ParkAid Mobile App

Simplifying Parking Rules with AI

UX CASE STUDY

CLIENT

ParkAid

CLIENT

ParkAid

CLIENT

ParkAid

WHAT I DELIVERED

UX Design, Design System, Branding

WHAT I DELIVERED

UX Design, Design System, Branding

WHAT I DELIVERED

UX Design, Design System, Branding

TOOLS

Figma, FigJam, Maze, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator

TOOLS

Figma, FigJam, Maze, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator

TOOLS

Figma, FigJam, Maze, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator

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.

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 from Research:

Key Insights from Research:

Key Insights from Research:

Ambigious Rules

Many signs combine multiple restrictions, making them difficult to interpret quickly.

Ambigious Rules

Many signs combine multiple restrictions, making them difficult to interpret quickly.

Ambigious Rules

Many signs combine multiple restrictions, making them difficult to interpret quickly.

Time Sensitivity

Drivers don’t have time to decode complex signage while on the road.

Time Sensitivity

Drivers don’t have time to decode complex signage while on the road.

Time Sensitivity

Drivers don’t have time to decode complex signage while on the road.

Costly Mistakes

Misinterpreting a sign can lead to expensive fines and towing fees.

Costly Mistakes

Misinterpreting a sign can lead to expensive fines and towing fees.

Costly Mistakes

Misinterpreting a sign can lead to expensive fines and towing fees.

One user, Sarah, shared:

“I got a ticket because I misread a sign that changed restrictions after 6 PM. If only there was a way to get a simple Yes or No answer!”

Sarah, 28

Suburban Parent

“I got a ticket because I misread a sign that changed restrictions after 6 PM. If only there was a way to get a simple Yes or No answer!”

Sarah, 28

Suburban Parent

“I got a ticket because I misread a sign that changed restrictions after 6 PM. If only there was a way to get a simple Yes or No answer!”

Sarah, 28

Suburban Parent

These insights shaped our core design principles: Instant clarity, real-time accuracy, and ease of use.

Understanding the Problem

USER RESEARCH

Understanding the Problem

USER RESEARCH

Understanding the Problem

USER RESEARCH

Research methods

Research methods

Research methods

Survey

We surveyed 200 drivers across three major cities to gauge their understanding of parking signs and challenges faced.

Survey

We surveyed 200 drivers across three major cities to gauge their understanding of parking signs and challenges faced.

Survey

We surveyed 200 drivers across three major cities to gauge their understanding of parking signs and challenges faced.

User Interviews

Conducted 15 one-on-one interviews with drivers who frequently commute in areas with complex parking regulations.

User Interviews

Conducted 15 one-on-one interviews with drivers who frequently commute in areas with complex parking regulations.

User Interviews

Conducted 15 one-on-one interviews with drivers who frequently commute in areas with complex parking regulations.

Contextual Inquiry

Observed drivers interacting with parking signs in busy neighbourhoods to uncover real-time pain points.

Contextual Inquiry

Observed drivers interacting with parking signs in busy neighbourhoods to uncover real-time pain points.

Contextual Inquiry

Observed drivers interacting with parking signs in busy neighbourhoods to uncover real-time pain points.

Key Research Findings

Key Research Findings

Key Research Findings

70

Complexity of parking signs

of participants found parking signs too complex, with layered rules creating confusion.

70

Complexity of parking signs

of participants found parking signs too complex, with layered rules creating confusion.

70

Complexity of parking signs

of participants found parking signs too complex, with layered rules creating confusion.

40%

Fear of fines

of users admitted to avoiding certain areas altogether to prevent the risk of receiving parking fines.

40%

Fear of fines

of users admitted to avoiding certain areas altogether to prevent the risk of receiving parking fines.

40%

Fear of fines

of users admitted to avoiding certain areas altogether to prevent the risk of receiving parking fines.

55%

Time pressure

Many drivers (55%) felt rushed when trying to interpret parking signs, especially during peak hours.

55%

Time pressure

Many drivers (55%) felt rushed when trying to interpret parking signs, especially during peak hours.

55%

Time pressure

Many drivers (55%) felt rushed when trying to interpret parking signs, especially during peak hours.

