A map-based app of public restrooms in NYC, complete with GPS navigation, feature tags, and peer reviews. For the urgent pedestrian in need of lavatory relief. Turns the process of finding bathrooms from stressful to easy.

CURRENT PROBLEM

The platform is difficult to navigate and frequently provides inadequate information. Additionally, the available content is often outdated, which may lead to a frustrating user experience.

PROJECT GOAL

• To reduce the anxiety associated with finding a clean, available bathroom in a large city.
• To support local businesses by directing potential customers to their establishments if they offer public restrooms.
• To contribute to public health initiatives by providing access to hygienic facilities.

RESEARCH ROADMAP

Since the project is centered on problem-solving, I've prioritized maximizing user insights and thoughts in the app development process. Consequently, user research and feedback play a significant role throughout.

MARKET ANALYSIS

I analyzed the existing market system, focusing on identifying problems that could be resolved by developing the app and addressing issues users encounter with each platform.

MAIN USER INSIGHTS

Although finding a bathroom might seem straightforward, users often face various challenges and obstacles that can make the experience uncomfortable.
I am concentrating on addressing this issue to enhance user comfort and accessibility by thoroughly understanding their needs and pain points.

INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE & LOW FIDELITY WIREFRAME

I designed the map to simplify the user experience as much as possible, eliminating unnecessary steps and ensuring it is straightforward and easy to navigate.

PAIN POINT FOCUS 1

The issue with the current system was that the locations were not tailored to the user, requiring them to take extra steps and spend more time to find the nearest bathroom in desperate situations.

Therefore, I have focused on enhancing the 'Near Me' feature in the map-based experience. It now explicitly indicates the proximity of bathrooms, such as '5 mins walk' or '10 mins walk,' along with detailed information about each location.

PAIN POINT FOCUS 2

Often, users couldn't find the hours of operation for restrooms using the bathroom finder app, necessitating the use of Google Maps as an additional step. To streamline this process and avoid surprises like unexpected closures, I have integrated hours of operation directly into the app, ensuring users have all the necessary information in one place.

PAIN POINT FOCUS 3

Often, bathrooms may appear to be publicly accessible, but they are actually restricted to customers only. Others may be all-gender, which some users might find uncomfortable, or they might be poorly maintained. The Lavatory app addresses these issues by providing detailed information and reviews in a straightforward manner, ensuring users know exactly what to expect.