Redesigning the NYC Ferry App
This project aimed to enhance the NYC Ferry App's accessibility and usability by focusing on barriers encountered by users with disabilities, particularly those with visual impairments.
Scope and Goals
- Improve app accessibility for users with disabilities.
- Address navigation issues and cognitive overload in the interface.
- Incorporate WCAG-compliant accessibility features.
Key Issues Identified
- Cluttered home page causing cognitive overload.
- Poor contrast and inaccessible color schemes.
- Lack of screen reader support and auditory cues.
- Hidden or confusing icons (e.g., ferry route maps).
Redesign Highlights
- Added high-contrast color schemes and customizable text sizes.
- Enabled screen reader support and auditory feedback.
- Improved navigation flow with a simplified layout and quick access to key features.
- Integrated location-based assistance for terminal navigation.
Design Audit
Audit Highlights:
- The home page presented excessive information, overwhelming users, especially those with cognitive impairments.
- Maps lacked clear labeling and intuitive navigation.
- No built-in accessibility settings, such as high-contrast mode or adjustable font sizes.
- Icons overlapped on the map, complicating route selection.
Evaluation and Impact
Usability testing was conducted with participants using assistive technologies such as screen readers. The redesigned interface demonstrated significant improvements in navigation, task completion, and overall user satisfaction.
The enhanced features, including auditory feedback and simplified layouts, provided a more inclusive experience, ensuring better alignment with ADA and WCAG standards.
Project Deliverables
Presentation:
Design Audit Report:
Download Audit ReportInteractive Media
Demonstration Video: