GPS Fishing Guide to PA - App Redesign

 
From unclear waters to clear navigation.

Role: UX Designer

〰️

Tools: Figma

〰️

Timeline: June 2022

〰️

Project: Solo Redesign

〰️

Role: UX Designer 〰️ Tools: Figma 〰️ Timeline: June 2022 〰️ Project: Solo Redesign 〰️

What is GPS Fishing Guide to PA?

GPS Fishing Guide to PA helps anglers in Pennsylvania find fishing spots across the state. The app provides directions to access points by foot, boat, canoe, or kayak, and allows users to drop waypoints to track their fishing journey.

Pain Points

User reviews and hands-on testing revealed key issues:

  • Poor color contrast and accessibility failures

  • Users felt the app lacked development despite being paid

  • Maps were unclear and difficult to navigate

  • Icons were confusing with little guidance

  • GPS location did not function reliably

“I find it hard to read the map, Instructions could be better with more interaction with the app.”

“For the money I expected more. Maybe fishing reports. Hot spots. Something. Don’t waste your money, needs development.”

Accessibility Testing

Testing revealed the app failed color contrast requirements and was not usable for colorblind users. For example, multiple users could not identify numbers in a colorblind test using the app’s palette.

I updated the color scheme to pass WCAG standards and ensured icons and navigation were legible for all users.

Before
After

Competitive Analysis

FishAngler

  • Integrates GPS so users can easily find and return to fishing spots.

  • Allows anglers to log catches and maintain a digital fishing journal.

  • Includes a social feed where users share catches and interact with the community.

Fishbrain

  • Provides detailed maps with fishing regulations and popular access points.

  • Features a built-in shopping marketplace for fishing gear and accessories.

  • Offers strong community tools, including catch tracking and social sharing.

Based on research, my redesign focused on:

  • Clearer maps and navigation

  • Accessible color scheme that passes WCAG contrast tests

  • Better icon clarity with explanations

  • Features like a fish identifier, journal, and social sharing

  • Stronger onboarding to guide first-time users

Design Goals & Improvements

Before
After

Final Screens

User Testing (After Redesigns)

Testing with the same 5 users showed:

  • Map readability improved with a clearer, less cluttered layout

  • Icons and navigation were easier to understand with added labels

  • Updated colors were accessible to all users, including colorblind testers

  • New journal and social features were seen as useful and engaging

  • Onboarding gave first-time users clearer guidance

  • Overall, the app felt more professional and worth the cost

“App has an overall better flow and the icons are clear”
— Amanda
“The colors are easy on the eyes and can read everything clearly”
— Stephen

Reflection

This project was my first independent redesign and reinforced the value of grounding design decisions in user research and accessibility standards.

If I had more time, I would:

  • Expand testing to a larger, more diverse user group.

  • Build a working prototype to validate real GPS functionality.

  • Explore partnerships with fishing data providers for live regulation updates.

Thank you for taking the time to view my work