About the Project
This project was completed as part of a user interaction design course at Simon Fraser University. The objective was to enhance an existing mobile app by designing a new feature that addressed a real user need.
I chose AllTrails — a popular hiking app with a large trail database, GPS navigation, difficulty ratings, and community reviews used by both casual and experienced hikers.
Research & Problem
Through informal interviews with two users (a regular hiker and a casual explorer) and a review of online forums and app reviews, a consistent frustration emerged: comparing trails was inconvenient and clunky.
Users praised AllTrails' filtering and discovery tools, but found themselves flipping between individual trail pages to recall details like elevation, duration, and difficulty — leading to decision fatigue and slower planning.
The app offered no efficient way to view multiple trails side by side. This gap disrupted an otherwise smooth experience and presented a clear opportunity for a comparison feature that supports decision-making without overwhelming the existing interface.
Design Strategy
I identified two core user scenarios that shaped the feature direction:
- Comparing two known trails: Users have two options and want to compare them directly to make a decision.
- Validating a single trail: Users want to confirm their choice by seeing how it stacks up against similar alternatives.
To support both flows, I designed a flexible comparison that could be accessed from the trail page and the map view — allowing users to compare from wherever they are in the app without breaking their planning process.
Feature Highlights
Trail Page Integration
A new "Compare" button on the trail detail page lets users initiate a comparison directly from the trail they're viewing, then select a second trail to complete the side-by-side view.
Map View Integration
Users can tap trail pins on the map and select multiple trails for comparison. A condensed summary displays distance, elevation, difficulty, and estimated time without navigating away from the map.
Reflection
This project was a valuable exercise in designing within the constraints of an existing product. I had to study AllTrails' structure carefully and ensure the new feature felt native to its design language.
Working with a limited scope pushed me to focus on core value: reducing friction in trail comparison. While the concept seems simple, it raised important questions around entry points, user intent, and balancing new functionality with existing simplicity.
If I were to expand this project, I'd explore comparing more than two trails and deeper integration with saved favorites and list-building features.
This case study strengthened my ability to identify pain points, translate them into user needs, and design practical features that enhance everyday decision-making.