HIQER
A digital experience concept for hiking: location-based quests, experience points and an Apple Watch app, so the phone can stay in your pocket.
- Type
- Study project
- Industry
- Outdoor & movement
- Services
- UX concept & persuasive design
- Year
- 2021
At a glance
Task
How do you motivate people to be active outdoors without tying them to a screen?
Solution
Stories at waypoints, points and levels – guided by the smartwatch, the phone stays in your pocket.
Outcome
None of the 13 participants rejected the app; 61.5% would definitely use it.
Concept
QR codes on trail markers or GPS connect the phone to “spots”. There, stories, facts and then-and-now comparisons are waiting.
Content on site
Stories and information exactly where curiosity arises.
Quests & levels
Experience points for reached spots turn the walk into a small adventure.
Ranking
Social comparison among friends.
Apple Watch
Navigation and haptics on the wrist – the phone stays in your pocket.
Motivation
Curiosity, play and ambition should strengthen people’s own motivation, not replace it.
- Curiosityexclusive content at the destination
- Movementsteps and fitness data in real time
- Rewardpoints, levels, quests
- Comparisonranking among friends
More detail
After the hike: discount codes for nearby restaurants connect the digital reward with real benefit.
User test
Online survey: participants watched an explainer video and rated phone and smartwatch screens.
Design
100%found the design clear and consistent
Smartwatch
92.3%recognised the next QR code at a glance
Motivation & social
92.3%want friends and rankings
Online survey with 13 participants
Outcome
The idea resonates. The smartwatch integration scored 3.46 out of 5 – positive, with room to improve.
Intention to use
- 61.5%would definitely use HIQER
- 38.5%would use it occasionally
Nobody rejected the app · 13 participants
Insights
What’s in it for you