RideAR
CYCLING SYSTEM (Mobile App - Cycling Goggles)
Method
Lean UX
Role
UX / UI
Research & Design
Date
April 2022
Screens
40+
Hours
165+
Tools
_svg.png){kind=small}
_svg.png){kind=small}
Introduction
Cycling is a popular mode of transportation, exercise, and recreation worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 3.2 billion people around the world cycle for transportation or leisure, making it one of the most popular physical activities globally.
RideAR is a pioneering project aimed at revolutionizing the cycling experience for adults through the development of a mobile application and Augmented Reality (AR) smart cycling goggles. By addressing key challenges such as safety concerns, navigation difficulties, and social connectivity issues, RideAR seeks to promote cycling as a sustainable and enjoyable mode of transportation.
Problem Statement
Cycling presents several challenges for adults, including safety concerns, lack of infrastructure, and difficulty in finding others with similar interests. The RideAR project aims to address these challenges by developing a mobile application and Augmented Reality smart cycling goggles that can improve the safety, navigation, and social connectivity of cycling. This should encourage more adults to embrace cycling as a sustainable, healthy mode of transportation and promote a more cycling-friendly culture.
Aim and Objectives
To improve and enhance the cycling experience for adults by developing a mobile application and Augmented Reality smart cycling goggles that can improve safety, navigation, and social connectivity.
The objectives of the project include:
-
Think (Research-Ideation-Test).
-
Make (Sketches-Prototypes- Hypothesis).
-
Check (Analytics-A/B testing-Sign ups).
Think
Primary Research:
-
Survey: RideAR conducted a comprehensive survey that garnered over 100 responses from cyclists. The survey revealed intriguing insights into participants' preferences and attitudes towards cycling technology. Notably, more than 86% of respondents expressed disinterest in using smartwatches for tracking their cycling activities. Additionally, only 40% of participants prioritized investing in cycling safety gear, highlighting potential gaps in current safety measures. However, an overwhelming 72% of respondents expressed eagerness to explore advanced cycling devices, provided they are affordable.
-
Interviews: Five individuals from diverse backgrounds expressed interest in participating in in-depth interviews to provide further insights into their cycling experiences. This diverse group included one female and four males, representing a range of demographics and cycling habits. Among them, two were local cyclists, while three were expatriates residing in different regions. The interviews provided valuable qualitative data, shedding light on nuanced preferences and challenges faced by cyclists in various contexts.
Thematic Analysis:
Proto Personas:
User Journey Maps:
Technology Research:
RideAR conducted extensive research into potential technologies that could be integrated into the product. Key areas of exploration included:
-
Augmented Reality (AR): Investigating how AR technology could enhance the cycling experience by overlaying real-time information, such as navigation prompts and hazard alerts, onto the cyclist's field of view.
-
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration: Exploring the possibilities of integrating AI-powered features, such as virtual assistants and personalized recommendations, to enhance user interaction and experience.
-
GPS and Connectivity: Researching the integration of GPS technology for accurate navigation and tracking, as well as connectivity options such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to enable seamless communication with other devices and platforms.
Competition Analysis:
RideAR conducted a thorough analysis of key competitors in the cycling technology market. Notable competitors included:
-
Microsoft HoloLens 2
-
EverySight Raptor AR Headset
-
SOLO'S AR Smart Glasses
-
Google GLASS ENTERPRISE EDITION 2
-
Strava
Of these, EverySight Raptor AR Headset emerged as the most direct competitor, offering similar sporty goggles designed for cycling. However, other competitors primarily focused on smart glasses or lacked a dedicated cycling-specific device.
Ideation:
RideAR employed various ideation techniques, including "How Might We" and "Rapid Idea Generation," to generate innovative concepts and solutions. The ideation process culminated in the development of initial information architecture diagrams and the creation of a MOSCO (Must-Have, Could-Have, Should-Have, Won't-Have) diagram to prioritize features and functionalities. Additionally, RideAR developed a Hypothesis Table to guide the testing and validation of design assumptions.
Features:
Building on insights gathered from research and ideation, RideAR identified key features to include in the product:
Artificial Intelligence Integration
Leveraging AI to provide personalized recommendations, assist with navigation, and enhance overall user experience.
