The Boater's App
Smart Marina
A concept for simplifying marina management and improving the boating experience through a unified digital platform.
Role:
UX & UI Designer
Timeline:
4 weeks
Project type:
Student Project | LAB University of Applied Sciences
Overview
Overview
Smart Marina is an academic UX/UI project completed independently at LAB University of Applied Sciences in Finland. The project explores how digital services can improve the experience of both boat owners and marina staff through an intuitive, user-centred interface.
The focus was on designing a seamless experience for berth reservations, marina information, and daily marina management. The interface was created for real-world boating conditions, where users may interact with the system outdoors, in bright sunlight, and even while onboard a moving vessel. These environmental constraints became a key driver throughout the design process.
This case study focuses on the boater's mobile application within the broader Smart Marina ecosystem.
The focus was on designing a seamless experience for berth reservations, marina information, and daily marina management. The interface was created for real-world boating conditions, where users may interact with the system outdoors, in bright sunlight, and even while onboard a moving vessel. These environmental constraints became a key driver throughout the design process.
This case study focuses on the boater's mobile application within the broader Smart Marina ecosystem.
The Challenge
During the busy summer season, especially on weekends and holidays, it can be difficult to know whether guest berths are available before arriving at a marina. This uncertainty can make route planning stressful and lead to unnecessary travel between full marinas.
Many marina services, such as berth reservations, payments, and access to facilities, are also handled at the same service desk as restaurants, cafés, or other customer services. As a result, boaters may experience long queues even when they only need a quick check-in or payment. This also places additional strain on marina staff, who often have to switch between multiple systems to manage daily operations.
Many marina services, such as berth reservations, payments, and access to facilities, are also handled at the same service desk as restaurants, cafés, or other customer services. As a result, boaters may experience long queues even when they only need a quick check-in or payment. This also places additional strain on marina staff, who often have to switch between multiple systems to manage daily operations.
Who are the users?
What are their needs and pain points?
In what context do they use this product?
What features solve those problems?
How do those insights shape the UI?
What are their needs and pain points?
In what context do they use this product?
What features solve those problems?
How do those insights shape the UI?
Design Process
The design process began by identifying the primary user and understanding their needs, goals, and everyday challenges. I explored how recreational boaters interact with marina services, what information they need most, and which tasks should be quick and effortless.
A key consideration was the outdoor environment, where bright sunlight, changing weather, and the movement of a boat can make digital interactions more challenging.
Based on these insights, I defined the core features, prioritised the most important user journeys, and created wireframes to explore different layouts and navigation patterns. The final interface was refined with a strong focus on clarity and ease of use.
A key consideration was the outdoor environment, where bright sunlight, changing weather, and the movement of a boat can make digital interactions more challenging.
Based on these insights, I defined the core features, prioritised the most important user journeys, and created wireframes to explore different layouts and navigation patterns. The final interface was refined with a strong focus on clarity and ease of use.
User Profile
To better understand the needs of the primary audience, I created a user profile representing a typical recreational boater. The persona helped guide design decisions by identifying common goals, frustrations, and environmental challenges experienced during marina visits.
- Large buttons and generous touch targets to reduce input errors.
- High colour contrast to improve readability in bright sunlight.
- Clear visual hierarchy that highlights the most important actions.
- Minimal interface complexity to reduce cognitive load.
- Consistent navigation patterns that help users complete tasks quickly.
- Readable typography with sufficient spacing for easy scanning.
Designing for Real-World Conditions
Final Solution
The final interface combines a clean visual style with practical usability considerations tailored to the boating environment. Rather than maximizing the number of visible features, the design prioritizes clarity and efficiency, allowing users to access essential information quickly regardless of surrounding conditions.