FISHGRAM (CAPTAIN FRESH)
Map feature for Captains and Boat Owners
Market research, Data-Driven Design, Maritime navigation, Map Layer Customization, Offline functionality
Fishermen and boat owners in India's coastal regions face significant challenges in navigation due to a lack of accessible, reliable, and easy-to-use digital tools. Traditional methods can be imprecise and unsafe, leading to increased risks and reduced productivity. There is a pressing need for a navigation tool that not only caters to the unique requirements of the fishing community but also integrates seamlessly with their daily practices.
OBJECTIVE
To help Captains plan their fishing trips and catch more quantity.
Fishgram is offering an integrated navigation platform specifically designed for India's fishing community. The app provides real-time data and guidance, enabling users to navigate the sea more effectively. The App will support both Online & Offline Maps with graceful interactions and permission handling, Navigation Mode, and basic Layers - Depth, Grid, PFZ will be available for users.
MY ROLE
Being the sole designer, my responsibility involved crafting and weaving the entire user experience and visual design for this map feature. I collaborated consistently with the Product Manager and Engineering team to develop and design layers and features within the app.
THE DESIGN PROCESS
Market Research
I started with doing market research of commonly used map platforms like Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Mappls MapmyIndia to understand the common interactions and functionality provided by these major players. The intention behind researching and understanding these apps was to create a similar experience for our users, so they don't need to learn from scratch. Additionally, having a similar interface increases the chances of user adoption.
Competitive Analysis
After that, I also conducted research on fishing apps that provide maps, such as Fishbrain, AquaMap, Navionics Boating, and Marine Traffic. This helped me understand the features currently offered by these players to users.
Most of them do not provide offline maps with ocean data. That is our goal – to provide a sense of visibility to captains and boat owners offline so they can use maps for their fishing trips.
User Needs Assessment
Conducted user interviews with experienced Captains and Boat owners to delve deeper into their habits and expectations. They shared insights into their current tools, pain-points, and areas for improvement regarding navigation and maps.
Captains expressed a strong need for offline maps during deep-sea fishing trips as they want to have some sort of visibility when they are in the sea e.g., economic zones, non-economic zones for fishing.
One of the main problems they pointed out was that they were unaware when they crossed the Indian ocean border and landed in other country's region, leading to potential legal issues. This happens with them frequently and they want a solution for this.
Technical Feasibility
I closely collaborated with Data Scientists and Engineers to ensure the practicality of online and offline functionalities, offline data storage and rendering functionalities, addressing connectivity challenges. I worked extensively on understanding how maps work, how Mapbox will render the data, data volume and the loading time on users' screens.
Mapping out the flow
A clear path was established, starting with a prominent homepage banner that introduces Fishgram Maps. A brief first-time user intro screens guide users through essential features. Finally, the map itself prioritizes intuitive interactions like zoom, click, and pin drop, mimicking familiar patterns from existing apps.
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Initially, wireframes focused on technical feasibility, ensuring functionalities could be translated into a functional product. Through ongoing discussions and feedback loops, the prototypes were iteratively improved to guarantee a seamless user experience.
Wireframes to Visual Design
Key Considerations while designing User Interactions:
a) Offline Functionality:
Considering potential lack of internet connectivity at sea, prioritize features like pre-downloaded map sections with essential data (depth, PFZs) for offline access. User testing with fishermen in remote locations can further refine the offline experience.
b) Intuitive Map Interactions:
Design zoom, pan, click, and pin drop interactions to be user-friendly and understandable for users with varying technical skills.
c) Map Layer Management:
Consider how each map layer will look independently and in combination with others. Ensure clarity and readability for users, navigating through different data sets.
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