Google Maps
Year
Worked with
Goals
2024
Solo project but with lots of users
Enhancing the 'Add Stop' feature by simplifying the process and improving usability.
Background
Tired of Rearranging Stops
As a frequent driver who relies on Google Maps for navigation, I often use the 'add stop' feature.
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My usual approach involves setting the final destination first, followed by adding any intermediate stops. However, I’ve consistently found it inconvenient that Google Maps requires stops to be added in order, which forces me to manually rearrange the stops every time.
This repeated friction sparked the idea for this project, where I set out to redesign the 'add stop' feature to enhance usability and streamline the process.
Research goals
Navigating User Pain Points
The research aimed to uncover challenges in adding and rearranging stops in Google Maps, discover user preferences for stop sequencing, and identify any other related pain points to enhance navigation efficiency and satisfaction.
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Methodologies:
1. Competitive Analysis
2. User Interviews
3. Usability Testing
Competitive analysis
Different UX in Adding Stop Feature
First, I compared the add stop feature across three apps,
and it was clear that Google Maps had the most steps for adding a stop.
Apple Maps
Google Maps
Naver Maps
Affinity Map
5 People were interviewed and they provided new perspectives
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Research Findings
1
Users prefer a quicker process for adding stops.
2
Users typically use the 'Add Stop' feature to include intermediate stops along their route, rather than setting up sequential destinations.
3
Users value having ETA information for at least the first stop when adding multiple stops, as it significantly influenced their decision-making process.
4
Users find "Add Stop" and "Search Along Route" confusing due to overlapping purposes, as both are used to add stops to their route.
Solution
Discovering a Better System for Add Stop
To avoid causing confusion in the current user experience, I focused on finding ways to enhance the system while maintaining most of the existing features.​
01
Simplified Stop Management
By using + and - buttons for navigation, users can directly add stops in sequence without requiring additional reordering.
This approach aligns with the current Google Maps system and is the most intuitive method for users, minimizing cognitive load and ensuring a seamless experience.
02
Dynamic ETA Display
Before starting the trip, all stops' ETAs are displayed with the label "ETA for immediate departure" to indicate potential inaccuracies.
Once the trip begins, the main screen shows only the next stop's ETA, and users can swipe up to view the ETAs for the remaining stops.
03
Merging "Add Stop" and "Search Along Route" Features
Based on the user interview, a more intuitive approach would be to merge these functionalities. By allowing users to add stops and search along their route within a single interface, we can streamline the experience.
The sequence in which users add stops could determine whether the system prioritizes route-based suggestions or specific destinations, making the tool more flexible and user-centric.
Recent Google Maps Updates
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The new “Add Stops” button replaces the magnifying glass, offering a more intuitive design and allowing users to add stops directly along their route through the “Search Along Route” section, addressing previous user confusion.
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​Meatball Menu Update:“Add Stops” is replaced with “Edit Stops,” maintaining the original functionality.
Prototype
Usability Testing 1
+ Button
Participants initially faced a learning curve with the + button, leading to a higher misclick rate and an average difficulty rating of 4/7 during the first task.
However, by the second task, users adapted quickly, demonstrating a success rate of 93.3% and a significantly improved difficulty rating of 2.7/7.
Usability Testing 2
ETA display
The redesigned ETA display received a usefulness rating of 5.6/7, with participants providing additional positive feedback highlighting its practicality and value.
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Users emphasized its value in their additional comments:​
“Adding the ETA for stops is super helpful!”
“Displaying ETA for stops is something
I truly need when using Google Maps.”
“ETA is a beneficial feature.
As an impatient user, it helps me feel relieved.”
Key takeaways
Users Tend to Stick to Familiar Features
User interviews revealed that many users only engage with specific features they are familiar with, even if other useful functions are more accessible. For example, although the 'Search Along Route' feature in Google Maps is represented by a prominent magnifying glass icon, users who frequently use the 'Add Stop' function were unaware of it.
This shows that as a UX designer, it’s crucial to design interfaces that not only introduce new features but also encourage users to explore and discover them naturally, ensuring a seamless and intuitive experience.
The Challenge of Evidence-Based Design
While conducting user interviews and reviewing app feedback, I aimed to create a redesign grounded in solid evidence. However, I found that translating user insights and data into effective design solutions wasn't as straightforward as I anticipated. This experience highlighted the complexity of balancing user feedback with practical design choices.
It also made me realize that to refine my ability to create evidence-based designs, I need to continue honing my skills in research and data interpretation. This challenge pushes me to grow as a UX designer and deepen my understanding of how to turn research into actionable, impactful design decisions.