By Gerry JB Liao( ) Jerry Ho( ) Shima Reza-zaveh( )

Park Search  Park search is an iPhone application designed for people who are interested in locating a local park for recreational activities.  This application can create new social communities with park enthusiasts.

Target Users  This iPhone application can have a wide range of clients:  Students  Dog owners  Tourists  Active individuals

Persona & Scenario  Peter is a international student who owns a dog. He has recently moved into a new apartment close to his school. Besides his day to day studies, he is also required to walk his dog. However, since he is not familiar with the place around his new apartment. At this time, he really want to find a public park where he can walk his dog everyday.

Flowchart

Storyboard/Screendesigns

Screen Design Home Page & Map Setting Search Result Detail Information

Screen Design  Home Page: The starting screen for our application is the search screen. We want our users to be able to instantly jump into a search without having to navigate through any other pages.  Color: We chose a dark theme in order to match the default iPhone theme. This dark color also helps with contrast when highlighting specific areas of the application  Style: We used iPhone style icons and buttons to keep a consistent theme with other applications. The consistency between iPhone themes will minimize any learning curves  Font: Use sans serif font because it’s on a digital mobile device which allows for easier legibility.

The Role of Interactivity  This searching tool is a refined and advanced gadget featuring options and capabilities helping users to make more reliable and sensitive decision on their every day navigation and mapping.  The comment system creates a new community amongst park enthusiasts. They can leave comments as well as ratings for other users of the application to see.  The integrated search as well as the user generated ratings and comments creates a simple way to narrow down searches. Users will be able to locate a suitable park quickly and efficiently.  Most iPhone users use the internet everywhere, so it is very easy for them to find park they like to go. The application can quickly update the user with new comments or parks as well.

Usability Testing  Through usability testing, we found out several key areas that require improvement.  Users dislike any splash screens or map screens. The subjects liked to go straight directly into the search page without any additional clicks.  The users appreciated the consistent iPhone theme. The simple navigation from each screen minimizes on the overall learning curve of the application.