G.W.
Grant.Warren
Powder
End-to end application to assist skiers and snowboarders in finding real-time mountain conditions and fresh snow.
View Prototype
My Role
UX/UI Designer
Timeline
Feb 2023
Team
Designer
Project Manager
Tools
Figma
Adobe Photoshop
Overview
Winter sports continue to snowball.
Each year, an increasing number of individuals discover the thrill and excitement of skiing and snowboarding. The market size of ski and snowboard resorts in the United States reached $4.6 billion in 2022, and this figure is expected to grow by 7.2% in 2023. The continuous growth in the number of participants has resulted in a robust market that is ripe for innovative, convenient, and unique products.

As skiing and snowboarding continue to gain popularity, it is no surprise that the market for these activities has also experienced significant growth. The impressive revenue generated by ski and snowboard resorts in the US highlights the vast potential of this market. The expected growth of 7.2% in 2023 is a testament to the increasing demand for skiing and snowboarding experiences. This growth is driven by a combination of factors such as increased disposable income, advancements in technology, and the overall appeal of outdoor recreational activities.

The consistent influx of new participants presents a great opportunity for ski and snowboard resorts to offer innovative and unique products. Such products could include new equipment, unique resort experiences, and enhanced safety measures. Additionally, ski and snowboard resorts can leverage technological advancements to provide more convenient services such as online booking systems, mobile apps, and digital ticketing options.
Problem
Modernize and revitalize.
Skiers and snowboarders often struggle to find reliable resources for up-to-date information on mountains and snow conditions, making it a challenging task to discover fresh and untracked snow. The prevalence of outdated legacy technology in the industry only exacerbates this problem, highlighting the need for a technological overhaul.

In today's digital age, it is essential to have access to real-time information on snowfall, mountain conditions, and lift operations. However, the scattered and inconsistent nature of current resources can make it challenging to do so. Legacy technology, such as outdated mobile applications and websites, has been a persistent problem in the skiing and snowboarding industry. These outdated platforms often provide limited functionality and can be cumbersome to use. A refresh of this technology is crucial to provide users with more user-friendly and convenient options for accessing information. By embracing innovative technologies and real-time data analytics, the industry can provide users with more accurate and up-to-date information, ultimately enhancing the overall experience for skiers and snowboarders.
Skiers and snowboarders often struggle to find reliable resources for up-to-date information on mountains and snow conditions, making it a challenging task to discover fresh and untracked snow. The prevalence of outdated legacy technology in the industry only exacerbates this problem, highlighting the need for a technological overhaul.

In today's digital age, it is essential to have access to real-time information on snowfall, mountain conditions, and lift operations. However, the scattered and inconsistent nature of current resources can make it challenging to do so. Legacy technology, such as outdated mobile applications and websites, has been a persistent problem in the skiing and snowboarding industry. These outdated platforms often provide limited functionality and can be cumbersome to use. A refresh of this technology is crucial to provide users with more user-friendly and convenient options for accessing information.

By embracing innovative technologies and real-time data analytics, the industry can provide users with more accurate and up-to-date information, ultimately enhancing the overall experience for skiers and snowboarders.
Solution
Finding the powder.
We created a product that enables users to access real-time snow and trail conditions from multiple resorts and mountains. We aimed to develop a tool that would allow users to quickly identify which trails had been recently used and compare trail usage between different areas, helping them locate areas of pristine snow. To achieve this, we focused on creating an intuitive user interface that emphasizes key features such as trail usage information and snow conditions. Our aim was to provide users with granular information and interactive map features that enable them to explore trails and snow conditions, and to filter results based on their preferences. By developing this product, we hoped to provide skiers and snowboarders with an efficient and user-friendly way to plan their snowsports activities, regardless of their skill level or experience.
We created a product that enables users to access real-time snow and trail conditions from multiple resorts and mountains. We aimed to develop a tool that would allow users to quickly identify which trails had been recently used and compare trail usage between different areas, helping them locate areas of pristine snow.

