Designed to make discovery, booking, and community engagement effortless and fun.
Created on: Jan 2022
Boards & Paddles is a mobile-first concept app that energizes the ocean sports community by making events, rentals, and reviews more engaging and accessible. It’s built for curious, fun-loving users who crave connection, discovery, and a splash of adventure.
This project explores how digital platforms can foster real-world experiences through intuitive design, thematic storytelling, and community-driven features.
🎯 Goals
- Unify fragmented ocean sports experiences into one playful platform
- Encourage exploration through curated packages and rentals
- Build community via reviews, shared stories, and themed challenges
- Celebrate ocean culture with a shop for souvenirs and local crafts
🧠 UX Strategy & Research
🔍 Research Process
- Conducted interviews with ocean sports enthusiasts
- Mapped emotional highs/lows across typical booking journeys
- Created empathy maps and personas
- Sketched low-fidelity wireframes
- Designed high-fidelity UI in Figma
👤 User Archetypes/Personas
- Curious First-Timer: Wants to try paddleboarding but feels unsure
- Local Guide: Hosts events and shares gear tips
- Family Explorer: Seeks safe, fun group activities
- Solo Adventurer: Books spontaneous experiences
🧭 Journey Mapping: Sue’s Paddleboarding Experience
| Stage | Actions | Emotions | Insights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discover | Calls or visits water-sports site | 🤔 Curious | Needs clear, engaging entry points |
| Explore | Asks about packages | 😕 Overwhelmed | Wants simplified comparisons |
| Decide | Receives email details | 🙂 Informed | Prefers visual summaries |
| Book | Checks availability | 😐 Neutral | Booking flow should be intuitive |
| Prepare | Gets confirmation | 😊 Excited | Timely nudges build anticipation |
| Attend | Arrives for class | 😄 Happy | Seamless experience boosts retention |
🌐 Key Features
| Feature | Description | Value |
|---|---|---|
| 🧭 Explore Packages | Curated experiences like “Sunset Paddle & Picnic” | Reduces planning friction |
| 🏄♂️ Watersports Hub | Browse and book activities | Encourages trial and repeat use |
| 🛶 Rentals | Local gear with verified reviews | Builds trust and convenience |
| 🛍️ Souvenir Shop | Artisanal ocean-themed goods | Supports local makers |
| 🌐 Community | User stories, challenges, and meetups | Fosters belonging and engagement |
🧪 Wireframes
📱 Mobile App Preview
