Our graphics and photography were also designed with the intention of being featured in zines and posters, allowing us to promote our brand in a tangible, non-digital way.
Our graphics and photography were also designed with the intention of being featured in zines and posters, allowing us to promote our brand in a tangible, non-digital way.
App Development
Our goal with the design of the app was to appeal to the “call to the outdoor”, while providing a logical and simple user interface that users are familiar with.
By making the app visually appealing and easy to use, we enhance the overall user experience, encouraging repeat use and building a loyal user base. This approach ensures that the app is both functional and enjoyable, making it an essential companion for outdoor adventures.
The interface is designed to be both visually engaging and straightforward, ensuring that even those new to the app can easily navigate through the booking process. By balancing the excitement of outdoor adventure with a clean, user-friendly design, we sought to make the app not only a tool for convenience but also an extension of the outdoor lifestyle our users embrace.
By making the app visually appealing and easy to use, we enhance the overall user experience, encouraging repeat use and building a loyal user base. This approach ensures that the app is both functional and enjoyable, making it an essential companion for outdoor adventures.
The interface is designed to be both visually engaging and straightforward, ensuring that even those new to the app can easily navigate through the booking process. By balancing the excitement of outdoor adventure with a clean, user-friendly design, we sought to make the app not only a tool for convenience but also an extension of the outdoor lifestyle our users embrace.