National Recreation App

Unified recreation app designed to improve access to National Forests with offline and online information.

Certain project details and internal workflows are withheld due to NDA restrictions. Please contact me to learn more.

Project Overview

The National Recreation App enables users to discover recreation sites, trails, forests, and grasslands through a single, accessible digital experience. The product is designed to support efficient task completion while meeting Section 508 and ADA accessibility standards for users with diverse abilities.

Problem

Inconsistent information and outdated experiences across existing tools created friction for users planning recreation activities. The goal was to design a modern, accessible platform that improves clarity, supports long-term scalability, and streamline recreation behaviors.

Role
Lead UX Designer/Researcher
Duration
December 2023 - Present
Skills
User Experience Design
User Research
Mobile Accessibility
Tools
Figma, Miro, Github, Teams, Jira, Zenhub, Microsoft Forms
Client
Government Agency (Name withheld)

Process Overview

click to enlarge

Solution Highlights

Consistent 508 testing ensures:

  • Improved readability and clarity
  • Enabled text reader and keyboard navigation
  • Operational efficiency 

Consistent, real-time information enables users to navigate tasks effectively and make informed decisions.

  • Validated early design concepts
  • Informed navigation structure and task prioritization
  • Enabled cross-functional alignment 

Designs

Adventure Search​

The landing page search allows users to quickly find recreation activities at a high level.

Outcome: Research and iterative design improved user confidence and reduced friction, enabling users to access relevant results on the landing page before refining their search.

Advanced Filter Search

If needed, users can refine search results past a high level by forest, grassland, site and trail types, enabling depth of discovery without overwhelming the interface.

Outcome: Through many iterations and feedback loops from participants and stakeholders, the refined design allowed users to narrow down results to relevant recreation areas, reducing cognitive load and streamlines planning a successful National Forest visit.

Map Exploration

A designated map enables users to explore proximity and availability in context.

Outcome: Through analyzing user behaviors in user acceptance testing, the map exploration feature with basemap layers and a searchable slide up list was deemed a priority. These map features inform decision-making with accurate and updated map information, and maintain a low-friction, accessible experience.

Current Status and Learnings

This project is ongoing. While final outcomes are still being evaluated, the work establishes a strong foundation for reliable data, and accessible patterns. Early validation confirmed improved clarity across core features. Future iterations will continue to refine patterns as the product evolves.