Revised Parking Access Interface

Skills: System mapping, User research & insight analysis, Information architecture & UI design, Visual communication & branding.

This project, completed in 2024 for the course Information Design: Past, Present, and Future, focused on reimagining an existing MRU campus service through an information design lens. The goal was to evaluate how a current system communicates, supports decision-making, and guides user actions, and then redesign it to better serve its intended audience. I chose to redesign the MRU Parking App, creating a clearer, more intuitive experience rooted in user needs and improved information organization.

Background

This project began with recognizing that the current MRU parking system often feels confusing and difficult for students to navigate. By examining where information breaks down and how the interface falls short in supporting users, the work focuses on clarity and the overall student experience. This project aimed to create an interface that is more intuitive and better aligned with students' actual needs.

The Opportunity

I explored the current MRU parking systems and conducted casual user interviews to understand common pain points and user needs. I ideated realistic solutions based on these insights, then reimagined the app's interface and visual branding. The final design was fully executed as a solo project.

My Areas of Focus

“Are there any features or services you wish were available in the campus parking system?”

To understand the current parking system’s user population, I conducted casual user interviews to gather insight into student frustrations and key pain points. I reviewed the existing app to identify where information and navigation were breaking down for the people who rely on it most, and I created user personas to clearly represent the different types of students using the system.

Knowing the User

  • Difficulty finding available spots in the lot to which their permit is assigned.

  • They need to purchase daily parking when their permitted lot is full.

  • Lack of clear communication about parking rules leads to accidental tickets.

  • Limited information about where in-person pay machines are located.

  • Lack of clear parking details and guidance within the HotSpot app.

User Pain Points:

I created a mind map to visually organize user needs and group their feedback into clear themes. This helped reveal patterns and clarify which issues should be prioritized. From there, I explored realistic, high-impact improvements that could be added to the existing interface with minimal investment. I focused on how organization and more effective visual communication could better support student parking needs.

Concept Development

To recenter MRU users, I created a refreshed visual identity for the app, including a new logo and cohesive brand direction. I began reworking key screens to present information more clearly and support smoother decision-making for students.

Design Development

I then built out the redesigned interface, refining the layout and visual communication to ensure the updates directly addressed user pain points.

Results

By the end of the project, the MRU Parking App redesign established a clearer, more user-centred foundation for the system. It simplified key tasks, reduced confusion across the interface, and improved the overall clarity of parking information.

  • Improved hierarchy of parking information.

  • Streamlined navigation flows for key tasks.

  • Faster access to daily and permit options.

  • Interactive parking maps for clearer spatial orientation.

  • Clearly presented parking guidelines for better policy comprehension.

  • A refreshed visual identity with a cohesive visual system.

  • Cleaner, more readable screen layouts that reduce cognitive load.

The Redesign Offers:

Tools Used: Procreate, Canva.

Contributions: Explored the existing MRU parking system, gathered user insights through informal interviews, and developed realistic solutions. Designed the interface and visual branding for the reimagined app, completing the full project independently.