Put the Users First: City Planning Meets UX Design

An UX case study applying the five steps in the design process – Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test – to a wayfinding sign project implemented in Mount Prospect, Illinois.

A city planner’s role can inherently use the UX design process. Designing better, more livable communities requires empathy, a thorough understanding of the problem, and creative, implementable solutions.

Problem

Downtown Mount Prospect has challenges related to walkability, business viability and available parking. It also sought to stand out amongst a line of similar suburban Chicago towns which run along the Union Pacific Northwest rail line.

Solution

By designing a complete wayfinding sign package, Mount Prospect was able to address the needs of it’s residents, business community and downtown visitors.

My role

  • Project manager
  • Primary research
  • Focus group interviews and public engagement
  • Design review
  • Budgeting
  • Implementation