UX Micro Challenge

About

Google Mymaps

MyMaps

My Maps is a service from Google Maps that allows users to add information to locations and create custom maps using Google Maps' infrastructure. However, it faces strong competition from other online travel planning sites and mobile apps that offer a better user experience.

Project Completion - Oct 2022

My Role

User Research
High Fidelity Prototype

A screenshot of what Mymaps look like

01. Challenge Faced

“Starting from a blank slate can be very daunting & challenging.”

User Stories

Kiko

Starting on a blank slate is quite challenging, as it can be quite time-consuming to do all the research.

Yong Bin

I look up a ton of travel videos and websites for inspiration, then tried to follow the same route from the youtube vlogger

Jenny

I usually search online for inspiration because it gives us a sense that it is safe - then we will modify it according to our needs

DESIGN GOAL

**How might we re-design Mymaps, to make pre-travel planning less stressful?**

Re-designing Mymaps

IMPORTANCE OF
Community Sharing

Based on user feedback, creating a community platform for sharing travel itineraries aligns well with user behaviors and objectives. This would foster a dynamic community of travelers looking to exchange insights and find inspiration all in one place.

Could we leverage google’s large user base to bring this project alive?

Design Decisions.

01

Communal Sharing

A community platform offers travelers easy access to travel templates and resources for their next journeys.

Aimed at simplifying the initial, often overwhelming, phase of trip planning, this approach seeks to help individuals start planning their trips more effortlessly and with less stress.

02

Familiarity

With the new implementation of community sharing, it got me pondering on how I could easily allow users to ease into the platform.

With a similar design to google excel & slides - it provides users the familiarity of navigation within google.

03

Duplicate Maps

Offering a feature that lets users duplicate maps simplifies the initiation of pre-travel planning.

This approach enhances efficiency by equipping users with the necessary tools to begin. They only need to adjust the itinerary to suit their travel plans!