WeatherWise

My Role

Product Designer

Timeline

16th Jan 2024

Project Setup

24hr Sprint

Improving Navigational Safety with Weather-Adaptive Routing in Google Maps

Over a 24 hr period, I undertook a design exercise to integrate real-time weather data into Google Maps. This project was a straightforward attempt to enhance route planning by adding weather alerts and alternative route suggestions, aimed at subtly improving user safety.

A Personal Alarm and A Common Struggle

The project kicked off because of an accident my friend had, which was a big wake-up call for me. But there was more to it. Imagine trying to drive in the Northeast during the cold months. The roads can be really unpredictable because of the weather - like sudden snow or ice. It's pretty stressful not knowing what you'll face. So, I thought, why not create something that helps drivers know the weather ahead of time? This way, they can be better prepared or choose a safer route.

The project kicked off because of an accident my friend had, which was a big wake-up call for me.

Quick Statistics

Annual Fatality Comparison

The data reveals that weather-related car crashes cause approximately 15 times more fatalities annually than all major weather disasters combined in the United States.

5,376-5,900 due to Weather-Related Car Crashes

375-379

375-379 due to Large-Scale Weather Disasters

Significance of Rain and Snowy Conditions

Weather conditions significantly impact road safety, with a substantial portion of crashes occurring during adverse weather.

21%

of the car crashes are weather-related.

418,000

people are injured in crashes that occurred in snowy or icy conditions, Annually.

Problem Statement

Despite technological advancements, unpredictable weather still surprises us on the road, creating a clear disconnect.

Key takeaway from Secondary Research

Drivers often face sudden weather changes that turn routine trips into risky journeys, yet many Reddit users highlight the lack of real-time weather alerts in navigation apps, emphasizing the need for safer, weather-aware routing.

A Shared Concern of Unpredictable Weather on the Road on Reddit

Weather Warnings missing from Waze

I vividly remember the day I narrowly avoided driving straight into a severe thunderstorm, thanks to a quick check on my weather app. It struck me then how invaluable it would be to have these alerts directly in our navigation systems.

Weather along the route?

Hi, I don't think Google Maps can show you the weather along your planned router like where it is snowing, where it's raining, etc. I'm trying to plan 26-hour trip and need to see the weather of all the cities on my route as I travel. Is there any other navigation app which can help me in this regards?

Real time weather

I have always wondered why an integrated weather alert system couldn't be applied. For example, last summer I was on a long road trip driving west across Tennessee. The clouds ahead were very dark so I asked my son to check the weather app. Sure enough we were under a severe thunderstorm earning with high wind and hail. We pulled over to a safe location. Had we not looked, we would have been in the middle of it. I get the community reported weather, but if it knows my route and there is a warning issued for something, it would be very helpful to be warned.

How People deal with this currently

During my NYC trip, I utilized a weather app and maps to find safer routes, a simple yet effective approach. I noticed this pattern among other users as well. However, this method is not foolproof, as weather is not static but continually changes. It's a band-aid solution that many have adopted, yet it's far from ideal.

Checking Hourly Forecasts

I would screenshot the hourly forecast for the areas you'll pass through showing the time you expect to pass through, and I would do it the day before you leave.

Crafting Intuitive Weather-Aware Routing

Throughout the development of this weather-informed routing feature, I engaged in a dynamic design process that unfolded across three pivotal stages. Each stage brought us closer to a design that not only delivers critical information but does so in a way that feels intuitive and reassuring to users.

Weather Condition Alerts on Map

Notifying users of any adverse weather conditions along their planned route. The map visually distinguishes these areas with clear highlighting and warning icons, ensuring that users are aware of potential risks before they encounter them.

Iteration 1

Navigating Visual Clutter

My first attempt was to signal weather conditions with a circular overlay. Though well-intentioned, this cluttered the interface, especially on smaller screens.

Iteration 2

Mixing Traffic and Weather Alerts Caused Confusion

Next, I tried color codes for traffic and badges for weather. This led to confusion, mixing up weather alerts with traffic info—a valuable lesson in the importance of clear visual language.

I was confused by the color codes, thinking they were traffic alerts.

- User

Iteration 3

Achieving Clarity Through Wrapping

The breakthrough came with a wrapping design for affected roads, clearly separating weather from traffic info. This balance of clarity and intuition was the key, making navigation safer and more straightforward.

Trip Scheduling with Weather Forecasts

I introduced a proactive planning tool that integrates weather forecasts with trip scheduling. This feature empowers users to plan their journeys based on anticipated weather conditions, fostering a sense of confidence and control over their travel plans, ensuring they feel secure and comfortable.

Trip scheduling integrates weather forecasts, empowering users to plan journeys with confidence and comfort.

In-Car Weather Change Alerts

This feature keeps drivers updated with real-time weather changes directly on their route, adapting quickly as conditions evolve. It's designed to enhance road safety, ensuring travelers are never caught off guard by sudden weather shifts.

In-car notifications keep drivers updated with real-time weather changes along their route.

Intuitive Route Option Badges

The challenge was to present essential route information in a simplified manner. My solution—a system of easily distinguishable badges for the fastest, safest, and weather-impacted routes—balances clarity with subtlety. This approach enables users to make quick, informed choices without feeling overwhelmed by details. The badges, especially those indicating weather conditions, are designed to offer a quick grasp of how weather might affect each route, enhancing user decision-making with safety and ease at the forefront.

Route badges help users quickly identify the fastest, safest, and weather-impacted routes.