Google Experience Maps Concept

Time Period : December 2023 | 3 weeks | Individual Project

Google Experience Maps is an AI-powered mapping service that integrates Google's generative AI, the Large Language Model Bard(currently Gemini), into the Google Maps platform. It uses simple conversations between Bard(currently Gemini) and users to create personalized travel itineraries. This allows users to embark on their journeys immediately without researching to other platforms.

Answer Your Desires, AI Crafts Your Adventure

Observation

Ordinary people often search for and compare information across various platforms like Google, Instagram, Google Maps, Yelps and so on to decide on destinations for dates, trips, sightseeing, etc.

Problem

Many map app users use the service to quickly get from point A to point B. However, when planning a journey, trip, or date to unfamiliar destinations, they often research and decide on places through other platforms. They then use the map app to determine the distance and plan the specifics of their journey or date. This multi-step process can be exhausting and tiring for users, leading to a buildup of fatigue.

Opportunity

Leverage AI in navigation to streamline the discovery of personalized journey plans, including travel time, atmosphere, music, and food. Users require extensive information to plan trips, and AI can organize this data and recommend tailored travel experiences. By understanding diverse user needs through machine learning, AI simplifies the planning process, enabling intuitive and emotionally engaging journeys without extensive preparation.

"Set a 4 hour journey"

"Play beach-themed music"

"Recommend and add a Thai restaurant as the last stop"

Based on your needs, suitable courses will be recommended to you.

Bard(currently Gemini) presents several courses based on your requirements. Additionally, you can choose from courses suggested by editors.

You can incorporate music and restaurants of your desired vibe into the journey plan.

Tell Bard(currently Gemini) the type of music you want to hear and the kind of food you'd like to eat, and Gemini will incorporate them into your journey.

Google
Experience Maps
guiding you to new routes.

The route guidance will be based on your preferences for the roads you want to travel on

If you visit a place associated with a certain song, music related to that location will be recommended to you.

If you're approaching your destination, It directly shows you parking lot.

Step out, look around, and let Bard be your pocket historian.

Knowing information about a place will make your journey more enjoyable.

Google Maps User Interview

MAIN INSIGHT 1 (Situation, When, Need)

When they feel stressed or have free time, they want to go out for a drive without the effort of finding destinations.

7 / 7 Interviewees

they were annoyed every time whey had to find their destinations through other media.

MAIN INSIGHT 2 (Problem)

5 / 7 Interviewees

MAIN INSIGHT 3 (Who)

they enjoy going for drives.

7 / 7 Interviewees

What percentage of people listen to music while driving?

90 percent of Driver listen to some type of music in their vehicle while driving.

(This includes radio, streaming services, and personal music libraries.)

Source : Edison Research Study

Design Solution

  1. Main things

    People often use Google Maps for the shortest route, but speed isn't always the priority for drives, trips, or dates. AI like Google's Bard(currently Gemini) can create tailored journey experiences, allowing users to plan trips effortlessly through conversation, resulting in more relaxed and personalized travel.

  2. Why AI?

    As machine learning advances, AI like Bard (currently Gemini) will understand user context, offering smarter, personalized solutions. Planning trips on Google Maps requires users to research extensive information. An AI that quickly organizes vast user data and leverages cloud insights is essential, making personalized AI map services crucial for enhancing user experience and meeting individual needs.

  3. Why Google Maps?

    Google Maps is the ideal choice for an AI-based map service because it integrates essential travel elements like place, food and music comprehensively. Google provides extensive information on food, restaurants, and music preferences. Leveraging machine learning, AI can utilize this data to deliver personalized, one-stop solutions instantly, making Google Maps perfect for this integration.

  4. Multi-Turn Method Integration

    I adopted the multi-turn approach in Google Experience Maps to address user confusion about Bard(currently Gemini; AI)'s capabilities and their hesitation to express all needs at once. This method fosters ongoing dialogue, progressively clarifying user needs, resulting in more intuitive and personalized interactions. It enhances user experience by ensuring accurate, adaptable recommendations that meet evolving preferences.

Persona

Storyboard Development

Images are Generated by AI

I developed a user journey scenario based on our defined personas, addressing user pain points and proposed solutions. The following storyboard illustrates one of these user journeys. Additionally, I created a requirement diagram to organize information effectively for the wireframe design.

Requirement Diagram & User Journey with Initial Wireflow

The most crucial key takeaway during the iteration was that choosing the right AI communication model to accurately understand user needs was paramount. Shifting to a multi-turn conversation approach allowed users to comfortably express their needs.

User Testing & Main Iteration

Before

After

Key Takeaway

Modern people experience a lot of stress.
Interviews reveal that common responses to stress relief include exercising, sleeping, traveling or stepping away from the problem, and establishing regular life patterns like waking up early.

Though it might sound cliché, there is some truth to this. A short walk or spending a few hours outside can help clear your mind and offer a new perspective on perceived problems. Through new experiences with Google Experience Maps, I hope users will realize that what they thought were big issues may not be so significant after all.

Next Design Direction

While driving is essential in the United States, but in smaller countries, many people walk, ride bikes, or use public transportation. Designing and interface for these users should be the next step.

“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere."

- Albert Einstein-

Empowering People to Experience Outside Mindlessly.