MFA Candidate: Joshua Benefield
Concept: User Interface Design.
This is something that would have been pretty intimidating, had it not been for the support and knowledge of Professor Seth Johnson.
This app solves a very specific problem, for a very niche market of individuals, road cyclists. While there are a ton of apps out there that allow one to record bike rides, this app brings the social aspect to cycling, and ultimately replaces the bulletin board at the bike shop, or word of mouth arrangements to form group rides.
This is the first app that allows cyclists to create and distribute rides with other cyclists. Essentially, with this app, a cyclist can move two cities over, or across the country, and instantly pick up on group rides that are best suited to their ability and continue their training program. This lessens the learning curve about where to ride, what roads are safe, and who is available for group rides.
Before, this information would almost be part of a closed system, as if the only participants were “in the know” as information was shared through bike shop bulletin boards, email chains, word of mouth, or long standing group rides that a newcomer may never know about, as they are not publicized, due to the fact that “everyone knows about it.” Everyone but the new cyclist in town that is.
This app solves all of that.
Findings
By researching what apps existed, and their function, it was apparent that there was no app like this. Many were available to tell you what you already have ridden, but this app will tell you essentially where you can ride.
Other critical data was included, with the standard data sets of mileage, time, elevation gain, etc., but also included for potential rides, is a grading system, common for group rides, of A B and C categories, to determine at a glance, the fitness level required to participate in the group ride. After all, that is the purpose of the group ride, to ride as a group, and not get “dropped” or left behind. This makes it fun for everyone. By being able to see this at a glance, in addition to the proposed route, distance and time, an interested cyclist can then sign up for a ride by a simple button click, and see who else has tentatively signed up as well.
Why
From a design research standpoint, this app was of particular interest to me for a number of reasons. First, is the depth required in researching the flow of information. This goes well beyond designing for the static page of print production. Each and every single screen of the app must be designed correctly and cohesively, but there must also be an intuitive flow of information so the interaction with the app is not cumbersome. The easier it is to use, the more use it will receive.
This level of complexity is something that all new designers need to be aware of, with the introduction of smartphones, tablets, and various web apps available today. Print media is no longer the only game in town, and by successfully being able to adapt, designers can have not only a stronger portfolio, but a stronger understanding of clients’ needs and how the best solve design problems no matter what technology may bring.
