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Checkpoint
UX/UI App Design
Checkpoint is a safety and connectivity solution designed specifically for solo female hikers and those exploring remote trails. Inspired by real user concerns about emergency response, poor cell service, and connectivity, the platform offers quick check-ins, real-time location sharing, and verified community features, all without locking core safety tools behind paywalls. By empowering users to hike confidently while giving friends and family peace of mind, this project bridges the gap between adventure, independence, and personal security on the trail.
Programs Used
Figma
Overview
Solo female hikers and those in remote areas face significant barriers to safety and peace of mind, stemming from unreliable ways to stay connected with trusted contacts and a lack of immediate help during emergencies. Research highlights that common concerns such as injury, encounters with aggressive strangers, getting lost, and poor cell service make these hikers feel vulnerable and isolated on the trail. Existing solutions like popular hiking apps often fall short: critical safety features are hidden behind paywalls, user interfaces are unintuitive, and communication tools do not successfully address the realities of cold weather or interrupted service. As a result, hikers are left without efficient, accessible methods to check in with loved ones or signal for help. This project was created to directly solve these issues, offering seamless, efficient safety check-ins, real-time location sharing, community verification, and intuitive emergency response features which ensure that users feel both independent and supported, giving their families true peace of mind.
Project Objectives
Safety Centred
Focus on MVP
Smart Watch Compatible Features
Research
Empathy Maps
The research for this project combined user surveys, one-on-one interviews, competitor analysis, and persona development to fully understand the needs and challenges of solo female hikers in remote areas. Empathy Maps were used to define the user's mind and thought process, as well as persuading factors and pain points in terms of their hiking experience.
User survey
As part of the foundational research for this project, a targeted survey was conducted among solo female hikers and individuals who frequently explore remote or rural areas. The survey gathered insights from 184 participants, all members of an Ontario Hiking group on Facebook, and their top safety concerns, desired features for improving trail security, and the types of devices they rely on during hikes. Results revealed that fears of injury, getting lost, and encounters with aggressive individuals (particularly men) ranked highest among respondents’ worries. Many participants expressed a strong desire for improved communication and real-time tracking features, support in areas with unreliable cell service, and faster emergency response options. The survey also highlighted the importance of compatibility with both smartphones and smartwatches, as these are the most commonly carried devices. These findings directly shaped the project’s direction, validating the need for intuitive check-in tools, location sharing, emergency navigation, and community verification features ensuring the final solution would address real user pain points and empower hikers to feel safer and more connected on the trail.
What safety precautions do you take when hiking alone?
What is your biggest concern when hiking alone?
What type of devices do you bring on your hike?
What, if anything, would make you feel safer when hiking alone?
The Logo
Inspired by markers on trails
Echoes a pulsing location pinpoint
Italicized for movement
Diamond - commonly associated with strength, resilience, reliability, and high value
Highlighted "i" to emphasize independence and information
Phone Application
The Checkpoint app’s phone interface is designed with simplicity and security in mind, offering only the most essential and valuable features. The app serves as the central hub for managing contacts, users, routes, and tracking information. Users can grow their hiking library by creating new routes - either by tracking their hikes in real time or mapping them out in advance. Adding contacts is secure and straightforward: users can import from their phone’s contact list or connect with others by sharing unique user codes, ensuring that only trusted individuals can be added. Security is prioritized throughout the onboarding process, which includes identity verification and a live photo upload to confirm that each profile belongs to a real, verified user. This approach guarantees a safer and more reliable experience for everyone on the platform.
Watch mode
The smartwatch integration is a core feature of this app, designed in direct response to user research showing that most hikers bring both their phone and a smartwatch on the trail. The smartwatch interface includes a 3-tiered safety system that provide a layered approach to personal safety, from routine check-ins to critical emergency alerts. Simple prompts and single-click features are ideal for cold weather or when hiking gear makes it inconvenient to use a phone. With just a tap on their smartwatch, users can send instant location updates or check-in messages, making it possible to communicate efficiently without stopping their activity.
For Everyday Peace of Mind
This feature allows users to notify selected contacts when they have safely arrived at a destination or at set intervals during an activity, such as hiking or travelling. This is useful for routine safety updates, letting friends or family know you’re okay without manual messaging.
For When You Feel Unsafe
This function is intended for situations where you feel uneasy or notice something concerning but are not in immediate danger. It sends a real-time notification to chosen contacts or nearby users, providing them with your current location and other relevant details, so they can monitor your status or check in with you if needed.
For Emergency Situations
This feature is reserved for emergencies when you need urgent help. By pressing the SOS button, the app allows for instant communication with emergency contacts, emergency services, and can re-route you to the nearest ambulance-accessible location. The SOS feature is crucial in situations where immediate assistance is required, such as accidents, getting lost, or feeling threatened
Additionally, the smartwatch app displays real-time location tracking, cell-service warnings, and terrain mapping. By prioritizing a fast and accessible user experience, the watch component addresses the unique needs of solo hikers who value both independence and safety, ensuring they can stay connected and secure no matter the trail conditions.
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