Role
Lead Product Designer
Responsibilities
Inf. Architecture, UI, Research, Design System, Collaboration
Duration
2+ years
Designing a Cross-Platform Experience for Mapsted’s Indoor Navigation & Analytics System
Designing a Cross-Platform Experience for Mapsted’s Indoor Navigation & Analytics System
Project Overview
Mapsted is a leader in beacon-free indoor navigation technology, offering highly accurate positioning and mapping solutions across various industries.
As part of the design process, I focused on ensuring a smooth user journey across mobile and web platforms. While regular users interacted with the mobile apps, the web-based analytics dashboard was primarily used by businesses, property managers, and dedicated personnel for insights into user behavior and movement patterns. This segmentation was essential to meet industry-specific needs while keeping the user experience consistent and intuitive.
The original Mapsted Maps app struggled to serve a diverse range of users effectively, as it attempted to address too many different needs within a single platform. Users from multiple industries - universities, airports, logistics, and asset tracking - required tailored solutions for specific use cases, and there was no seamless way for businesses to analyze user movement patterns. This lack of customization led to inefficiencies in both user engagement and decision-making processes.
Moreover, the lack of accessibility features for diverse user groups, particularly for elderly users or those with disabilities, obstructed user adoption and satisfaction.
Research & Findings
We began by conducting extensive user research to identify pain points and areas for improvement. This process involved understanding the needs of both the end-users (students, frequent travelers, warehouse managers, etc.) and the business users (property managers, asset managers).
Desk Research: Before conducting primary research, I reviewed existing industry reports, competitor analysis, and accessibility guidelines to establish a baseline for best practices. This helped us identify gaps in Mapsted’s original approach, particularly in accessibility and industry-specific navigation needs.
User Interviews & Surveys: I helped design survey and interview questions, which were conducted by the team with a wide range of users: students, frequent travelers, warehouse managers, and corporate stakeholders. Afterward, I analyzed the responses to identify key challenges, including confusion with the original app’s complex interface, difficulty in navigating large campuses, and accessibility issues for elderly users.
Usability Testing on Mapsted Maps: Usability testing revealed several critical pain points, such as users struggling to find their location on the map and difficulty navigating the app’s crowded interface.
Analytics Review: I worked closely with the product team to analyze user engagement metrics. Our findings showed that many users abandoned navigation midway due to unclear wayfinding instructions. This reinforced the need for a more intuitive and user-friendly experience.
Ongoing Research Methods
Key Insights
Industry-Specific Needs: Different users required tailored solutions: travelers needed gate notifications, asset managers required real-time tracking, and students sought class schedules and personalized updates.
Navigation Accuracy Matters: Accurate indoor positioning was crucial, as users became frustrated with incorrect location data or disconnected wayfinding routes.
Solution
To address these challenges, I focused on improving the usability of the existing app and ensuring seamless integration with its web-based counterpart and the analytics dashboard.
After reviewing feedback from both users and businesses, it became clear that seamless integration between mobile and web platforms was crucial. Businesses needed the flexibility to manage their content on the web while ensuring the mobile experience was just as smooth and intuitive. I chose to focus on intelligent search as a key feature, knowing that it would unify the experience across platforms. This decision was grounded in the desire to make the user experience consistent and fluid - whether they were on mobile, or web.
We began by conducting extensive user research to identify pain points and areas for improvement. This process involved understanding the needs of both the end-users (students, frequent travelers, warehouse managers, etc.) and the business users (property managers, asset managers).
Desk Research: Before conducting primary research, I reviewed existing industry reports, competitor analysis, and accessibility guidelines to establish a baseline for best practices. This helped us identify gaps in Mapsted’s original approach, particularly in accessibility and industry-specific navigation needs.
User Interviews & Surveys: I helped design survey and interview questions, which were conducted by the team with a wide range of users: students, frequent travelers, warehouse managers, and corporate stakeholders. Afterward, I analyzed the responses to identify key challenges, including confusion with the original app’s complex interface, difficulty in navigating large campuses, and accessibility issues for elderly users.
Usability Testing on Mapsted Maps: Usability testing revealed several critical pain points, such as users struggling to find their location on the map and difficulty navigating the app’s crowded interface.
Analytics Review: I worked closely with the product team to analyze user engagement metrics. Our findings showed that many users abandoned navigation midway due to unclear wayfinding instructions. This reinforced the need for a more intuitive and user-friendly experience.
Research & Findings
We began by conducting extensive user research to identify pain points and areas for improvement. This process involved understanding the needs of both the end-users (students, frequent travelers, warehouse managers, etc.) and the business users (property managers, asset managers).
Desk Research: Before conducting primary research, I reviewed existing industry reports, competitor analysis, and accessibility guidelines to establish a baseline for best practices. This helped us identify gaps in Mapsted’s original approach, particularly in accessibility and industry-specific navigation needs.
User Interviews & Surveys: I helped design survey and interview questions, which were conducted by the team with a wide range of users: students, frequent travelers, warehouse managers, and corporate stakeholders. Afterward, I analyzed the responses to identify key challenges, including confusion with the original app’s complex interface, difficulty in navigating large campuses, and accessibility issues for elderly users.
Usability Testing on Mapsted Maps: Usability testing revealed several critical pain points, such as users struggling to find their location on the map and difficulty navigating the app’s crowded interface.
Analytics Review: I worked closely with the product team to analyze user engagement metrics. Our findings showed that many users abandoned navigation midway due to unclear wayfinding instructions. This reinforced the need for a more intuitive and user-friendly experience.
Research & Findings
To address these challenges, I focused on improving the usability of the existing app and ensuring seamless integration with its web-based counterpart and the analytics dashboard.
After reviewing feedback from both users and businesses, it became clear that seamless integration between mobile and web platforms was crucial. Businesses needed the flexibility to manage their content on the web while ensuring the mobile experience was just as smooth and intuitive. I chose to focus on intelligent search as a key feature, knowing that it would unify the experience across platforms. This decision was grounded in the desire to make the user experience consistent and fluid - whether they were on mobile, or web.
Solution
To address these challenges, I focused on improving the usability of the existing app and ensuring seamless integration with its web-based counterpart and the analytics dashboard.
After reviewing feedback from both users and businesses, it became clear that seamless integration between mobile and web platforms was crucial. Businesses needed the flexibility to manage their content on the web while ensuring the mobile experience was just as smooth and intuitive. I chose to focus on intelligent search as a key feature, knowing that it would unify the experience across platforms. This decision was grounded in the desire to make the user experience consistent and fluid - whether they were on mobile, or web.
Solution
The original Mapsted Maps app struggled to serve a diverse range of users effectively, as it attempted to address too many different needs within a single platform. Users from multiple industries - universities, airports, logistics, and asset tracking - required tailored solutions for specific use cases, and there was no seamless way for businesses to analyze user movement patterns. This lack of customization led to inefficiencies in both user engagement and decision-making processes.
Moreover, the lack of accessibility features for diverse user groups, particularly for elderly users or those with disabilities, obstructed user adoption and satisfaction.
Ongoing Research Methods
Key Insights
Industry-Specific Needs: Different users required tailored solutions: travelers needed gate notifications, asset managers required real-time tracking, and students sought class schedules and personalized updates.
Navigation Accuracy Matters: Accurate indoor positioning was crucial, as users became frustrated with incorrect location data or disconnected wayfinding routes.
Ongoing Research Methods
Key Insights
Industry-Specific Needs: Different users required tailored solutions: travelers needed gate notifications, asset managers required real-time tracking, and students sought class schedules and personalized updates.
Navigation Accuracy Matters: Accurate indoor positioning was crucial, as users became frustrated with incorrect location data or disconnected wayfinding routes.