To achieve this, we focused on creating an intuitive user interface that emphasizes key features such as trail usage information and snow conditions. Our aim was to provide users with granular information and interactive map features that enable them to explore trails and snow conditions, and to filter results based on their preferences. By developing this product, we hoped to provide skiers and snowboarders with an efficient and user-friendly way to plan their snowsports activities, regardless of their skill level or experience.
Plan your day
The perfect snow day
To locate optimal skiing or snowboarding conditions, users can compare different mountains based on snow and weather conditions. The product allows users to filter ski and snowboard runs by difficulty level, enabling them to identify less crowded areas and uncrowded runs.
Plan your day
The perfect snow day
To locate optimal skiing or snowboarding conditions, users can compare different mountains based on snow and weather conditions. The product allows users to filter ski and snowboard runs by difficulty level, enabling them to identify less crowded areas and uncrowded runs.
Trail information
Find untouched snow
Access personalized run recommendations or filter based on trail usage and fresh snowfall data. Gain detailed information about your preferred trail including historical snow data and live cams.
Trail information
Find untouched snow
Access personalized run recommendations or filter based on trail usage and fresh snowfall data. Gain detailed information about your preferred trail including historical snow data and live cams.
Interactive map
Survey the mountain
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the mountain by utilizing the interactive map feature to visualize and explore. The filtering function allows for customization by difficulty level, trail usage, and snow information.
Interactive map
Survey the mountain
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the mountain by utilizing the interactive map feature to visualize and explore. The filtering function allows for customization by difficulty level, trail usage, and snow information.
Research
Searching for the powder.
We sought to gain insight into the methods employed by skiers and snowboarders to obtain information regarding mountain conditions, with a particular emphasis on fresh snow and trails. To achieve this, we undertook a competitive analysis, conducted user interviews, and engaged in secondary research, all with the aim of achieving the following objectives.
• Understand the process of how people currently find mountain snow information.
• Understand what people look for when/if they check on snow conditions.
• Understand what the user’s needs/wants are.
• Understand the constraints/logistics of sourcing resort information
• Understand the current solutions available for individual users and resorts
• Understand the process of how people currently find mountain snow information.

• Understand what people look for when/if they check on snow conditions.

• Understand what the user’s needs/wants are.

• Understand the constraints/logistics of sourcing resort information

• Understand the current solutions available for individual users and resorts
Research - Competitive Analysis
More functionality and reliability.
Analysis of resort-provided and independent snow/weather applications showed that large resort apps offered the advantage of GPS location tracking, providing users with useful snow and mountain-related information. However, these apps lacked the granular detail and usability provided by independent products. independent products offered a higher degree of usability and detailed weather information, improving the overall user experience. However, they fell short in providing resort-specific or mountain-specific information, which is often crucial for skiers and snowboarders seeking to explore new trails and terrains. Find full report here
Research - Secondary Research
Evaluating effectiveness.
In order to acquire a more comprehensive understanding of the current products, we undertook research aimed at assessing their user experience, which included analyzing customer feedback, reviews, and personal usage. Our investigation revealed that users had raised a significant number of concerns and complaints across various snow/weather applications. The magnitude and diversity of the issues voiced by users were a source of surprise for us. We identified several major issues and complaints that users commonly experienced. These included:
• Lack of functionality and usability
• The product not working as intended or not working at all
• New product version rollouts with bad execution
• Overall lack of useful innovation across products/platforms
• Lack of functionality and usability

• The product not working as intended or not working at all

• New product version rollouts with bad execution

• Overall lack of useful innovation across products/platforms
Research - User Interviews
Mountain users.
The aim was to conduct a series of interviews with skiers and snowboarders in order to gain a thorough understanding of how they currently seek information about mountain conditions, with a specific focus on fresh snow and trails. Through these interviews, we sought to identify the key factors that users consider when checking on snow conditions, such as the specific types of information that they look for, and the relative importance of different types of data. Furthermore, we aimed to gain insight into the specific needs and wants of users regarding snow and mountain-related information, such as how frequently they seek such information, and the specific purposes for which they use it. Finally, we wanted investigate the constraints or limitations associated with sourcing resort information, including the technological limitations that may hinder the user experience, as well as any other factors that may impact the availability, accessibility, or accuracy of such information. Find full interview report here
The aim was to conduct a series of interviews with skiers and snowboarders in order to gain a thorough understanding of how they currently seek information about mountain conditions, with a specific focus on fresh snow and trails. Through these interviews, we sought to identify the key factors that users consider when checking on snow conditions, such as the specific types of information that they look for, and the relative importance of different types of data.

