ParkQuack

Finding and Navigating indoor parking spaces, seamlessly guiding drivers to available spots using real-time data. Save time, reduce stress, and enhance parking efficiency. Drive smarter!

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Inspiration

The inspiration for our indoor parking navigation system came from a real-life moment that many drivers know all too well. Over the summer, one of our team members was exploring Oakland in a rented car, hoping to see one of the city’s famous landmarks. But what was supposed to be a quick adventure turned into an hour-long ordeal of circling the area, searching endlessly for an open parking spot. By the time he finally found a place to park, the excitement had faded into frustration. When he told us about this experience, we all recognized the pain point he was describing. It made us wonder: Why hasn’t anyone solved this? If modern navigation systems can guide us to a destination, why can't they help us find a spot once we're there—especially in crowded indoor garages where clear guidance is lacking? With this question in mind, we set out to design a solution. Our goal was simple: to make finding a parking spot as easy and stress-free as possible. We wanted a system that could guide drivers to open spaces in real-time, right from their car dashboard. And beyond just finding a spot, we wanted our system to serve everyone, from people with mobility needs to EV drivers in search of charging stations. We saw an opportunity to make parking easier, more accessible, and less of a headache for everyone.

What it does

Finding and navigating large indoor parking structures can be a daunting and time-consuming task, leading to frustration and delays. Our cutting-edge Navigation System for Indoor Parking transforms this experience by providing precise, real-time guidance to available parking spots. Leveraging advanced sensor technology and AI-driven algorithms, and an intuitive in-car Infotainment system app, our system seamlessly directs drivers from entry to the nearest open space, eliminating the guesswork and stress of finding parking. Our application also prioritizes accessibility, guiding users to parking spaces designated for individuals with motor impairments and EV charging stations. Say goodbye to endless circling and hello to a smarter, smoother parking experience.

How we built it

We started with user research to understand the pain points drivers face in indoor parking settings, focusing on aspects like confusion with signage, difficulty finding accessible parking, and frustration over lack of guidance to available spaces. Using these insights, we crafted wireframes and high-fidelity mockups that prioritized simplicity and clarity. We then prototyped an in-car interface with clear visual cues and easy navigation for parking. Our UX design included thoughtful placement of key features, intuitive navigation flows, and accessible design elements, ensuring the system was easy to use for all drivers.

Challenges we ran into

We had to balance the need for detailed parking information with simplicity to avoid overwhelming users. Additionally, we encountered challenges in designing accessibility features that were both effective and seamlessly integrated within the main interface. Time constraints typical of a hackathon also pushed us to prioritize core functionalities while maintaining a polished, cohesive design.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We’re proud of delivering a user-friendly and accessible interface that meets both functional and aesthetic goals within the limited timeframe of a hackathon. Our accessible design, which includes prioritized guidance to designated EV parking spots, was well-received during testing. We’re especially proud of our team's collaborative effort in quickly iterating on user feedback to improve the experience. Achieving a fully interactive prototype that was intuitive, inclusive, and visually appealing felt like a significant accomplishment given the project’s scope and time constraints.

What we learned

This project underscored the importance of user-centered design, especially in high-stress contexts like parking. We learned how vital it is to simplify navigation flows, especially in in-car systems where ease of use is paramount. Our experience also highlighted the significance of incorporating accessibility from the start, as well as the challenges of designing for diverse platforms. The hackathon environment taught us to prioritize effectively, focusing on high-impact features that address key user needs without compromising on usability.

What's next for Navigation System for Indoor Parking

Looking ahead, we plan to conduct more extensive user testing to further refine our design and expand its adaptability across various vehicle systems. We’d like to enhance the UI with predictive capabilities, offering users guidance on the best times to park based on historical data. Additionally, we’re interested in exploring partnerships with parking facilities to implement and test our prototype in real-world environments, gathering insights that would inform future iterations.

Built With

  • figma
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