Apple Maps Preferred Lane

Project Overview

Apple Maps is a widely used navigation tool, but current UI design lacks guidance on which lane is preferred when a driver needs to make a lane change for an upcoming turn. This project aims to add a preferred lane indicator, improving safety by guiding drivers more effectively, without distracting them.

Problem Statement

At complex intersections, Apple Maps shows that multiple lanes can be used, but doesn’t indicate which lane is best for an upcoming turn. Drivers who end up in the wrong lane face difficulties switching, which can lead to:

• Safety risks from sudden lane changes.

• Negative user experience due to confusion or frustration.

*Current design doesn’t indicate the preferred lane for upcoming turns, leaving drivers uncertain, leading to last-minute lane changes and safety risks.

Survey Insights

I conducted a brief survey with 34 participants, sampling a varied pool of individuals differing in age, location, and driving experience. The following insights were gathered from the survey:

• 23 respondents (68%) said yes to the question, "Do you often feel uncertain about which lane to be in at complex intersections or highway exits when using Apple Maps?"

• 31 respondents (91%) admitted to having missed a turn, exit, or made a last-minute lane change due to unclear guidance from Apple Maps.

• 26 respondents (76%) expressed that having a clear indicator for the preferred lane at complex intersections would make them feel safer or more confident while using Apple Maps.

These results highlight a significant demand for improved lane guidance, with most respondents facing uncertainty during complex driving scenarios and expressing a desire for clearer instructions to enhance safety and confidence while navigating.

User Persona

* User Persona

Design Goal

Introduce a subtle visual cue to show the preferred lane for upcoming turns, without cluttering the UI. The goal is to guide users without distracting them, while keeping the option to use other lanes.

Iteration Process

*First Iteration

Initially, I envisioned using both scale and color to indicate the preferred lane. However, in practice, it became clear that the blue and white arrows, both starkly contrasting against the dark grey background, compete for the user's attention, reducing their effectiveness.

Final Solution

*Final Design

Solution Approach

1. Visual Representation of the Preferred Lane
   I replaced text with a blue bar to clearly indicate the preferred lane, offering users an intuitive and unobtrusive guide.

2. Non-Intrusive Design
   The visual cue highlights the preferred lane without detracting from other driving options, maintaining a balanced user experience.

3. Seamless Integration
   Familiar UI elements ensure that the new feature integrates smoothly with the existing Google Maps design, preserving its intuitive feel.

Challenges & Considerations

• Avoiding Distractions: The visual cue is designed to be subtle and intuitive to avoid distracting drivers.

• Consistency with Long-Term Users: The feature integrates seamlessly with Apple Maps’ existing UI, ensuring long-term users aren't disrupted by the change.

• Colorblind Accessibility: To ensure accessibility, the visual cues rely on color (blue) and form (the horizontal bar), so users with different visual abilities can still navigate safely.

Testing Impact & Next Steps

The feature will require extensive user testing, which presents a unique challenge: users need to interact with the interface while driving. The testing will focus on evaluating its effectiveness, usability, safety impact, and how intuitive the lane indicators are for users with varying levels of experience.

An important principle in UX design is user control and freedom. With this in mind, users should have the option to toggle the feature on or off. If this idea were to be pursued further, this flexibility would be a crucial consideration.

Key Takeaways

Subtle Design Elements: This project highlighted the value of making subtle design changes that enhance functionality without overwhelming the user.

Designing with Purpose: It made me think about how design goes beyond just good UX—it's about things like driver safety. It also led me to consider how Apple Maps and other navigation apps test new features.