Furthermore, we aimed to gain insight into the specific needs and wants of users regarding snow and mountain-related information, such as how frequently they seek such information, and the specific purposes for which they use it.

Finally, we wanted investigate the constraints or limitations associated with sourcing resort information, including the technological limitations that may hinder the user experience, as well as any other factors that may impact the availability, accessibility, or accuracy of such information. Find full interview report here
Research - Interview Outcomes
Reliable mountain information.
Upon analyzing the interviews and organizing the data using an affinity map, we identified several recurring needs among the participants. These needs showed a strong correlation with the results of our competitive analysis and customer reviews. Through this process, we were able to identify key needs that users are seeking in a snow and mountain-related information service.
Key points:
• Unable to see if a specific trail or area is going to be crowded
• Not seeing updated or accurate information on the resort apps
• Not knowing the conditions of certain trails ahead of time
• Spending too much time waiting
• Tough finding fresh snow unless lucky
Key points
• Unable to see if a specific trail or area is going to be crowded

• Not seeing updated or accurate information on the resort apps

• Not knowing the conditions of certain trails ahead of time

• Spending too much time waiting

• Tough finding fresh snow unless lucky
Research - User Persona
Meet Zach!
In order to refine our understanding of the potential user base and develop a product that effectively meets their needs, we utilized the insights gathered from our research to create a user persona. This persona serves as a comprehensive representation of the key characteristics, motivations, and pain points of our target audience. By creating a clear and concise picture of our target audience, we can ensure that our design and development efforts are geared towards meeting their specific needs and preferences. This approach not only improves the usability and functionality of our product, but also helps to establish a deeper connection with our users, promoting long-term engagement and loyalty.
Research - Synthesis
Finding the right questions.
Leveraging the insights gained from the interviews and affinity mapping, we synthesized the research into practical and actionable statements that formed the basis of the design process. These statements were constructed to allow for flexibility in the ideation phase while still providing a cohesive and clear direction. By following these statements, we were able to stay aligned with our target audience's specific needs and ensure that our design solutions were tailored accordingly.
• How might we help skiers more efficiently navigate the mountain?
• How might we help skiers and resorts better align their visual data/information?
• How might be provide more efficient tools for information on snow conditions?
• How might we help customize the skiing experience for each individual?
• How might we help skiers more efficiently navigate the mountain?

• How might we help skiers and resorts better align their visual data/information?

• How might be provide more efficient tools for information on snow conditions?

• How might we help customize the skiing experience for each individual?
Building the Solution - Feature Prioritisation
Aligning priorities.
In order to guide our design decisions towards high-impact features, we utilized a priority matrix. The user persona played a crucial role in determining the most valuable and feasible features to create within our two-week project timeline. We also considered technical constraints, including our proficiency and available prototyping tools. Based on the priority matrix, we decided to prioritize the development of trail-specific information such as the number of people who have used it and snow conditions. This allowed us to focus our efforts on designing key screens around these features.
Building the Solution - Flows
User & task flows.
Upon completion of the research phase, we recognized the necessity to validate our assumptions through task flows. To achieve this, we created user and task flows based on the insights gleaned from the interviews, affinity mapping, and prioritization matrix. The primary objective was to highlight the importance of trail usage rates, as it was a significant feature identified during our research. We aimed to chart the various ways in which users could access this information in the quickest and most straightforward way possible. Through an analysis of these task flows, we were able to assess usability and ensure that the features we implemented aligned with the specific needs of our target audience.
Building the Solution - Wireframes
Initial wireframes.
Upon completing our initial research, we opted to focus our efforts on developing a minimum viable product (MVP) that placed particular emphasis on several key features. Among these features were screens that displayed trail usage data organized by ski resort. With this information, users could readily access and explore further details regarding trail conditions and information by applying filters or utilizing the interactive map. The intention was to give granular information as quickly and effectively as possible.
Building the Solution - Branding
Visual identity.
Powder was developed as product offering an upgraded experience to skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The design approach was centered around accessibility, catering to both beginners and seasoned veterans. The use of color was a crucial element in the design framework, serving as the main method for communicating crowd levels and snow conditions. The aim was to create a user-friendly interface with colors guiding the user and complementing touch buttons and cards.

