Austin Parks & Recreation
The Barton Springs Line Counter is a streamlined module meticulously crafted to seamlessly integrate into the Austin Parks and Recreation webpage, catering to the needs of both residents and visitors alike. Its primary function is to provide precise line predictions, thereby mitigating the risk of visitors being turned away due to capacity constraints.
Design Methodology
The Challenge
Barton Springs stands as a premier attraction within Austin, renowned for its natural spring-fed waters and consistent temperatures throughout the year. However, during peak summer months, the popularity of Barton Springs often leads to issues of overcrowding, resulting in extensive queues forming at the entrance. Through comprehensive research, it became evident that a predominant grievance among patrons was the frustration of encountering queues exceeding 50 to 100 individuals, impeding their access to the pool.
The Solution
To address this challenge, the objective was to develop a website line counter capable of providing real-time updates on the current pool occupancy relative to its capacity, along with an estimated queue size. This strategic initiative aimed to empower families and patrons with timely information, enabling informed decisions regarding their choice of recreational venue, be it opting to visit Barton Springs or selecting an alternative pool within the city.
Proposed Journey Map
Strengths
Swim at your own risk usually early in the morning or after hours.
The pool provides incredible and well-trained lifeguards that ensure the safety of its patrons as well as the health of the pool itself.
Weaknesses
Limited space in the pool
They have strict rules prohibiting food, drinks, glass in the pool grounds.
Different information online regarding hours of operation
Opportunities
Partnering up with ACL, SXSW, and other large venues for more traffic during those events.
Providing the hillside space for yoga and other spiritual groups to practice.
Providing a fresh water pool for anyone to come and swim, practice, or maintain their own physical health.
Threats
Covid-19 threatens the amount of people who can go, the hours they are open, and funding the pool gets from the city.
Flooding and other environmental problems (such as pollution of the Edwards Aquifer directly affects Barton Springs and its cherished endangered salamander)
Checkpoint 1
The primary objectives of the first checkpoint encompassed a comprehensive analysis of the existing brand identity of the Austin Parks and Recreation page, ensuring seamless integration of the module I designed. Additionally, the second objective involved the meticulous creation of a wireframe for the counter, facilitating strategic planning for the layout and presentation of information on the webpage.
Checkpoint 2
The objectives of the second checkpoint were centered around advancing the design iteration phase, elevating the brand identity and wireframing process to a refined stage. This facilitated a clearer envisioning of the final product's aesthetics and user experience, enabling comprehensive testing on the existing prototype.
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Hours of Operation Module
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Prohibited Items & Activities Module
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Pool Line Counter Module
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Back-End View
Checkpoint 3
The ultimate objectives of checkpoint three entailed iterative refinement based on rigorous testing evaluations conducted by three impartial classmates with prior experience using the pool but without involvement in the design process. Subsequently, the designs underwent thorough review by my supervisor prior to final preparation for presentation.
