Maps can be powerful tools for enhancing user experience and providing valuable information within your web or mobile app. Whether you're showcasing locations, displaying data, or enabling user interaction, a well-integrated map can transform the app into a dynamic, interactive experience. It provides essential location-based insights, improves navigation and supports informed decision-making.
Does the map serve a clear purpose? Is it essential for conveying information, or is it supplementary? Defining the map’s purpose will guide design choices and ensure its integration adds value to the user experience.
Does the map's color scheme and style align with your app's overall aesthetic? Are the colors used effectively to convey useful information?
For example, Citymapper uses the default Google Maps color scheme, augmenting it with custom elements like the start and end points. Local transportation colors are leveraged for familiarity and context.
On the other hand, Tesla uses a stylized map with muted landmarks and branded pins to indicate key points, aligning the visuals with its premium aesthetic.
Consider how the map will look and function on various device sizes. Will users interact differently on a tablet versus a phone?
For example, Airbnb displays the map alongside property lists on larger screens while separating map and list views on smaller devices for better usability. Consider using responsive map layouts that adapt controls and information density based on screen real estate.
Are pins and other visual elements easily distinguishable? Using distinct shapes, sizes, or colors can help differentiate data points.
For example, in our work with RealFeel, we utilized unique pins to represent different user sentiments, enhancing clarity and engagement. Test pin designs against various map backgrounds to ensure visibility.
What information needs to be displayed on the map? Is it single locations, lists of points, geographic regions, or perhaps no specific locations at all (e.g., a thematic map)?
For example, Walgreens showcases store locations with detailed information presented alongside the map.
Are locations relative to each other? Is it more helpful to show distance in miles / kilometers or estimated travel time?
For example, Lyft prioritizes drive time over physical distance, displaying estimated arrival times instead of distances, which is often more relevant for users planning a ride.
Represent dense data effectively using clustering to avoid overwhelming users with too many individual data points.
For example, working with Adobe Content Authenticity Initiative, we employed clustering to visually represent concentrations of members, grouping nearby data points into clusters that expand upon zooming in.
Use color-coding intuitively to convey data ranges and patterns. Consistent and logical color choices enhance readability and data comprehension.
For example, Our World in Data uses graduated color schemes to depict variations in population density, making it easy to identify high and low-density areas at a glance.
Beyond simple pins, display values directly on the map to provide immediate context and insights. This approach works well for numerical or categorical data.
For example, on Roo.vet, the app highlights potential earnings for veterinary shifts directly as map pins, offering actionable insights at a glance.
Similarly, Zillow displays property prices as pins, allowing users to compare values quickly before diving deep into details.
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Determine the central point of the map and the appropriate initial zoom level. What should the user see first?
For example, Uber Eats centers the map on the user’s current location, showcasing nearby restaurants for a seamless local discovery experience.
Should users interact directly with the map? Define how they will interact, whether through taps, clicks, scrolls, pinch gestures, or other methods. Ensure touch targets for interactive elements like pins are adequately sized for mobile use.
Account for interaction differences across devices. For example, desktop users may rely on mouse actions (click-and-drag panning, scroll wheel zoom), while mobile users prefer touch gestures (touch-drag panning, pinch-to-zoom).
Ensure that map interactions integrate seamlessly with other parts of the app.
For instance, selecting a pin on OpenTable updates the adjacent panel with detailed information about the restaurant, such as its available reservations, operating hours, user reviews, and more.
Incorporate features like keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, and sufficient color contrast for users with disabilities. Ensure map controls are keyboard navigable and meet color contrast requirements outlined in accessibility guidelines like WCAG. Provide text alternatives for map information where possible.
Ensure that your desired customizations and interactions are technically feasible by discussing them with developers early in the design process. Consider the capabilities and limitations of potential mapping platforms (like Mapbox or the Google Maps Platform).
Work closely with developers to ensure accurate implementation. Share detailed design specs, interactive prototypes, and reference resources to minimize miscommunication and achieve the intended user experience.
By thoughtfully considering all these different aspects, you can craft map experiences within your product that are not just functional but truly engaging for users. Whether you’re showcasing locations, visualizing complex data, or creating interactions, maps have the potential to elevate your product significantly.
Ready to elevate your app with intuitive, engaging maps? Perpetual specializes in designing and building user-centric solutions that drive business outcomes. Explore our design or development capabilities, and contact us today to discuss how we can bring your vision to life.