Before starting the redesign, I conducted a full audit of the existing design system to identify inconsistencies between the mobile and web platforms. The original design system lacked standardization, leading to fragmented UI elements and inconsistent interactions.
Key Improvements:
Custom Design System: Built a cohesive design system from the ground up, ensuring consistency across platforms.
Native Components: Ensured a seamless experience by designing native UI elements for Android (Java/Kotlin)and iOS (Swift).
Cross-Platform Consistency: Standardized color schemes, typography, and navigation patterns.
Design System
-> Unfortunately, I no longer have access to the design system files since Adobe XD was accessed through the company’s email account.
The original Mapsted Maps app struggled to serve a diverse range of users effectively, as it attempted to address too many different needs within a single platform. Users from multiple industries - universities, airports, logistics, and asset tracking - required tailored solutions for specific use cases, and there was no seamless way for businesses to analyze user movement patterns. This lack of customization led to inefficiencies in both user engagement and decision-making processes.
Moreover, the lack of accessibility features for diverse user groups, particularly for elderly users or those with disabilities, obstructed user adoption and satisfaction.
Mobile App Features
Navigation & Positioning
Turn-by-turn Blue Dot navigation with visual route previews.
Multi-floor navigation for large venues (e.g., universities, malls, airports).
Intelligent search feature for quick destination discovery (e.g., classes, restrooms, baggage claims).
Improved UI to reduce user confusion and enhance accessibility.
Navigation & Positioning
Turn-by-turn Blue Dot navigation with visual route previews.
Multi-floor navigation for large venues (e.g., universities, malls, airports).
Intelligent search feature for quick destination discovery (e.g., classes, restrooms, baggage claims).
Improved UI to reduce user confusion and enhance accessibility.
We received direct feedback from users across industries indicating that the original navigation interface was cluttered and difficult to use, especially in large spaces. Based on this, I decided to focus on simplifying the design, incorporating features like landmark-based routing and dynamic re-routing, which were highly appreciated during testing. The decision was also influenced by a strong focus on accessibility. By integrating voice navigation and custom route preferences (like avoiding stairs or escalators), we ensured that the solution would work for a wider range of users, including those with disabilities.
Mobile App Features
Map View & Customization
Multiple base map styles (Classic, Light Mode, Dark Mode).
Integration with OpenStreetMap, Google Maps, and Apple Maps.
Customizable UI elements to align with business branding.
Map View & Customization
Multiple base map styles (Classic, Light Mode, Dark Mode).
Integration with OpenStreetMap, Google Maps, and Apple Maps.
Customizable UI elements to align with business branding.
Routing & Accessibility
Landmark-based routing for logical turn-by-turn directions.
Dynamic re-routing in case of obstacles or changes.
Custom route preferences (avoiding stairs, elevators, escalators).
Voice navigation for enhanced accessibility.
Routing & Accessibility
Landmark-based routing for logical turn-by-turn directions.
Dynamic re-routing in case of obstacles or changes.
Custom route preferences (avoiding stairs, elevators, escalators).
Voice navigation for enhanced accessibility.
Accessibility was a top priority. Through interviews we learned that many users struggled to navigate the app in large spaces, especially those with mobility challenges. Voice navigation was a direct response to this need. It allowed visually impaired users, or those with their hands full, to get directions without needing to look at the screen.
Mobile App Features
Localization
Mapsted supports multiple languages, enabling businesses to create localized indoor navigation experiences worldwide. Automatic translation support ensures that users can interact with the platform in their preferred language.
Localization
Mapsted supports multiple languages, enabling businesses to create localized indoor navigation experiences worldwide. Automatic translation support ensures that users can interact with the platform in their preferred language.
