GATEFINDR
Brand Design, UX/UI, Motion
Duration: 1 month
Year: 2025
Problem
Air travel can be stressful, particularly for those unfamiliar with airport layouts or who face sudden changes to their plans. In Canada, 89% of travellers experience some form of stress while travelling, and 40% say these stressors prevent them from taking trips altogether. Many travellers struggle to navigate terminals efficiently, keep track of gate changes, and manage wait times, which adds to an already overwhelming experience.
Objectives
GateFinder was designed as a user-friendly mobile app to reduce airport-related stress by:
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Providing real-time, turn-by-turn wayfinding inside airports.
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Offering intuitive visual maps that make navigation simple for any traveller.
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Serving both first-time flyers and seasoned travellers who want a smoother, more predictable airport experience.
Solution
GateFinder combines step-by-step navigation with a live data feed to give travelers the most up-to-date information. The app uses real-time positioning to guide users through airports, offering a clear path from check-in to gate. Visual maps are optimized for mobile, with zoomable layouts and highlighted routes to simplify movement through complex terminals.
The app caters to two primary user groups:
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Young adults, such as college students navigating airports alone for the first time.
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Professionals who travel occasionally but still find airports overwhelming.
Both groups benefit from easy onboarding, clear instructions, and the choice between free features and paid upgrades for added convenience.
Final Design Approach
The final design integrates a real-time indoor wayfinding system that updates dynamically as travelers move through the airport. If a gate changes mid-journey, the route automatically adjusts and notifies the user. Visual clarity is prioritized, with a clean interface, simple icons, and color-coded paths.