85%

Technology savviness

of participants owned smartphones, but only 45% had used apps for parking-related tasks, highlighting a gap in effective solutions.

85%

Technology savviness

of participants owned smartphones, but only 45% had used apps for parking-related tasks, highlighting a gap in effective solutions.

85%

Technology savviness

of participants owned smartphones, but only 45% had used apps for parking-related tasks, highlighting a gap in effective solutions.

Trust in AI Guidance

While intrigued by AI-based solutions, users expressed concerns about accuracy and wanted transparency about how decisions were made.

Trust in AI Guidance

While intrigued by AI-based solutions, users expressed concerns about accuracy and wanted transparency about how decisions were made.

Trust in AI Guidance

While intrigued by AI-based solutions, users expressed concerns about accuracy and wanted transparency about how decisions were made.

Target Audience

Target Audience

Target Audience

  • Alice, 34

    Urban Commuter

    Occupation

    IT Specialist

    Goals

    Quickly interpret parking rules near her office or client locations.

    Paint Points

    Struggles with multi-layered signs and has received fines in the past.

    Behaviour

    Regularly parks in busy city centres and relies on her smartphone for navigation.

  • Brian, 42

    Suburban Parent

    Occupation

    IT Specialist

    Goals

    Find safe, legal parking near schools, parks, or shopping areas while traveling with kids.

    Paint Points

    Finds it difficult to navigate unfamiliar parking rules when visiting new areas.

    Behaviour

    Prefers clear and quick solutions that reduce stress during family outings.

  • Sofia, 27

    Delivery Driver

    Occupation

    Freelancer

    Goals

    Avoid fines while making timely deliveries in high-traffic zones.

    Paint Points

    Faces tight schedules and often parks illegally due to unclear signage.

    Behaviour

    Needs a tool that can interpret parking signs quickly and reliably during her route.

  • Mike, 65

    Retired Explorer

    Occupation

    Retired

    Goals

    Park safely near museums, parks, or entertainment venues during his leisure trips.

    Paint Points

    Has difficulty understanding modern parking technology and signage.

    Behaviour

    Wants an intuitive app that offers clear, easy-to-follow guidance.

  • "I hate wasting time deciphering signs when I’m already late for work."

    Alice, 34

    Urban Commuter

  • "I’ve gotten tickets for parking in what seemed like a legal spot. It’s so frustrating!"

    Brian, 42

    Suburban Parent

  • "Some signs feel like they’re written in code. I can’t afford to get it wrong on a delivery job."

    Sofia, 27

    Delivery Driver

Designing an Effortless Parking Guide

Design process

Designing an Effortless Parking Guide

Design process

Designing an Effortless Parking Guide

Design process

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.

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.

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

Key Features

Key Features

AI-Powered Scanning

The app uses OCR to analyse text, symbols, and contextual cues from parking signs.

AI-Powered Scanning

The app uses OCR to analyse text, symbols, and contextual cues from parking signs.

AI-Powered Scanning

The app uses OCR to analyse text, symbols, and contextual cues from parking signs.

Dynamic Guidance

Incorporates real-time data (e.g., time of day, zone restrictions).

Dynamic Guidance

Incorporates real-time data (e.g., time of day, zone restrictions).

Dynamic Guidance

Incorporates real-time data (e.g., time of day, zone restrictions).

Transparency

Displays how decisions are made, building user trust.

Transparency

Displays how decisions are made, building user trust.

Transparency

Displays how decisions are made, building user trust.

Wireframes and Prototypes

Wireframes helped us test early assumptions about flow and clarity.

Wireframes and Prototypes

Wireframes helped us test early assumptions about flow and clarity.

Wireframes and Prototypes

Wireframes helped us test early assumptions about flow and clarity.

Refining the Experience

USER TESTING

Refining the Experience

USER TESTING

Refining the Experience

USER TESTING

Phase 1
Early Prototype Testing

GOAL

Assess the effectiveness of the core scanning flow and initial AI interpretations.

participants
participants
participants

10 users from diverse backgrounds, including commuters, delivery drivers, and elderly drivers.

