The Pools & Falls Website was developed as a tourism-focused digital platform that highlights the best swimming locations across Australia. The project brief required designing a user-centred online experience where users could discover hidden swimming gems, plan trips effectively, and share their own experiences. The aim was to merge practical trip-planning tools with inspirational content, offering both locals and tourists a seamless way to explore Australia's natural swimming spots.
Year
2023
Timeline
6 Weeks
Role
Primary UX Research, UX/UI Design
Tools
Figma, FigJam
Users interested in natural swimming locations in Australia faced several challenges. Existing sources such as Instagram and Google Maps often lacked comprehensive and reliable information, particularly around practical details like parking, toilets, safety, and accessibility. Popular spots were frequently overcrowded, which reduced the sense of relaxation and discovery many users sought. At the same time, hidden gems remained difficult to find, with little guidance available for planning safe and enjoyable experiences. Additionally, there were few opportunities for swimmers to share tips, photos, and experiences within a centralised community platform, limiting connection and collaboration among like-minded explorers.
The Pools & Falls website was designed as a user-centred platform that combines inspiration with practicality. Each swimming spot features a detailed profile that includes accessibility information, available facilities, seasonal and weather data, and safety guidelines, ensuring users can plan confidently. The site highlights both well-known and hidden gems, with filters to help users choose locations based on crowd levels and personal preferences. Social features such as user profiles, reviews, photos, and sharing tools create a sense of community, enabling swimmers to connect and contribute their experiences. Finally, the visual design draws on calming, nature-inspired aesthetics, reflecting the serenity and beauty of Australia’s natural swimming spots while supporting an intuitive and enjoyable browsing experience.
Warm up questions Thank you for taking the time to participate in this interview. My name is Nozomi Iwata. This interview will be conducted as part of our user research for developing Pools & Falls website which is tourism-based online platform that showcases the best swimming locations across Australia. Are you ready to begin the interview? To begin with, May I know your full name, age and current occupation? How often do you go for swim - sesasons? Question 1 What motivates you to explore natural swimming locations in Australia, and what do you hope to discover or experience? Question 2 How do you usually find/look for information about swimming spots in Australia, and what do you find lacking in your current sources? Question 3 What specific information would you like to see on a website which showcases the best swimming spots in Australia? Question 4 What features/ tools/platforms would make it easier for you to share your own tips, photos, or information about swimming spots with others? Question 5 Can you share any specific challenges or pain points you've encountered when planning trips to natural swimming spots in Australia? Question 6 When you visit the website which is about swimming spots in Australia, do you have any specific actions or goals in mind? such as finding inspiration for your next adventure or contributing your own experiences? Question 7 When thinking about the balance between showcasing well-known swimming spots and hidden gems, what do you think would be more appealing to you? Question 8 How do you typically plan your trips to natural swimming locations, and what factors influence your decision-making process, such as recommendations from friends, online reviews, or personal preferences? Question 9 What mobile features or functionalities would be essential for you when accessing the website on a smartphone or tablet while on the go? Question 10 What size of devices do you usually use? mobile? , Ipad? or Laptop?
Interview-transcript-pools&falls.pdf