Hiker.bg

UX/UI Redesign Case Study

Project Overview

Project type: Freelance UX/UI redesign
Client: Hiker.bg - a hiking app for mountain trails and huts in Bulgaria
My role: UX/UI Designer
Tools: Figma

My Role

UX/UI Design (end-to-end)
Design systems & components
Journey mapping
High-fidelity wireframes & prototyping
Collaboration with developers for implementation

Goal

improving the usability, navigation, and visual consistency of the app.
introducing new features
creating a desktop version of the app
redesigning the current website.

The Challenge

The current app lacks a clear information structure.
Key features (map tools, routes, and huts) are spread between the map and a hidden side menu.
Inconsistent visual language and outdated UI.
No existing Figma file or design system.

Main tasks

Redesign the experience to make navigation intuitive,
Simplify access to main functions
Create a unified design system for future scalability.

3. Research

Methods:

UX audit of the current app (navigation, visual hierarchy, interactions).
Competitive analysis of similar apps (Komoot, AllTrails, Mapy).
User interviews with 3–5 hikers to understand how they use Hiker and what frustrates them most.

Key insights:

Users rely mostly on the map and want all main features accessible from it.
The side menu feels hidden and confusing.
They need quick access to route planning and danger reporting.
Many open the app mainly to check huts or plan routes before a trip.

Purpose of the User Interviews:
To understand how real users interact with the Hiker.bg app, which features they find useful, and which ones cause difficulties.
The interviews were conducted with 3 participants who actively practice hiking in Bulgaria.

Key Observations

Map and Navigation

Most users spend the majority of their time on the map.
The map rotation (ON/OFF) was unclear.
Users tried tapping icons on the map expecting more information.

→ Insight: The map should be the main hub, with more intuitive controls and secondary options hidden (e.g., via a bottom sheet).

Routes and Huts

Users had difficulty finding how to create a route, even though it is a core function of the app.

→ Insight: Core app functions should be more visible and easily accessible so users can achieve their goals quickly and intuitively.

Reporting Dangers and SOS

Users were unaware of the “Report Danger” and SOS functions because they are hidden in the menu, even though they are essential.

→ Insight: Safety and SOS functions should have a clearer place in the navigation.

General Impressions

The map interface is cluttered.
Spacing between elements is uneven, making visual perception difficult.
In dark mode, the contrast between background and text is insufficient.
Users are confused about what to do first when entering the app — an onboarding screen or tooltips would help orientation.

→ Insight: The redesign should focus on better readability, visual balance, and a clear initial experience.

Main Takeaways from the Interviews

The map is the core of the user experience.
Users want quick access to routes and huts without leaving the map.
Safety and SOS features are valuable but need to be more visible.
The interface needs visual simplification and clarity.

Solutions & Key Improvements

Unified navigation with 5 main tabs - explore, map, leaderboard, saved and profile.
Floating map controls for quick access (route planning, compass, report danger).
Redesigned “Explore” screen with trails and huts.
New design system for color consistency and accessibility.

Results

Cleaner structure and reduced cognitive load.
Easier discovery of routes and huts.
Faster access to map tools (within one tap).
Consistent, modern UI ready for future scaling.

Desktop Version of the map

The desktop version extends the mobile experience for pre-trip planning and deeper analysis. Users can compare routes, explore huts in detail, and review potential hazards - all on a larger interactive map. They can plan a route and save it for later to access it from their phone.

Landing Page

Final Thoughts

User-Centered Approach

“This project reinforced the importance of designing with the user’s context in mind. Every decision, from the map-centered interface to the tag-based filters and always-visible danger icons, was guided by real user needs uncovered through interviews and persona development.”

2️⃣ Simplicity and Clarity

“Keeping the map as the core hub, while allowing users to filter content with tags instead of navigating through multiple tabs, helped reduce cognitive load and create a calm, intuitive experience for hikers. The approach balances information richness with visual simplicity.”

3️⃣ Multi-Platform Thinking

“Designing the desktop version alongside mobile emphasized the importance of task context: mobile for on-trail navigation and desktop for pre-trip planning. This strengthened the project’s flexibility and scalability.”

4️⃣ Safety as a Priority

“Integrating persistent danger icons and quick-access SOS/reporting functions ensures user safety is always visible and easy to act on — a critical feature for outdoor applications.”

5️⃣ Portfolio / UX Learnings

“The project allowed me to combine research, user-centered design, and information architecture to create a cohesive experience. I learned how to translate user insights into a functional map-centered interface, design intuitive filters, and balance simplicity with functionality.”

✅ Optional Closing Statement

“Overall, this project demonstrates a thoughtful UX approach to outdoor adventure apps: clear, safe, and user-focused, while being scalable for future features and multi-platform use.”This wasn’t just a product. It was a shared vision.