Enhancing Google Maps

Task title: Redesigning a Software/Product

A report submitted to the Unitedworld Institute of Technology in partial fulfillment of the

requirements for the end-semester jury viva for the course titled,
Critical Thinking
Course Code: 24KUCC102

Name of the Student: Lokendra Sinh Rajput

Enrolment ID: 202407020117
Program & Semester: Btech & 1st Sem

Under the Supervision of

Mr. Maheshkumar Munjale
(Asst. Professor, UID)

UNITEDWORLD INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

KARNAVATI UNIVERSITY
GANDHINAGAR
2024-25
Redesign of Google Maps: Improving Experience and Functionality

Title Page

 Title: Redesign Google Maps: Improve Usability and Functionality

 Enrolment ID: 202407020117

 By: Lokendra Sinh Rajput

 Course: Btech

 Date: 29/11/2024

 Subject: Critical Thinking (24KUCC102)

Executive Summary
Google Maps is an app used by millions of people around the world to find directions. Since
there is continuous change in user needs, it allows scope for improvement of the application
which has potential for further evolution towards accessibility and much more concerning issues
in safety aspects with regard to the better experience of users to facilitate deep social
engagement. Critical Thinking: By Report Opportunity for Improvement Instrument; using
Socratic Questioning; SWOT Analysis; and Cause and Effect Analysis. Simple interfaces, high-
level AR features, extended offline capabilities, safety alerts, and social and environmental
sustainability.
1. Tools Used
1.1 Socratic Questioning
• Clarification Questions:
• What are the most commonly reported user-specific difficulties with the current
Google Maps Interface?
• Are the developed features of the best fit according to real time needs from diverse
user groups?
• Assumptions Testing:
• Do users believe that they pay for complicated features and not a simple user interface?
• Does a region's infrastructure variation factor in the design of emergency features?
Evidence-Based Queries:

• What evidence is there that the integration of AR makes navigation much better?
• How do other navigation apps deal with similar issues of safety and usability?
Perspective Analysis:
• How would seniors or non-tech users react to the changes?
• What are the concerns for local governments or authorities with crowd-sourced data?
Implications and Consequences:
• How would the new design change the requirement for users who need to use offline
navigation?
• Might social features raise privacy concerns for users?

1.2 SWOT Analysis

• Strengths:
• Massive number of users and worldwide acceptance.
• Combination of both AR and offline capabilities to use it.
• Sophisticated voice command and feedback system that is accessible.
• Weaknesses:
• Possible inconsistencies due to reliance on the data provided by users.
• Not so easily understandable for non-tech users with no simplification.
• Unreliable regional information in some areas
• Opportunities:
• Growth in demand for AR and eco-friendly navigation features.
• Potential leader for accessibility innovation for people with disabilities
• Community-based functions to build more interaction and trust
• Threats:
• Competition from other navigation applications such as Waze and Apple Maps.
• Data privacy and security issues arise with increasing social integration.
• Potential backlash from users over mishaps linked to inaccurate information.

1.3 Cause-and-Effect Analysis

This tool was used to trace problems such as navigation errors back to their causes. Examples
include:
• Misinterpretation of map data resulting in accidents.
• Lack of information about new or closed roads.
• Over-reliance on technology leading users to forget situational awareness.
Through the identification of these causes, appropriate solutions were suggested for
improvement of the system.

 2. Recommendations and Solutions

 2.1 Enhanced User Experience

 2.1.1 Simple Interface

 Easy Mode:

 A mode that caters to users who desire basic navigation without the mess of
complexity.

 Intuitive Layout:

 Icon improvements with simplified menus for easy usage.