As Mapsted expanded globally, designing for multilingual accessibility became a priority. To ensure users from different regions could interact with the system seamlessly, I implemented automatic translation support and multiple language options. This approach allowed users to navigate and access content in their preferred language without friction. Beyond meeting business requirements, this decision was driven by the need to create an inclusive experience - one that felt intuitive and personalized, regardless of a user’s location or language preference.
Web-Based Analytics Dashboard
The web dashboard was designed specifically for business and property management users. It provided critical data to optimize layouts, analyze traffic patterns, and improve the overall user experience.
Key features of the analytics dashboard included:
Heatmaps: Visualizing user traffic to identify popular areas and underutilized spaces.
Wayfinding Insights: Understanding which routes users take, how often they get lost, and where they drop off during navigation.
Asset Tracking: Real-time data on asset movements, ensuring inventory and equipment are efficiently managed across properties.
The web dashboard was designed specifically for business and property management users. It provided critical data to optimize layouts, analyze traffic patterns, and improve the overall user experience.
Key features of the analytics dashboard included:
Heatmaps: Visualizing user traffic to identify popular areas and underutilized spaces.
Wayfinding Insights: Understanding which routes users take, how often they get lost, and where they drop off during navigation.
Asset Tracking: Real-time data on asset movements, ensuring inventory and equipment are efficiently managed across properties.
The web dashboard catered to dedicated personnel managing properties and assets and was not used by regular mobile app users.
The web dashboard catered to dedicated personnel managing properties and assets and was not used by regular mobile app users.
Design System
Before starting the redesign, I conducted a full audit of the existing design system to identify inconsistencies between the mobile and web platforms. The original design system lacked standardization, leading to fragmented UI elements and inconsistent interactions.
Key Improvements:
Custom Design System: Built a cohesive design system from the ground up, ensuring consistency across platforms.
Native Components: Ensured a seamless experience by designing native UI elements for Android (Java/Kotlin)and iOS (Swift).
Cross-Platform Consistency: Standardized color schemes, typography, and navigation patterns.
-> Unfortunately, I no longer have access to the design system files since Adobe XD was accessed through the company’s email account.
Cross-Platform Integration
One of the most critical aspects of the solution was ensuring cross-platform consistency. The mobile app and the web dashboard needed to be synchronized and share real-time data seamlessly.
Mobile & Web Consistency: The features of the mobile app, such as real-time navigation and search functionality, were integrated into the web dashboard in a way that allowed business users to interact with the same data in a more visual and actionable format.
Intelligent Search: The intelligent search feature was optimized for both mobile and web platforms. On the mobile app, it allowed users to quickly find destinations (e.g., classes, bathrooms, or restaurants), while on the web dashboard, it helped business users search for locations, assets, and user data.
Offline Capability: Both the mobile app and the web dashboard provided users with the option to access critical data offline, ensuring that users could still navigate spaces effectively without connectivity.
Results & Impact
30% increase in navigation completion rates after redesigning the wayfinding UI, leading to smoother navigation and improved user satisfaction.
15% reduction in customer complaints at airports due to clearer pathfinding and real-time gate updates.
20% improvement in asset tracking efficiency with real-time monitoring.
Higher engagement on the analytics dashboard, with business users spending 40% more time analyzing dwell time and heatmaps, resulting in more informed decision-making.
In every phase of the design, I actively sought out feedback from users, stakeholders, and team members. This ongoing loop of research, testing, and iteration helped refine the design decisions. By continually assessing how users interacted with the product and what challenges they faced, we were able to tweak the interface and features to make sure they resonated with the user base and met the business goals.
Key Learnings
Unified Experience: Refining apps usability and ensuring seamless integration with the web analytics dashboard significantly improved the user experience for both end users and business clients.
Cross-Platform Consistency: Ensuring consistency between the mobile navigation experience and the web analytics dashboard led to a smoother user journey. This was crucial for businesses relying on data-driven insights to optimize their spaces.
