MakeYourMaps
In this concept project, I tackled a core challenge faced by MakeYourMaps, a popular local guide app struggling to retain contributors and attract new users. My objective was to design a product solution that not only incentivized ongoing user participation such as reviews, ratings, and shares but also spark growth by enhancing the app’s appeal to first-time users. This case study outlines my end-to-end approach, from user research and problem framing to feature ideation and impact-driven design.
Problem Statement
Users have reported dissatisfaction with the MakeYourMaps local guide app due to a lack of destination suggestions, outdated local business information, and inaccuracies in GPS timing. Without an increase in user contributions from locals, businesses, and travelers, this could lead to even lower engagement and an overall decline in attracting new users.
Proposed Solution
By implementing “MYM (MakeYourMaps) Rewards” this will incentivize everyday users to contribute to the app and provide information whenever they use it. Based on the level of contribution given, users can achieve Explorer, Expert, or Elite status milestone labels which will align with exclusive perks. This incentive will increase user retention as well as foster a stronger community within the app between locals, businesses, and travelers.
Product Audience
This 3 tier feature will benefit all app users who contribute but mainly your locals, out of towners, and businesses. From a navigation standpoint it will benefit your locals and travelers by providing them with real-time updates of traffic jams, safety hazards, and roadblocks. This will help other commuters seek alternative routes if they choose. It can also help locals and travelers have up to date reviews about local destinations visited. This feature can also help local businesses benefit from a marketing standpoint. With businesses contributing information to the app (photos, highlights, weekly news) this can provide them more visibility through the MYM marketing perks.
Lamar
“Real Estate Agent”
“I’m always on the go and tend to run a very tight schedule. I can’t really afford to not be on time for my clients”.
Philip
“Restaurant Owner”
“Being able to stand out from the rest is super essential to the success of your restaurant”.
Brooke
“College Student”
“College life is all about budgeting for me. Whenever my friends and I want to hang out we always share budget friendly ideas and choose the place with the best reviews”.
Solution Justification
Why did I choose this solution?
By introducing MYM Rewards I essentially wanted to create a communication cycle between our top 3 types of users (locals, travelers, and businesses). Furthermore, this cycle of communication would be positively influenced to keep revolving due to the incentives each type of user receives by contributing. With the Explorer, Expert, and Elite beacons of achievement each user will begin to engage more consistently pursuing their next milestone.
High-Fidelity Wireframes
Research Goal
Why did I do this?
The purpose of this research was to help me justify the proposed “MakeYourMaps Rewards” feature for implementation. By conducting this research through qualitative data such as surveys and interviews I was then be able to substantiate the necessary steps based on that user feedback. This research was gathered through both online surveys and in-person interview questions.
What was I looking to find out?
If MakeYourMaps Rewards can:
- Help motivate users to share feedback on destinations they visit.
- Garner more contributions from users who use the GPS function.
- Improve how businesses get more exposure.
Motivating User Feedback
Survey Insights:
Most users use local guide apps regularly and 60% have contributed content like reviews or photos without expecting any reward. Reviews and ratings heavily influence their decisions when choosing places to visit.
Interview Insights:
Users expressed frustration with outdated or inaccurate business listings and limited variety in search results.
Conclusion:
There’s a clear opportunity for improvement. A Rewards Program can motivate users to contribute more consistently. Highlighting top reviews and everyday spots will not only improve discovery but also strengthen connections between local businesses and the community.
Summary of Research
GPS Contribution
Survey results showed that 70% of users rely on their navigation app daily or weekly. While most found the app useful, feedback habits were split evenly—some users shared input, others did not.
Interviews revealed that urgency and convenience are key drivers of how valuable users find navigation tools.
Conclusion:
There's room to improve efficiency. Users occasionally experience delays or routing issues. Introducing MyRewards milestone incentives can encourage real-time traffic updates, helping the app deliver faster, smarter routes..
Business Exposure
Surveys revealed that business users highly value accurate listings and customer engagement through reviews. Most also emphasized the importance of visibility to attract more traffic and grow their business.
Conclusion:
There’s a strong incentive to improve business-facing features. By offering marketing rewards, businesses are more likely to keep their information updated and stay actively engaged with users.
MakeYourMaps
Demo
What I Learned
MakeYourMaps was the first project I completed as part of my Product Management course with CareerFoundry, and it played a key role in shaping my product thinking. This case study gave me practical experience in identifying user pain points through surveys and interviews, translating insights into strategic product solutions, and prioritizing features based on user and business value. I also gained hands-on experience designing high-fidelity wireframes, which helped me visualize the user flow and communicate my ideas clearly with stakeholders. This project built my confidence in leading product discovery, thinking cross-functionally, and bridging the gap between user needs and product design.