FEEDBACKS

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.

ACTIONS

We're actively developing a low-light mode with enhanced camera brightness and optimised OCR, set to roll out in an upcoming update.

Phase 2
High-Fidelity Testing with Real Scenarios

GOAL

Test the app in real-world environments, including complex parking zones with multi-layered signs.

PARTICIPANTS

25 users testing the app over a week.

FEEDBACKS

Users wanted human-readable explanations for AI decisions, especially for ambiguous rules like “No Parking Except Vehicles with Permits.”

Some participants requested multi-language support for non-English speakers.

ACTIONS

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.

Phase 3
Post-Launch Beta Testing

GOAL

Gather feedback from a larger group of beta testers to identify edge cases and refine AI accuracy.

PARTICIPANTS

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.

Results

Adoption

85% of beta testers said they would use the app regularly.

Adoption

85% of beta testers said they would use the app regularly.

Adoption

85% of beta testers said they would use the app regularly.

Efficiency

Users reported a 65% reduction in time spent interpreting parking signs, with most scans yielding results in under 5 seconds.

Efficiency

Users reported a 65% reduction in time spent interpreting parking signs, with most scans yielding results in under 5 seconds.

Efficiency

Users reported a 65% reduction in time spent interpreting parking signs, with most scans yielding results in under 5 seconds.

By integrating iterative feedback, we not only refined the app’s user experience but also strengthened the AI’s performance and reliability. These improvements ensured the app could effectively address user pain points, making parking simpler and more stress-free.

By integrating iterative feedback, we not only refined the app’s user experience but also strengthened the AI’s performance and reliability. These improvements ensured the app could effectively address user pain points, making parking simpler and more stress-free.

By integrating iterative feedback, we not only refined the app’s user experience but also strengthened the AI’s performance and reliability. These improvements ensured the app could effectively address user pain points, making parking simpler and more stress-free.

Design Decisions

Design Decisions

Design Decisions

01
Clear Feedback for Scan Readability

DECISION

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.

Reason

Ensures accurate sign interpretation and minimises user frustration from incorrect results due to blurry or incomplete images.

01
Clear Feedback for Scan Readability

DECISION

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.

Reason

Ensures accurate sign interpretation and minimises user frustration from incorrect results due to blurry or incomplete images.

01
Clear Feedback for Scan Readability

DECISION

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.

Reason

Ensures accurate sign interpretation and minimises user frustration from incorrect results due to blurry or incomplete images.

02
Interactive Conditions Breakdown

DECISION

On the results screen, display restrictions as interactive, expandable sections (e.g., "Tap to Learn More").

Reason

Breaks down complex rules into digestible parts and gives users control to explore only what’s relevant to them

02
Interactive Conditions Breakdown

DECISION

On the results screen, display restrictions as interactive, expandable sections (e.g., "Tap to Learn More").

Reason

Breaks down complex rules into digestible parts and gives users control to explore only what’s relevant to them

02
Interactive Conditions Breakdown

DECISION

On the results screen, display restrictions as interactive, expandable sections (e.g., "Tap to Learn More").

Reason

Breaks down complex rules into digestible parts and gives users control to explore only what’s relevant to them

03
Context-Aware Messages

DECISION

Tailor results based on time and user input (vehicle type).

Reason

Personalises the experience, ensuring users feel the app understands their specific situation.

03
Context-Aware Messages

DECISION

Tailor results based on time and user input (vehicle type).

Reason

Personalises the experience, ensuring users feel the app understands their specific situation.

03
Context-Aware Messages

DECISION

Tailor results based on time and user input (vehicle type).

Reason

Personalises the experience, ensuring users feel the app understands their specific situation.

04
Visual Hierarchy for Parking Results

DECISION

Personalises the experience, ensuring users feel the app understands their specific situation.

Reason

Reduces cognitive load and enables users to understand their parking status at a glance.

04
Visual Hierarchy for Parking Results

DECISION

Personalises the experience, ensuring users feel the app understands their specific situation.

Reason

Reduces cognitive load and enables users to understand their parking status at a glance.

04
Visual Hierarchy for Parking Results

DECISION

Personalises the experience, ensuring users feel the app understands their specific situation.

