Applied collaborated with Princeton University to design and develop a unique app aimed at making the campus navigation experience as inclusive as possible. The app addresses accessibility challenges posed by the campus's sloped terrain and stepped areas, helping users navigate these obstacles more easily.
As the campus undergoes significant expansion and development, the app allows users to plan routes from point A to point B while avoiding under-construction zones. It works seamlessly alongside the physical on-campus wayfinding system Applied developed, reinforcing a cohesive navigation experience.
The app is part of Applied’s long term vision for integrating and connecting Princeton’s campus navigation services for students, staff and visitors.
42 million visitors to Central Park each year
2,000 student update within the first 20 days
84.6 average usability score, places the app in the top 10%
92.5% participants highly satisfied with the app
Princeton Campus Map’s route planner generates two routes for each trip: the most direct route and a step-free, low gradient route. This aids people with long term mobility needs and changes due to sporting injuries.
The app plots routes on the custom-designed map, and has a turn-by-turn navigation mode that contextualises instructions while journeying along the route with written and audio instructions, providing hands-free navigation.
Princeton’s 600-acre campus is expanding rapidly, with its highest number of construction sites in its history. The digital map features active construction sites, and routes around these for accessible and less noisy routing. This pairs with Applied’s on-site construction pathway maps, which include site-specific information about how to avoid nearby construction areas.
Princeton’s free bus shuttle network, TigerTransit, has multiple weekday, evening and weekend services around the campus.
The app integrates real-time TigerTransit information, showing live departure times for each campus stop, and even displays buses live as they travel along their routes.
Princeton’s bus stops also include real-time departure information via E-Ink screens.
The digital map features the full array of Princeton’s point of interests, from its beautiful historical buildings, through its campus art, to its cultural and sports venues. The app includes photos and descriptive information for these destinations, in addition to relevant contact details, making it a comprehensive campus guide.
Zooming into the map reveals detailed campus features, with a specific focus on mobility and legibility. It highlights main and accessible entrances, steps and ramps, and indicates areas of steep inclines.
The Princeton Campus Map design is consistent with the on-campus signage also created by Applied. This creates a cohesive wayfinding experience. Signs link to the app via QR codes. This provides a cohesive wayfinding experience as people interact with different touch points yet only have to learn one system.
Applied conducted moderated usability testing on-site following the app’s launch. The findings from the testing are helping to inform the product roadmap, with a focus on enhanced mobility features and a strong focus on inclusive design. This human-centred approach ensures the app can bring value to the widest range of users.
The Princeton Campus Map is available now on iPhone from the App Store, and on Android via the Google Play Store.
Please note that it works best when you are on campus!
