ParkAid Mobile App
Simplifying Parking Rules with AI
UX CASE STUDY
TOOLS
THE CHALLENGE
Parking Signs Are Confusing
It’s 6:30 PM. Alice just arrived downtown for a dinner reservation, but she’s stuck staring at a jumble of parking signs. “No parking from 4-6 PM. Permit required 6-8 PM. Free parking after 8 PM.” She hesitates—should he risk a ticket or find another spot?
Alice's frustration is shared by millions of drivers. Parking signs are often unclear, leading to unnecessary tickets, wasted time, and parking anxiety.
We set out to design an AI-powered solution that instantly interprets parking rules, making it easy for drivers to know where and when they can park.
UNDERSTANDING THE PROBLEM
Why Are Parking Signs So Hard to Read?
Before designing a solution, we conducted user interviews and surveys to uncover pain points.
Key Insights
One user, Sarah, shared:
These insights shaped our core design principles: Instant clarity, real-time accuracy, and ease of use.
Research Methods
Key Findings
Brainstorming and Ideation
We began with rough wireframes, focusing on a simple flow: scan, interpret, and guide. We identified AI as the central solution, focusing on its ability to:
- Interpret complex signs using OCR (Optical Character Recognition).
- Factor in time, location, and vehicle type for tailored results.
Key Features
Wireframes and Prototypes
Wireframes helped us test early assumptions about flow and clarity.
Assess the effectiveness of the core scanning flow and initial AI interpretations.
10 users from diverse backgrounds, including commuters, delivery drivers, and elderly drivers.
Users found the scanning process seamless and appreciated the quick, AI-generated results.
Users appreciated the scan-and-result flow but wanted more guidance on how the AI interpreted the signs.
In low-light areas, text on signs was sometimes misread, leading to incorrect recommendations. Users requested a night mode or brightness enhancement to improve scanning accuracy.
We're actively developing a low-light mode with enhanced camera brightness and optimised OCR, set to roll out in an upcoming update.
Test the app in real-world environments, including complex parking zones with multi-layered signs.
25 users testing the app over a week.
Some participants requested multi-language support for non-English speakers.
Users wanted human-readable explanations for AI decisions, especially for ambiguous rules like “No Parking Except Vehicles with Permits.”
Added plain language explanations for all AI results (e.g., “You can park here from 8 AM to 6 PM unless you’re a commercial vehicle”).
Began development of multi-language support for global usability.
Gather feedback from a larger group of beta testers to identify edge cases and refine AI accuracy.
We’re planning a comprehensive test with 200 users across multiple cities, evaluating performance at different times of the day and under diverse weather conditions.
Ensures accurate sign interpretation and minimises user frustration from incorrect results due to blurry or incomplete images.
After scanning, show the captured image with a message: "Does this look clear?" This allows users to confirm readability before the app processes the image.
Breaks down complex rules into digestible parts and gives users control to explore only what’s relevant to them.
On the results screen, display restrictions as interactive, expandable sections (e.g., "Tap to Learn More").
Personalises the experience, ensuring users feel the app understands their specific situation.
Tailor results based on time and user input (vehicle type).
Reduces cognitive load and enables users to understand their parking status at a glance.
Personalises the experience, ensuring users feel the app understands their specific situation.
Empowers users to recover from errors while keeping the experience smooth and frustration-free.
If a sign is unreadable, show a friendly error message: "We couldn’t interpret this sign. Try retaking the photo."
Key Screens
We wanted ParkAid to feel reliable, modern, and stress-free—a companion drivers could trust.
Design System
I've used variables extensively, making it very convenient to switch between dark and light modes.
Impact
“This app saved me from getting a ticket! I wish I had this years ago.”
BETA TESTER
Learnings
Next Steps
Building ParkAid reinforced the importance of seamless AI integration and user trust. By prioritizing clarity and speed, we created a tool that solves a real-world frustration.
Next steps? Expanding support for international parking regulations and integrating with navigation apps for even greater convenience.