ParkAid Mobile App
Simplifying Parking Rules with AI
UX CASE STUDY
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.
One user, Sarah, shared:
These insights shaped our core design principles: Instant clarity, real-time accuracy, and ease of use.
Phase 1
Early Prototype Testing
GOAL
Assess the effectiveness of the core scanning flow and initial AI interpretations.
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
We wanted ParkAid to feel reliable, modern, and stress-free—a companion drivers could trust.
One beta tester shared:
“This app saved me from getting a ticket! I wish I had this years ago.”
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.
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.