 2.1.2 Customization Options

 Map Themes:
  Enable themes for specific activities, such as cycling or hiking, day/night modes for
visibility.
• Custom Shortcuts:
Allow users to create shortcuts to frequently visited places directly on the home page.
2.1.3 Voice Command Features
• Natural Language Processing:
Better comprehension of queries, for example, "Find a nearby gas station open now."
• Interactive Feedback:
Live voice responses that allow refinement of the user's query and contextually suggest things to
the user.
2.2 Feature Integration
2.2.1 AR Enhancements
• Indoor Navigation:
Utilize AR to navigate people through challenging indoor environments such as malls and
airports.
• Virtual Tour Guides:
Develop interactive guides with historical and cultural information for tourist attractions.
2.2.2 Route Optimization
• Multi-Stop Routes:
Enable users to plan trips with multiple stops, providing the most efficient route for each
segment.
• Save and Share:
Save routes for later use and share them with friends through social media or messaging apps.
2.2.3 Emergency Assistance
• One-Click Help:
Dedicated button to navigate to the nearest service for emergencies (hospitals, police stations,
etc.)
• Emergency Alerts
Auto notifications to emergency contacts with real-time tracking of the location.
2.3 Performance and Accuracy
2.3.1 Live Data Updates
• Improved Traffic Alerts:
Use more data from transportation authorities and users to deliver live updates.
• Incident Reporting:
Let users report accidents, hazards, and blockages for community benefit.
2.3.2 Offline Capabilities
• Large-Area Downloads:
Enable downloading extensive areas for seamless navigation.
• Advanced Offline Features:
Provide routing, searching, and real-time re-routing capabilities even in offline mode.
2.3.3 Smarter Algorithms
• User Preferences:
Show search results based on user habits (for example, prioritizing vegetarian restaurants).
• Contextual Awareness:
Provide with time, location, and user intent more relevant search results.
2.4 Safety and Accessibility
2.4.1 Safety Alerts
• Real-Time Notifications:
Alerts about potential dangers such as road closures, weather conditions or high-crime areas
• Route Safety Scores:
Display safety rankings for routes to assist users with making safer choices
2.4.2 Features for Accessibility
• Step-Free Navigation
Routes designed for users avoiding stairs or steep paths
• Customizable Interface
Allowing users to adjust their font size and style for vision-impaired users
• Voice Guidance
Assistive step-by-step instructions designed for vision-impaired customers
2.4.3 Eco-Friendly Routing
• Green Routes:
Offer fuel-efficient routes to minimize environmental effect
• Carbon Footprint Reports:
Include data regarding CO2 emissions saved through eco-friendly choices.
2.5 Community and Social Features
2.5.1 User Reviews and Ratings
• Comprehensive Reviews:
Allow users to provide detailed feedback on areas such as cleanliness, quality of service, and
accessibility.
• Category-Specific Ratings:
Allow users to break down ratings into categories for better decision-making.
2.5.2 Social Integration
• Shared Experiences:
Enable users to share favorite places, custom routes, and reviews with friends.
• Friend Recommendations:
Display places visited and recommended by friends for a more personal experience.
2.5.3 Event Alerts
• Local Events:
Inform users of events such as parades, festivals, and concerts that may impact travel.

• Dynamic Rerouting:
Routes are automatically updated to avoid delay due to events.
3. Safety Issues
3.1 Accident Reports
• Navigation Mistakes: leading users to partially constructed bridges or unsafe routes.
• Causes: outdated information, reliance on navigation apps, and ignorance of local roads.
3.2 Mitigation Measures
• Update road information from user reports and collaboration with local authorities.
• Implement in-app alerts for risky routes.
• Advise users to check routes before embarking, especially when traveling to unknown areas.
4. Supporting Data and References
4.1 Supporting Data
• User Surveys: Feedback on preferred features and areas of improvement.
• Market Research: Insights to competitor innovations and expectations from end-users.
• Crash Data Analysis: Highlighting the need for safety features as a result of case studies.
4.2 Diagrams
• Interface mock-up for new features such as AR navigation and simplified mode
• Flow charts illustrating optimized multi-stop route plans
4.3 References
1. Smith, J. (2020). User-Centered Design for Mobile Applications. New York: TechPress.
2. Doe, A., & Roe, B. (2019). Augmented Reality in Navigation. Journal of Modern Technology,
15(4), 123-145.
3. Brown, C. (2021). Accessibility in Digital Tools. International Journal of Accessibility, 22(1),
67-78.

Conclusion

The redesign of Google Maps can significantly increase the functionality and user satisfaction
for existing shortcomings. Using critical thinking tools along with advanced features, like AR
navigation, eco-friendly routes, and improved safety features, Google Maps can emerge at the
top as a pioneering navigation tool. This kind of improvement increases the ease of use while
simultaneously taking care of safety, accessibility, and environmental responsibility.
 Declaration

Date: 29/11/2024

This is to certify that the work report entitled: (Title of your project) submitted to the Unitedworld
Institute of Technology under the supervision and guidance of Prof. Maheshkumar Munjale is an
original work done by me and it does not contain any plagiarised or AI-generated content in it. If
found guilty, I am aware of the consequences.

Lokendra Sinh Rajput

(Signature)