Developed during a UX Design and Prototyping course, the project addresses key challenges such as wildlife disturbances, visitor safety, and environmental education.
Project Background
Yellowstone National Park, renowned for its diverse ecosystems and cultural significance, attracts approximately 4.9 million visitors annually, contributing $834 million to the local economy and supporting 8,736 jobs. However, this influx of tourists often leads to issues like wildlife disturbances and safety concerns. Recognizing these challenges, our team embarked on creating an ethical and immersive travel experience that fosters conservation and responsible tourism.
Key Insights
Wildlife Disturbance: Human interactions frequently disrupt wildlife, affecting their natural behaviors and habitats, potentially leading to dangerous encounters and ecosystem imbalances.
Education and Awareness: Many visitors lack awareness of responsible park enjoyment, resulting in behaviors harmful to the environment and wildlife, highlighting the need for enhanced educational programs.jingjing-han.com
Visitor Safety: The vast number of visitors annually raises safety concerns, with many unaware of dangers posed by wildlife, geothermal features, and rugged terrain, leading to accidents and injuries.
Design Solution
In response to these findings, we designed a new community feature within the existing National Park Service (NPS) app.This feature educates users and guides them to use their photography skills to help document endangered species in the park. By integrating educational content and interactive elements, the app encourages visitors to engage responsibly with the environment, enhancing their overall experience while contributing to conservation efforts.
This project was made in collaboration with Jingjing Han and Vipech Bun.