Augmented Reality
Integrating AR technology to overlay real-time information, such as navigation cues and hazard alerts, onto the cyclist's field of view.
Voice Command (AI)
Enabling hands-free control of the device through voice commands, allowing users to access features and functionalities without disrupting their cycling experience.
Community (Gamification)
Creating social connectivity features to facilitate interaction among cyclists, including the ability to find and connect with others, share cycling activities, and participate in gamified challenges and events.
AI Navigation
Implementing AI-powered navigation capabilities to provide intelligent route planning, taking into account factors such as traffic, road conditions, and user preferences.
Assumption Table
The Lean UX Process
Make
Sketches:
RideAR embarked on the crucial phase of translating conceptual ideas into tangible designs through sketches. This phase encompassed the development of branding elements, including the creation of a compelling name and logo that encapsulated the essence of the product. I have meticulously crafted the brand's visual identity, encompassing colors, typography, and imagery, to convey a sense of dynamism, innovation, and accessibility.
Furthermore, RideAR devoted significant effort to conceptualizing the design of the AR cycling goggles. Sketches were meticulously crafted to visualize the form factor, interface elements, and integration of AR technology. This process ensured that the goggles would seamlessly blend functionality with aesthetics, providing cyclists with an intuitive and immersive experience.
Prototypes:
Building upon the initial sketches, RideAR transitioned to the development of prototypes spanning low-fidelity (Lo), mid-fidelity (Mid), and high-fidelity (Hi) iterations for both the mobile application and the AR cycling goggles.
For the mobile application, Lo-fi prototypes were created to establish the basic layout and navigation structure, focusing on usability and functionality. Mid-fi prototypes expanded upon these foundations, incorporating more detailed design elements and interactive features to enhance the user experience. Finally, Hi-fi prototypes brought the vision to life, refining the visual aesthetics, interactions, and animations to achieve a polished and cohesive design.
Similarly, RideAR developed Lo-fi, Mid-fi, and Hi-fi prototypes for the AR cycling goggles, ensuring alignment with the branding and design language established for the mobile application. These prototypes provided cyclists with a glimpse into the augmented reality experience, showcasing how real-time information would be seamlessly integrated into their field of view to enhance safety and navigation. Here's the interactive prototype:
Finalizing the Hypotheses Table:
Throughout the design and prototyping phases, RideAR continuously revisited and refined the Hypotheses Table to align with evolving design decisions and user feedback. The table served as a guiding framework for testing and validating key assumptions about the product's features, functionalities, and user interactions.
By iteratively testing hypotheses against real-world usage scenarios and user feedback, RideAR was able to refine its design direction, prioritize features, and optimize the overall user experience. The finalized Hypotheses Table encapsulated the collective learnings and insights gleaned from the design process, paving the way for the next phase of development and testing.
Check
Usability Test
An initial usability test was conducted, involving six participants to assess the efficacy, efficiency, and user satisfaction of both the mobile application and AR cycling goggles prototypes. Feedback from participants was predominantly favourable, with admiration expressed for the aesthetic appeal and user-friendly nature of the interface. However, a consensus emerged among all participants regarding the paramount importance of scrutinizing the functionality and usability of the physical AR cycling goggles.
While the prototypes provided valuable insights into the anticipated user experience, participants underscored the necessity of conducting hands-on testing with the tangible AR cycling goggles to comprehensively evaluate their practical utility and effectiveness in authentic cycling scenarios. The importance of validating the performance and user interaction of the actual hardware was acknowledged as a pivotal facet of forthcoming endeavours within the project.
Future Work
In forthcoming stages, exhaustive usability testing involving the physical AR cycling goggles is planned, engaging cyclists across diverse settings and circumstances to ascertain the congruence of the product with their exigencies and aspirations. This iterative testing regimen will afford opportunities to rectify any usability impediments, fine-tune features, and optimize the holistic user experience in advance of the product's formal deployment.
By affording precedence to user feedback and integrating real-world testing into the developmental trajectory, the endeavour remains steadfast in its commitment to furnishing a seamless and transformative cycling experience that empowers users to traverse with confidence and gratification.