BACK TO WORK
SKYGUIDE
PRODUCT CASE STUDYSkyguide takes the stress out of travel. Using LED and Bluetooth tech, this app helps its users pre-plan, navigate, and enjoy the airport experience.
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THE PROBLEM
The airport industry is a massive market worth a total of $158 Billion. It is comprised of 41,700 airports all over the world, and 853M travelers each year. However exciting and beautiful the destination is, the airport experience is far from that. Around 90% of the population state that the airport experience is stressful.
Forbes magazine conducted a study on travelers in Britain. Based on their surveys, people experience the most stress during major navigation checkpoints inside the internal airport. (Check-in, Security, & Getting to the gate). So I targeted those major areas with the SkyGuide app.
According to Forbes, people also spend around 1 hour and 20 minutes inside of the airport each time they travel, and if that entire experience is stressful, something must be done.
In order to alleviate stress and help users navigate a confusing airport, I created Sky Guide – An airport wayfinding application that uses augmented reality tech and LEB location tracking to provide its users with interactive airport maps, a self-navigated system, and an AR camera translator.
Forbes magazine conducted a study on travelers in Britain. Based on their surveys, people experience the most stress during major navigation checkpoints inside the internal airport. (Check-in, Security, & Getting to the gate). So I targeted those major areas with the SkyGuide app.
According to Forbes, people also spend around 1 hour and 20 minutes inside of the airport each time they travel, and if that entire experience is stressful, something must be done.
In order to alleviate stress and help users navigate a confusing airport, I created Sky Guide – An airport wayfinding application that uses augmented reality tech and LEB location tracking to provide its users with interactive airport maps, a self-navigated system, and an AR camera translator.
THE CREATIVE BRIEF
Target Audience
Travelers who are around 15-75 years old and are afraid to fly because of the stress it causes, Business professionals who travel regularly, and those who are visiting foreign airports and cannot read the signage.
Tone
This application should be friendly, clean, and organized. It should be laid out in a way that caters to all ages so that anyone who needs it at the aiprort could use it to navigate.
Travelers who are around 15-75 years old and are afraid to fly because of the stress it causes, Business professionals who travel regularly, and those who are visiting foreign airports and cannot read the signage.
Tone
This application should be friendly, clean, and organized. It should be laid out in a way that caters to all ages so that anyone who needs it at the aiprort could use it to navigate.
FIELD RESEARCH
In order to learn about the pain points of my potential users, I contacted customer service at one of the busiest airports - Denver International Airport to figure out what kinds of things travelers are stressed about. It comes down to three aspects: The airport architecture, Large crowds and lines, & signage. I chose these three aspects to target as major problems my app would solve.
I strongly believe that conducting field research and interviews is the most effective approach to gather information on any given subject. As a designer, these interactions enable me to empathize with potential users of a product. In the case of SkyGuide, I engaged in conversations with a customer service representative at Denver International Airport, which happens to be one of the busiest airports globally. Through this insightful discussion, several significant factors contributing to the stress of airport travel were identified: Architecture, Population, and Signage.
I strongly believe that conducting field research and interviews is the most effective approach to gather information on any given subject. As a designer, these interactions enable me to empathize with potential users of a product. In the case of SkyGuide, I engaged in conversations with a customer service representative at Denver International Airport, which happens to be one of the busiest airports globally. Through this insightful discussion, several significant factors contributing to the stress of airport travel were identified: Architecture, Population, and Signage.
THE END USER
CAMERON WHITE | The Elderly User
Cameron White, a 72-year-old retired accountant, typically spends his days at home but occasionally ventures out on trips with his wife. However, Cameron faces several challenges: he struggles with directions, fears flying, and experiences limited mobility. As a senior citizen, Cameron is acutely aware of the stress associated with airport travel. He seeks a product that can assist him in planning his trips, mapping out routes, and navigating airports effectively.
USER FLOW
VISUAL INSPIRATION
Airport navigation is not a new concept. Many airport landscapes are currently tackling navigation issues through kiosk locations and employee communication. However, in many cases - the airport is poorly designed, crowded, and chaotic. A mobile application would alleviate this stress allowing the user to focus on where they need to go through their phone. I took inspiration fro existing kiosk screens, 3-dimensional maps, and navigation applications like google and apple maps.
Wireframes
All application visual research was gathered and put together into wireframes for each of the products (Mobile App, Desktop App, & Mirror Interfaces). I sketched wireframes by hand before bringing them onto the computer. During this phase, I focused on establishing text hierarchy, auto-layout groupings, and page grids and guidelines. For consistency, I designed each page with high detail for future reference.
THE MOBILE APP
The Skyguide application is broken down into four parts.
My Flight
Through the application, users can connect their travel information, and the app will automatically start navigating through their trip inside the airport.
Navigation
Using LEB navigation the app can track where you are located within the airport landscape. It can show you where you are on a linear map, and can navigate you through augmented reality as well.
Maps
For the purpose of understanding the landscape of an airport, users can view 3D maps of any airport before they arrive giving them more confidence to navigate through it.
Translator
When visiting a foreign airport, users encounter foreign signage. Users can scan and translate it through a special AR camera inside the application.
My Flight
Through the application, users can connect their travel information, and the app will automatically start navigating through their trip inside the airport.
Navigation
Using LEB navigation the app can track where you are located within the airport landscape. It can show you where you are on a linear map, and can navigate you through augmented reality as well.
Maps
For the purpose of understanding the landscape of an airport, users can view 3D maps of any airport before they arrive giving them more confidence to navigate through it.
Translator
When visiting a foreign airport, users encounter foreign signage. Users can scan and translate it through a special AR camera inside the application.
PRESENTATION
The Skyguide product application culminated in a final designed slide deck showcasing the ideas, work, and prototypes put into this project. A final 7-minute presentation was given in front of professors and colleagues.