Reason

Reduces cognitive load and enables users to understand their parking status at a glance.

05
Error Handling for Unreadable Signs

DECISION

If a sign is unreadable, show a friendly error message: "We couldn’t interpret this sign. Try retaking the photo."

Reason

Empowers users to recover from errors while keeping the experience smooth and frustration-free.

05
Error Handling for Unreadable Signs

DECISION

If a sign is unreadable, show a friendly error message: "We couldn’t interpret this sign. Try retaking the photo."

Reason

Empowers users to recover from errors while keeping the experience smooth and frustration-free.

05
Error Handling for Unreadable Signs

DECISION

If a sign is unreadable, show a friendly error message: "We couldn’t interpret this sign. Try retaking the photo."

Reason

Empowers users to recover from errors while keeping the experience smooth and frustration-free.

Bringing ParkAid to Life

High-fidelity designs

Bringing ParkAid to Life

High-fidelity designs

Bringing ParkAid to Life

High-fidelity designs

Key Screens

Key Screens

Key Screens

Flow

Flow

Flow

Crafting a Trustworthy Identity

BRANDING

Crafting a Trustworthy Identity

BRANDING

Crafting a Trustworthy Identity

BRANDING

We wanted ParkAid to feel reliable, modern, and stress-free—a companion drivers could trust.

Typography

Typography

Typography

Colours & Icon

Colours & Icon

Colours & Icon

Design System

I've used variables extensively, making it very convenient to switch between dark and light modes. 

Design System

I've used variables extensively, making it very convenient to switch between dark and light modes. 

Design System

I've used variables extensively, making it very convenient to switch between dark and light modes. 

Clear Parking Guidance in Seconds

The outcome

Clear Parking Guidance in Seconds

The outcome

Clear Parking Guidance in Seconds

The outcome

80% reduction in time spent deciphering signs.

80% reduction in time spent deciphering signs.

80% reduction in time spent deciphering signs.

Fewer parking tickets reported by beta testers.

Fewer parking tickets reported by beta testers.

Fewer parking tickets reported by beta testers.

Overwhelmingly positive feedback on ease of use and reliability.

Overwhelmingly positive feedback on ease of use and reliability.

Overwhelmingly positive feedback on ease of use and reliability.

One beta tester shared:

“This app saved me from getting a ticket! I wish I had this years ago.”

Lessons Learned & Next Steps

FINAL THOUGHTS

Lessons Learned & Next Steps

FINAL THOUGHTS

Lessons Learned & Next Steps

FINAL THOUGHTS

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.

Reflections & Takeaway

Reflections & Takeaway

Reflections & Takeaway

Impact

Impact

Impact

Users felt 80% more confident in their parking decisions when using the app.

Users felt 80% more confident in their parking decisions when using the app.

Users felt 80% more confident in their parking decisions when using the app.

The app reduced time spent interpreting signs by 65%, significantly improving user satisfaction.

The app reduced time spent interpreting signs by 65%, significantly improving user satisfaction.

The app reduced time spent interpreting signs by 65%, significantly improving user satisfaction.

Transparency features increased trust in AI, with 75% of testers expressing high confidence in its accuracy.

Transparency features increased trust in AI, with 75% of testers expressing high confidence in its accuracy.

Transparency features increased trust in AI, with 75% of testers expressing high confidence in its accuracy.

Learnings

Learnings

Learnings

Trust is key

Users are more willing to adopt AI when it explains decisions transparently.

Trust is key

Users are more willing to adopt AI when it explains decisions transparently.

Trust is key

Users are more willing to adopt AI when it explains decisions transparently.

Iterative Feedback

AI must continuously learn from real-world scenarios to improve accuracy.

Iterative Feedback

AI must continuously learn from real-world scenarios to improve accuracy.

Iterative Feedback

AI must continuously learn from real-world scenarios to improve accuracy.

By combining the power of AI with user-centered design, we created a solution that bridges the gap between complex parking rules and driver convenience.

This app demonstrates how AI can transform frustrating, high-stakes decisions into effortless, informed choices, making parking simpler, safer, and more accessible for everyone.