Linewise app
Avalanches are a very real and dangerous risk for those venturing into the backcountry, regardless of experience. With an average of 25 people losing their lives to avalanches in the U.S. annually, it’s clear that better tools are needed to help mitigate these risks. Even the most skilled backcountry travelers are not immune to the dangers, making knowledge and tools for avalanche safety essential.
Through user interviews conducted early in the project, I discovered a critical gap in the tools available to backcountry adventurers. While existing software and devices help improve safety, users overwhelmingly reported a lack of real-time, offline solutions to guide them during their trips. Many tools require an internet connection or are too cumbersome to use in the field, leaving users without critical information when they need it most.
Enter LineWise, a mobile app designed to offer backcountry travelers reassurance and guidance right from their phones—whether they have service or not. With LineWise, users can explore the backcountry with a sense of safety and excitement, knowing they have a reliable tool to help them navigate risks.
LineWise is designed for users aged 18–44 who enjoy venturing into the backcountry and use mobile devices. The total addressable market is estimated at 3.2 million people, considering those who have recently traveled into the backcountry and would likely adopt a new safety app to enhance their adventures.
To ensure LineWise was intuitive and practical, I started by mapping out the information architecture and defining the key user flows. Simplicity was critical since the app would be used in challenging environments where users have cold hands and limited attention.
Early sketches and wireframes focused on usability. Buttons were intentionally designed to be large enough for use with screen-compatible gloves, ensuring users could interact with the app while staying warm.
User feedback drove significant changes to the app’s design. One major pivot was transforming the backcountry checklist into a wizard flow. This step-by-step process provided detailed guidance for each phase of preparation and exploration, particularly benefiting newer adventurers.
The final prototype emphasized a clean and user-friendly interface, with a focus on accessibility and usability. Every element was designed to reduce cognitive load, ensuring that users could focus on essential information without distraction.
Features & Benefits
Offline Functionality: LineWise provides critical guidance and information even without cellular service, ensuring users are never without support.
Wizard Flow Safety Checklist: A detailed, step-by-step guide helps users prepare for backcountry trips, with tailored advice for novices and experts alike.
Glove-Compatible Design: The app’s layout and controls are optimized for use with screen-compatible gloves, prioritizing usability in cold conditions.
Impact
LineWise bridges a crucial gap in backcountry safety by delivering actionable, real-time information in any environment. This app empowers users to make informed decisions, reducing the risk of avalanches and enhancing the overall backcountry experience.