As a lover of the outdoors from camping, hiking to fishing, I am often needing to go to apps or websites that can provide up-to-date information on various conditions, current regulations and sometimes permits and licenses. One of those sites is the Utah Department of Wildlife Resources. The DWR has both a website and a mobile app but the challenge is that they are completely disconnected from one another. One of my biggest frustrations as a user is when I can't do a necessary function within an app, and am forced to go to a site, especially when the site isn't mobile friendly. Such was the case for me when I needed to renew a fishing license last-minute. On their app I can view my license, but to renew it, I have to go to the DWR site which isn't remotely responsive to a mobile phone.
Out of spite, I decided to redesign the app WITH the functionality of being able to view a current licenses and be able to renew or even purchase a new license as needed from the app.
In the process, I wanted to give the DWR app the look and feel of an old hunting/fishing guidebook and field guide, so a lot of aesthetic changes to go with the functionality updates. There's a lot more to do and I've got lots of other items I'd like to sort out for a better app experience, but this is a start!
In the process, I wanted to give the DWR app the look and feel of an old hunting/fishing guidebook and field guide, so a lot of aesthetic changes to go with the functionality updates. There's a lot more to do and I've got lots of other items I'd like to sort out for a better app experience, but this is a start!
Current:
Let's bring up some of the good functionality the DWR app does have: the ability to digitally store and view your licenses. This is a huge leap forward, and to my understanding, a unique offering in the Government-managed outdoor space. Currently, after the purchase of a license (new or renewed), you can go to the app to view your licenses and be able to provide proof of the license if required while out in the wild - a major upgrade from needing to keep the paper license on your person. This is the current view:
From here, there's not much else one can do. There are resources to view with static information, but in terms of functionality, especially when it comes to license management (arguably the main reason to have the app) this is where the ride ends. Think of waiting in line for two hours for the new roller coaster just to have it breakdown before you get on.
Proposed:
As mentioned at the start, I became frustrated when in a real pinch, I needed to renew my license and was unable to do so from the app (Yes, yes, first world problems!). My proposed solution is as follows:
1) A total redesign of the look and feel of the app.
If we're going to do this, we might as well go all-in. I view this as being like a field guide and bringing back that aesthetic of field guides from yesteryear just might be the ticket. We have new colors, new fonts, new layout. While we are pulling inspiration heavily from things of the past, we can still incorporate modern UX components and standards to cohesively bring a fresh yet comforting (do I sound like Joanna Gaines yet?) feel to a functional app:
These colors are not only inspired by those old field guides, they are right in line with outdoor-themed colors and bring a sense of the outdoors to the user. The font choice is National Park Bold (because of course it is) and is a clean yet whimsical sans serif font.
With those now sorted, lets get to the actual flow of being able to renew a license via the app.
2) User flow for functionality
Updated Loading and Log In
Nothing too crazy here - a standard loading page when you open the app and an updated long in/sign up screen. Since this is to show the path of renewing a license, we'll pretend we already have an account and just need to log in.
Updated main Dashboard
When thinking about the new design, I wanted to keep consistency with what users had previously known, and the most important function of the app - to easily store and access your current license. This new dash adds some character while maintaining that functionality. The Licenses are updated cards and you can side-swipe to view your different licenses. If you don't see your license, or need to buy a new one, you can click "ADD NEW LICENSE."
In keeping tradition with a field guide, you have the ability to pull resources and important information quickly below your licenses.
Viewing license details and renewal option
Now we are getting to the main event - actual functionality with the license. After hitting the license card, the user will be brought to the license detail page. The user now has the ability to renew the license (primary function) or remove the license from view (secondary function).
License renewal part 1
Once Renew License is selected, the user will be introduced to a new page to review their info and add the needed info. The app should pull information over to assist the user's speed and ability to complete the task (this info left blank in the example) such as name, address, personal detail etc.
License renewal part 2 and completion
After all personal info is reviewed/updated, the user will come to the final page to enter billing info and complete the transaction.
Conclusion:
This was a really fun exercise to go through and add new functionality for a real problem while also introducing an updated look and feel to the DWR app - many times UX gets put into a sterile style of white background, white elements etc. My approach was to design the app and experience to match the organization and for what it could feel and be.