Boat Docking Assistance App
Web & App Design
2024-2025
Product Designer
Scope
Boat Docking App – Intelligent, Seamless, and Stress-Free Docking
The Boat Docking App is an intelligent docking technology designed to assist boaters in docking and undocking seamlessly. The system leverages AI-powered navigation, real-time sensor data, and automated controls to enhance safety and precision during the docking process.
As a UX/UI Designer, my role was to design an intuitive and responsive interface that provides real-time guidance, automated controls, and manual override options, ensuring a smooth and stress-free docking experience. I focused on user research, wireframing, prototyping, and designing a consistent UI system optimized for marine environments, prioritizing accessibility, visibility, and ease of use for boaters of all experience levels.
This project challenged me
I had to dive into a large volume of technical information, coordinate with various departments, and schedule calls with technical leads across teams. To be honest, it was overwhelming at first - I wasn’t sure where to begin, what the next step should be, or how all the components were connected. But the deeper I got into the project, the clearer and more manageable everything became.
Think First: Discovery & Research
At the beginning of the project, our cross-functional team - which included a user researcher, developers, a project manager, and technical leads - frequently held collaborative workshops. These sessions played a crucial role in building a shared understanding of the product vision, identifying user needs, and aligning on priorities.
As a UX/UI designer, I facilitated several of these workshops to map user journeys, explore design directions, and gather technical input early on. This collaborative approach not only helped streamline communication across disciplines but also laid a solid foundation for user-centered and technically feasible design solutions.
User Personas
Our research identified two key user groups for the boating app: Leisure-Time Enjoyers and Family-Focused Relaxers.
Leisure-Time Enjoyers are casual, seasonal boaters who value simplicity and ease of use. Their infrequent trips and low boating confidence guided a streamlined user flow focused on quick, stress-free docking.
Family-Focused Relaxers are more engaged and often boat with children. They take longer trips and need features that support safety, shared use, and family coordination.
These insights shaped a design that balances simplicity for casual users with functionality for active boating families.
UX Architecture
Before jumping into the visual design, I created wireframes for each page, giving the team a clear overview of the entire site (UI Flow and Low-fidelity diagram).
User Testing
We conducted extensive user testing from the start of the project through to the delivery stage, and continue to do so as part of our ongoing process of improving the product and adding new features. These tests involved a diverse range of participants, including boaters, boat club members, staff, and even my colleagues.
We used various testing methods, such as paper wireframe testing, on-boat user research, online sessions with boaters, and collaborative sessions (design critique) with tech leads and engineers. Some sessions evaluated the proof of concept by guiding users through different prototypes, while others focused on UI-specific features through a think-aloud cognitive walkthrough.
In addition, we conducted taxonomy testing to ensure that users could easily understand and navigate the terminology used throughout the app. Since the application incorporates a significant amount of nautical and boat-handling language, it was important to validate whether the labels and categories made sense to both experienced boaters and novice users. This helped us identify unclear or overly technical terms, refine the navigation structure, and improve overall usability.
Design and Iterations
The final design brings together everything learned during the research, ideation, and testing phases. I created a clean, intuitive interface that aligns with Navico Design System.
One of the most interesting design challenges was creating the docking control wheel, which I believe is the most critical component of the project. It allows users to select the docking location, make precise adjustments, and gently nudge the boat into position.
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