Data-Driven Decisions: Iterating on real-time data from the web dashboard led to measurable improvements in user engagement and satisfaction. The feedback loop between mobile app usage and web analytics ensured that our design decisions were always informed by actual user behavior.
Beyond the core features discussed in this case study, I contributed to developing location-based marketing capabilities to boost user engagement. These included customizable push notifications, in-app alerts, and news feed updates that delivered timely, relevant content to users.
I integrated geofencing technology that allowed businesses to send location-specific offers based on users' smartphone and tablet data. I also implemented contextual messaging that delivered personalized content based on user behavior, location, and environmental factors - ensuring messages reached users at optimal moments.
Additionally, I helped develop an audience segmentation platform that provided businesses with deep insights for targeted campaigns. The platform analyzed customer location data, travel patterns, behaviors, and demographics to help businesses refine their marketing strategies and enhance engagement throughout the customer journey
One of the most critical aspects of the solution was ensuring cross-platform consistency. The mobile app and the web dashboard needed to be synchronized and share real-time data seamlessly.
Mobile & Web Consistency: The features of the mobile app, such as real-time navigation and search functionality, were integrated into the web dashboard in a way that allowed business users to interact with the same data in a more visual and actionable format.
Intelligent Search: The intelligent search feature was optimized for both mobile and web platforms. On the mobile app, it allowed users to quickly find destinations (e.g., classes, bathrooms, or restaurants), while on the web dashboard, it helped business users search for locations, assets, and user data.
Offline Capability: Both the mobile app and the web dashboard provided users with the option to access critical data offline, ensuring that users could still navigate spaces effectively without connectivity.
Cross-Platform Integration
30% increase in navigation completion rates after redesigning the wayfinding UI, leading to smoother navigation and improved user satisfaction.
15% reduction in customer complaints at airports due to clearer pathfinding and real-time gate updates.
20% improvement in asset tracking efficiency with real-time monitoring.
Higher engagement on the analytics dashboard, with business users spending 40% more time analyzing dwell time and heatmaps, resulting in more informed decision-making.
Results & Impact
In every phase of the design, I actively sought out feedback from users, stakeholders, and team members. This ongoing loop of research, testing, and iteration helped refine the design decisions. By continually assessing how users interacted with the product and what challenges they faced, we were able to tweak the interface and features to make sure they resonated with the user base and met the business goals.
Feedback
Unified Experience: Refining apps usability and ensuring seamless integration with the web analytics dashboard significantly improved the user experience for both end users and business clients.
Cross-Platform Consistency: Ensuring consistency between the mobile navigation experience and the web analytics dashboard led to a smoother user journey. This was crucial for businesses relying on data-driven insights to optimize their spaces.
Data-Driven Decisions: Iterating on real-time data from the web dashboard led to measurable improvements in user engagement and satisfaction. The feedback loop between mobile app usage and web analytics ensured that our design decisions were always informed by actual user behavior.
Key Learnings
Beyond the core features discussed in this case study, I contributed to developing location-based marketing capabilities to boost user engagement. These included customizable push notifications, in-app alerts, and news feed updates that delivered timely, relevant content to users.
I integrated geofencing technology that allowed businesses to send location-specific offers based on users' smartphone and tablet data. I also implemented contextual messaging that delivered personalized content based on user behavior, location, and environmental factors - ensuring messages reached users at optimal moments.
Additionally, I helped develop an audience segmentation platform that provided businesses with deep insights for targeted campaigns. The platform analyzed customer location data, travel patterns, behaviors, and demographics to help businesses refine their marketing strategies and enhance engagement throughout the customer journey
One of the most critical aspects of the solution was ensuring cross-platform consistency. The mobile app and the web dashboard needed to be synchronized and share real-time data seamlessly.
Mobile & Web Consistency: The features of the mobile app, such as real-time navigation and search functionality, were integrated into the web dashboard in a way that allowed business users to interact with the same data in a more visual and actionable format.