The logo was crafted to encompass the themes of mountains, snow, and weather while incorporating tech-enabled efficiency and ease of use. The stylized "O" was inspired by the shape of snowflakes and evolved to become a modern yet recognizable symbol that resonates with the outdoors. The Powder logo was designed with versatility in mind and can be utilized across various mediums.

The typography and icons were carefully selected to maintain a modern outdoor aesthetic. The aim was to create a design that would evoke a sense of adventure and the great outdoors while incorporating a contemporary twist. The overall design approach was aimed at capturing the essence of the product in a straightforward and visually appealing manner.
Powder was developed as product offering an upgraded experience to skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The design approach was centered around accessibility, catering to both beginners and seasoned veterans. The use of color was a crucial element in the design framework, serving as the main method for communicating crowd levels and snow conditions. The aim was to create a user-friendly interface with colors guiding the user and complementing touch buttons and cards.

The logo was crafted to encompass the themes of mountains, snow, and weather while incorporating tech-enabled efficiency and ease of use. The stylized "O" was inspired by the shape of snowflakes and evolved to become a modern yet recognizable symbol that resonates with the outdoors. The Powder logo was designed with versatility in mind and can be utilized across various mediums.

The typography and icons were carefully selected to maintain a modern outdoor aesthetic. The aim was to create a design that would evoke a sense of adventure and the great outdoors while incorporating a contemporary twist. The overall design approach was aimed at capturing the essence of the product in a straightforward and visually appealing manner. Full library here
Building the Solution - High Fidelity Wireframes
Initial design.
Powder is a product designed to provide skiers and snowboarders with granular information about mountain trails, snow conditions, and usage rates at ski resorts. The key screens of Powder focus on providing the user with easy and intuitive access to trail-specific information. One of the primary features is the trail usage information broken out by ski resort, which allows the user to quickly see how crowded a particular trail is likely to be. Another key feature of Powder is the display of snow conditions. Users can easily see how much snow has fallen in recent days, and what the current snow depth is on each trail.

The interactive map allows the user to explore trails and ski resorts in a fun and engaging way. The map makes it easy to find trails that match the user's skill level, and to discover new and interesting runs. The map also integrates with the trail-specific information and snow conditions, so users can quickly find the information they need to plan their day.
Building the Solution - Usability Testing
Testing the prototype.
We conducted moderated usability tests to obtain insights that guided the refinement of the Figma prototype. Test participants were tasked with navigating the prototype, and we closely monitored how they interacted and navigated the screens, the duration it took them to complete the task, and any difficulties encountered during navigation and use. By analyzing the test results, necessary adjustments to the prototype were made.
Before
After
01
Real-time updates
Users were unsure what trail usage represented.

To resolve this issue, we replaced the trail usage information with a real-time popularity graph. This graph allows users to view the current usage of the trail and compare it to the average usage over time.
Home Page• Homepage explains the product
• Moves the user to the planning page

Profile Page
• The user can view their completed    activities, personal gear    inventory, and favorites
Home Page• Homepage explains the product
• Moves the user to the planning page

Profile Page
• The user can view their completed activities, personal gear    inventory, and favorites
01
Real-time updates
Users were unsure what trail usage represented.

To resolve this issue, we replaced the trail usage information with a real-time popularity graph. This graph allows users to view the current usage of the trail and compare it to the average usage over time.
Before
After
Home Page• Homepage explains the product
• Moves the user to the planning page

Profile Page
• The user can view their completed    activities, personal gear    inventory, and favorites
Home Page• Homepage explains the product
• Moves the user to the planning page

Profile Page
• The user can view their completed activities, personal gear    inventory, and favorites
02
Powder Runs™
Users wanted a quicker way to see ski trials with the least usage and most snow.

