WeatherBug
Maps Control UI

Role
UX/UI Designer

Device
Mobile & Tablet

Duration
Jan 2023 - Nov 2023

Goal

Enhance the maps UI interface with features and improvements, so that we can increase user engagement.

Scope

Improve UI components for Map layer:
1. Animation slider with new look and feel
2. Change placement for bottom control bar from horizontal bottom to vertical bottom right
3. Remove "i" and show "Legends" permanently
4. Reporting: Capture clog data for new controls

Old Maps Control UI

• Outdated design
• Lack of personality and brand identity
• Difficult, incomprehensible UI
• Different UI across iOS and Android

old maps layer

New Map Framework

Breakdown of the components in the Map UI in layer view

map framework

New Maps Control UI

• Clean and modern design that blends well with the map
• Clear navigation and information architecture
• Transition to React Native to combine iOS and Android design

new maps layer

Tablet Version

new maps layer

Definition of Success & Thoughts

Improve user engagement
(i.e. Increase in DAU, MAU and OST & Retention of users)

Usually when apps go through a major UI change, daily users are taken aback and may leave negative reviews regarding the change. However, we find that once we give time for users to adjust to the new UI, the negative reviews subside and we start to receive positive or more constructive reviews about the update. This was apparent when 'AccuWeather' completely updated their app UI in 2020. In first glance, the design became more functional and sensible; however, they received a lot of negative reviews from their long-time users. But as those users got used to the new design, 'AccuWeather' received more constructive feedback rather than implusive ones.

Currently, we are still in Phase 1 of updating the Maps UI. We are closely monitoring user reactions and feedback regarding this first phase and hope to improve the UI accordingly with addition to bringing new features and solutions for Phase 2.