I believe that addressing the navigation issue that currently exists on the Ringling College campus can be achieved through the development of a simple and user-friendly app.
This is the app that I designed and pitched for a client-sponsored project. The project was selected among several competitive teams and currently, it is being under development for future use on campus!
Tools
Hanna Kazeka
Team
Figma, Adobe Photoshop
Timeline
September 2022 - Current
Address and find a solution to an existing problem that students face on the campus of Ringling College of Art and Design.
Brief
In this project, I tackled the navigation challenges faced by students and visitors at Ringling College of Art and Design. Despite the addition of new buildings on campus since the last update in 2019, the existing map remained outdated and user-unfriendly. To address this issue, I conceptualized and designed a multifunctional navigation app catering to both students and visitors.
Problem
Goals
Improve the existing Ringling College of Art and Design campus navigation system to address challenges faced by students and visitors.
Create an intuitive and accessible navigation app, catering to the needs of both students and visitors for seamless use.
Conceptualize and design a navigation app with diverse functionalities to enhance the overall campus experience for users.
Develop a navigation app that accurately reflects changes in the campus layout, especially with new buildings, ensuring up-to-date wayfinding information.
Solution
Research
I conducted a survey at Ringling College of Art and Design to identify navigation challenges faced by students, professors/staff, and visitors due to campus growth. The aim was to gather insights into existing tools' effectiveness and gather recommendations for improvement. The survey informed the development of a multifunctional navigation app tailored to diverse user needs, ensuring it aligns with the community's preferences and addresses real-world navigation issues.
1. Rate your overall experience with navigating the Ringling College of Art and Design campus on a scale from 1 to 10.
4.5
Average Rating:
3. Are you aware of any existing navigation tools or maps provided by the college? If yes, how satisfied are you with the current navigation tools?
2. How frequently do you find yourself needing assistance with campus navigation?
4. Have you faced challenges or difficulties using the current campus navigation tools or maps? Please share specific instances or issues you've encountered while navigating the campus.
5. What features do you consider essential in a campus navigation app?
6. Are there specific functionalities you wish a navigation app would have?
7. How often do you refer to the existing campus map?
8. What improvements, if any, would you suggest for the current map?
9. If you're a visitor, how easy was it for you to navigate the campus during your visit?
10. What information or features would be valuable for visitors in a campus navigation app?
11. How would you rate the accessibility of current navigation tools for individuals with disabilities?
12. What features would you recommend to enhance accessibility?
Users rate their overall experience with campus navigation at an average of 4.5, indicating room for improvement.
Common challenges include difficulty finding specific buildings (39%) and outdated map information (37%).
A majority (64%) are aware of existing navigation tools, but satisfaction levels vary, suggesting potential gaps in the current solutions.
Insights
Opportunities
Incorporate augmented reality for navigation, emergency alerts, and integration with public transportation to meet diverse user needs.
Address user concerns by implementing regular map updates, clearer building labels, and the inclusion of landmarks for improved orientation.
Integrate voice-guided navigation, wheelchair-accessible routes, and visual/audio cues to enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Personas
Tony is a sophomore majoring in Graphic Design. She's tech-savvy and always on the go, balancing classes, projects, and extracurricular activities.
Background:
Tony Harrison
Goals:
Efficiently navigate campus, stay organized with class schedules and project deadlines, and discover new places on campus.
Challenges:
Limited knowledge of building locations and frequently changing class schedules.
Dr. Marilyn Martinez
Dr. Martinez is a tenured professor in the Computer Animation department. She values punctuality and wants to provide students with the best learning experience.
Background:
Goals:
Quickly find classrooms and lecture halls, access real-time class schedules, and receive emergency notifications if necessary.
Challenges:
Balancing research, teaching, and departmental responsibilities, and ensuring a smooth class transition between different locations.
Sarah Thompson
Sarah is a prospective student visiting the campus for a tour. She's excited about joining the college but is unfamiliar with the campus layout.
Background:
Easily locate admissions and visitor center, navigate between different departments, and learn about campus events.
Goals:
Challenges:
Lack of familiarity with the campus, potential anxiety about getting lost, and the need for information on campus attractions.