Intelligent Search: The intelligent search feature was optimized for both mobile and web platforms. On the mobile app, it allowed users to quickly find destinations (e.g., classes, bathrooms, or restaurants), while on the web dashboard, it helped business users search for locations, assets, and user data.
Offline Capability: Both the mobile app and the web dashboard provided users with the option to access critical data offline, ensuring that users could still navigate spaces effectively without connectivity.
Cross-Platform Integration
30% increase in navigation completion rates after redesigning the wayfinding UI, leading to smoother navigation and improved user satisfaction.
15% reduction in customer complaints at airports due to clearer pathfinding and real-time gate updates.
20% improvement in asset tracking efficiency with real-time monitoring.
Higher engagement on the analytics dashboard, with business users spending 40% more time analyzing dwell time and heatmaps, resulting in more informed decision-making.
Results & Impact
In every phase of the design, I actively sought out feedback from users, stakeholders, and team members. This ongoing loop of research, testing, and iteration helped refine the design decisions. By continually assessing how users interacted with the product and what challenges they faced, we were able to tweak the interface and features to make sure they resonated with the user base and met the business goals.
Mapsted is a leader in beacon-free indoor navigation technology, offering highly accurate positioning and mapping solutions across various industries.
As part of the design process, I focused on ensuring a smooth user journey across mobile and web platforms. While regular users interacted with the mobile apps, the web-based analytics dashboard was primarily used by businesses, property managers, and dedicated personnel for insights into user behavior and movement patterns. This segmentation was essential to meet industry-specific needs while keeping the user experience consistent and intuitive.
Project Overview
Unified Experience: Refining apps usability and ensuring seamless integration with the web analytics dashboard significantly improved the user experience for both end users and business clients.
Cross-Platform Consistency: Ensuring consistency between the mobile navigation experience and the web analytics dashboard led to a smoother user journey. This was crucial for businesses relying on data-driven insights to optimize their spaces.
Data-Driven Decisions: Iterating on real-time data from the web dashboard led to measurable improvements in user engagement and satisfaction. The feedback loop between mobile app usage and web analytics ensured that our design decisions were always informed by actual user behavior.
Key Learnings
Feedback
Beyond the core features discussed in this case study, I contributed to developing location-based marketing capabilities to boost user engagement. These included customizable push notifications, in-app alerts, and news feed updates that delivered timely, relevant content to users.
I integrated geofencing technology that allowed businesses to send location-specific offers based on users' smartphone and tablet data. I also implemented contextual messaging that delivered personalized content based on user behavior, location, and environmental factors - ensuring messages reached users at optimal moments.
Additionally, I helped develop an audience segmentation platform that provided businesses with deep insights for targeted campaigns. The platform analyzed customer location data, travel patterns, behaviors, and demographics to help businesses refine their marketing strategies and enhance engagement throughout the customer journey
Mapsted is a leader in beacon-free indoor navigation technology, offering highly accurate positioning and mapping solutions across various industries.
As part of the design process, I focused on ensuring a smooth user journey across mobile and web platforms. While regular users interacted with the mobile apps, the web-based analytics dashboard was primarily used by businesses, property managers, and dedicated personnel for insights into user behavior and movement patterns. This segmentation was essential to meet industry-specific needs while keeping the user experience consistent and intuitive.
Project Overview
Before starting the redesign, I conducted a full audit of the existing design system to identify inconsistencies between the mobile and web platforms. The original design system lacked standardization, leading to fragmented UI elements and inconsistent interactions.
Key Improvements:
Custom Design System: Built a cohesive design system from the ground up, ensuring consistency across platforms.
Native Components: Ensured a seamless experience by designing native UI elements for Android (Java/Kotlin)and iOS (Swift).
Cross-Platform Consistency: Standardized color schemes, typography, and navigation patterns.
Design System
-> Unfortunately, I no longer have access to the design system files since Adobe XD was accessed through the company’s email account.
Feedback