To aid users in selecting the ideal trail for their skiing or snowboarding experience, recommended trail information was incorporated. With this feature, users can easily identify trails with fewer runs and greater snow accumulation.
Before
After
Home Page• Homepage explains the product
• Moves the user to the planning page

Profile Page
• The user can view their completed    activities, personal gear    inventory, and favorites
Home Page• Homepage explains the product
• Moves the user to the planning page

Profile Page
• The user can view their completed activities, personal gear    inventory, and favorites
02
Powder Runs™
Users wanted a quicker way to see ski trials with the least usage and most snow.

To aid users in selecting the ideal trail for their skiing or snowboarding experience, recommended trail information was incorporated. With this feature, users can easily identify trails with fewer runs and greater snow accumulation.
Before
After
Home Page• Homepage explains the product
• Moves the user to the planning page

Profile Page
• The user can view their completed    activities, personal gear    inventory, and favorites
Home Page• Homepage explains the product
• Moves the user to the planning page

Profile Page
• The user can view their completed activities, personal gear    inventory, and favorites
Before
After
03
Optimizing the experience
The users wanted a more refined search experience with the ability to filter based on specific preferences and find trails that match their criteria.

The issue was resolved by implementing a search and filtering functionality. Furthermore, the design layout of the screens underwent a revision to ensure optimal usability and user-friendliness.
Home Page• Homepage explains the product
• Moves the user to the planning page

Profile Page
• The user can view their completed    activities, personal gear    inventory, and favorites
Home Page• Homepage explains the product
• Moves the user to the planning page

Profile Page
• The user can view their completed activities, personal gear    inventory, and favorites
03
Optimizing the experience
The users wanted a more refined search experience with the ability to filter based on specific preferences and find trails that match their criteria.

The issue was resolved by implementing a search and filtering functionality. Furthermore, the design layout of the screens underwent a revision to ensure optimal usability and user-friendliness.
Before
After
Home Page• Homepage explains the product
• Moves the user to the planning page

Profile Page
• The user can view their completed    activities, personal gear    inventory, and favorites
Home Page• Homepage explains the product
• Moves the user to the planning page

Profile Page
• The user can view their completed activities, personal gear    inventory, and favorites
04
Increasing usability
The users encountered difficulty while attempting to select a specific trail on the trail usage page.

To enhance usability we decided to increase the size of the trail info cards. Spacing was expanded between cards to allow for more whitespace and create a more visually appealing layout.
Before
After
Home Page• Homepage explains the product
• Moves the user to the planning page

Profile Page
• The user can view their completed    activities, personal gear    inventory, and favorites
Home Page• Homepage explains the product
• Moves the user to the planning page

Profile Page
• The user can view their completed activities, personal gear    inventory, and favorites
04
Increasing usability
The users encountered difficulty while attempting to select a specific trail on the trail usage page.

To enhance usability we decided to increase the size of the trail info cards. Spacing was expanded between cards to allow for more whitespace and create a more visually appealing layout.
Before
After
Home Page• Homepage explains the product
• Moves the user to the planning page

Profile Page
• The user can view their completed    activities, personal gear    inventory, and favorites
Home Page• Homepage explains the product
• Moves the user to the planning page

Profile Page
• The user can view their completed activities, personal gear    inventory, and favorites
Solution
Interactive prototype.
Conclusion
Final thoughts.
The development of the Powder prototype was an engaging exercise in iterative design. It challenged the team to think creatively about usability and how to present complex data in an engaging and accessible way. The usability testing was a crucial step in the process, providing valuable insights that led to significant improvements in the end result.

To further enhance the product, future iterations could explore the expansion of the search and filter feature to encompass a broader range of user preferences, such as lift types and amenities. Additionally, more comprehensive information on trail difficulty and ratings could be incorporated to help users plan their day and make informed decisions. Investing in more sophisticated data analytics could also provide users with more accurate and up-to-date information on snow conditions and usage patterns, potentially through the addition of a heat map feature.
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