The Timeline One Designer - Three weeks
The Challenge Design an app to simplify outdoor gear shopping.
The Why To create a more seamless, stress-free experience when shopping, so users can feel confident when getting outside on their next escape.
The How Through user personas and competitive audits, I learned who the users were and their current shopping experiences. I was then inspired to design, complete usability testing, and finally refined the design.
The Solution A shopping app that generates personalized checklists and connects users directly to the right products based on adventure type.
1. Empathize with users
The Users
Target Users: Casual to intermediate outdoor adventurers, aged 24-40, non-gender specific
They take weekend or seasonal trips and often feel overhwlemed by gear choices
Key pain point: Uncertainty around what gear is truly necessary for their trip
Personas like “Andy” revealed strong need for time-saving, supportive shopping experiences
These insights inspired feature and flow ideas to reduce stress and build confidence
Competitive Audit
Conducted a competitive audit of four outdoor gear platforms
Evaluated how each supports users in shopping experiences
Identified a gap in gear recommendation and trip-specific tools
Outdoor adventurers need a simpler way to shop for gear because switching between tools is time-consuming and overwhelming. This way they can focus on enjoying the experience.
2. Define problem to be solved for user
Designs to help users:
All-in-one trip planner: Combining activity, destination, packing list creation, and shopping
Checklist feature generated with suggestions for gear tailored to trip, reducing decision fatigue
Integrated shopping experience allowing users to add items directly to cart, saving time
Minimal, user-friendly interface to reduce overwhelm with clean visuals and simple, step-by-step process
3. Ideate solution
4. Prototype concepts
Gear suggestions & Checklist
Homepage
5. Usability testing & Iterating based on feedback
✅ What Worked Well
Clear button labels, checklist feature was unique and helpful, TBD options provide flexibility, smooth shopping flow, and clean design
❌ What Didn’t Work
Too many steps in trip setup, lack of instructions on some screens, checklist screen felt busy, too many clicks before reaching gear recommendations
🔧 Recommended Changes
Condense trip setup steps, add clear instructions to improve clarity, simplify checklist screen
Refining
6. High-Fi Prototype
Homepage
Gear suggestions & Checklist
Interact with the prototype
Designing the Next Escape was a deep dive into creating a product that supports outdoor adventures from the moment they start planning. It taught me how to design with clarity and intention, especially when users are feeling overwhelmed by gear decisions. From mapping out user flows to building the dynamic checklist, every design choice was rooted in real user needs. Usability testing brought the project to life, showing me how users truly interacted with the app and where improvements were needed. The experience not only strengthened the product but also gave me confidence in designing solutions that are both functional and genuinely helpful.