Calgary Bike Map

A Usability Analysis and Recommendation Report

Visual Design

User Experience Design

User Testing

Wayfinding

Maps are often one of the first touchpoints in a wayfinding system, they serve to orient the user and prepare them for the rest of their journey.

The existing bike pathways map and supporting documentation for the City of Calgary lacks user-friendliness and accessibility, hindering the promotion of active transportation and community well-being. Users find it challenging to navigate the current map efficiently, impacting the overall usability and effectiveness of the tool.

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Background

As somebody who enjoys cycling as a recreational hobby, I get to see both the joy and frustration that the city of Calgary pathway system can bring.

Connecting with the city and making it a vibrant place to live are important to me. Lately I’ve been interested in how places are designed and how that affects people living within them.

Access to information is obfuscated if the user is not directly searching for it. Noted best practice errors with respect to the semiotics and symbolic representation on the map (e.g. red highlighted sections to indicate non-road pathways; this is confusing.) Personal and anecdotal usage of the current map and other navigation tools highlighted difficulties in interpreting the current map, leading to navigation errors and a lack of engagement with the city's bike pathways. Additionally, myself and other cyclists have noticed ourselves using other mapping and navigation tools such as Strava or Google Maps to properly plan for a ride.

When do maps contribute to the wayfinding experience?

As displayed, three of the first steps happen before the user even gets to the pathway. This is where appropriate information needs to be delivered to ensure and promote better pathway experiences

Notably at stages 2 and 3 the user is likely referring to planning tools such as maps and other tools. Getting this step correct is critical.

What is the existing solution?

Existing solution user testing insights

Main Insights

8 out of 10 participants said they would not use the digital map again in the future.

The digital map is wearing too many hats, simplifying the default filters would reduce visual clutter

The goals of this map were unclear, the filters need to be categorized for specific use case.

Distinguishing comfort level of paths was important to all users tested.

Navigating urban bike paths is pivotal for cyclists' safety and enjoyment, yet current map solutions are plagued by complexity and inefficiency. These maps, intended to facilitate route planning and enhance the cycling experience, instead present a significant barrier.

The first set of iteration was based on precedent research

To collect information on how to create a proper pathway mapping system I had to gather precedent on mapping in general. What types of maps are there? what is their function? how do they code data? All good questions, but the even better question is why is there no simple bike path map? (hint: I learned this the hard way, but it's because paths are largely complex, unmaintained, and non-continuous)

Pivoting from first concept

Initially I was drawn to the idea of a representative map which could serve as a tool to develop a mental model of existing pathways. For this I used subway map diagrams as inspiration for a “Pedestrian Highway Network”.

I do not think this is a bad idea but ultimately I was constrained by the data I had access to. I would have preferred the map to be more comprehensive. However, this would require knowledge of what paths in the city are most accessible and robust and what areas experience the most traffic.

What is the map purpose?

How can we visually encode information

we can code information based on a variety of properties: Colour, size, texture, proximity, position, contrast, labels, symbols.

The content which is to be visually encoded includes: Comfort/safety, grade, location, connection points, path types.