Add a Trail Report in under 30 Seconds

Reports from trail users are the foundation of Trekko. No one can provide a better idea of  conditions than the person who was just at the trail. User feedback made it clear that reporting needed to be as  simple as possible.

To solve this, reports were designed with a quick rating system using thumbs up, thumbs down, or caution icons—a universal language that instantly communicates trail conditions. Users can also select common trail conditions, customized to specific regions, for more detailed reporting. Logged-in users also have the option to add custom notes, providing even greater insight.

The reporting feature was crafted through iterative design and testing, with continuous feedback from trail users.

Version 1.0
Community Reports

Real-Time Weather Insights

Users were loving community reports but there were still times when reports would become outdated or sudden weather changes would drastically change conditions. Adding real time weather data into the app was a natural next step.

Through conversations with trail users, we identified a unique set of weather factors that directly influence trail usability. Beyond standard metrics like temperature and current weather, users wanted to know: When was the last rainfall? How much rain did the area receive? Is there a chance of freeze-thaw? Is it humid? How strong is the wind?

To address these needs, the app was designed to highlight weather conditions most likely to impact trails. For example, if freeze-thaw conditions are likely—an event where soil freezes and thaws rapidly, causing trail damage—this is prominently displayed in the trail report. By focusing on these critical factors, Trekko empowers users to make informed decisions before heading out.

version 2.0
 Trailhead Weather

A New Way to Discover Trails

Trekko launched with a list view organized by trails nearest to the users location but the growing user base was passionate about wanting to be able to search via a map. 

The condition map was designed to provide a visual overview of trail conditions, helping users spot patterns and discover new trails. While the list view focused on trails near a user, the map offered a broader perspective, ideal for planning adventures or exploring unfamiliar regions.

Integrating the map came with significant technical and design challenges. I collaborated closely with the development team to create a solution that was fast-loading and intuitive. A key design consideration was determining what information to display as users zoomed in and out. Given the limited screen space, prioritization was essential. Conditions were emphasized at wider zoom to help users identify trail trends and highlight "good-to-go" trails. As users zoomed closer, more detailed data became accessible, balancing usability with information richness.

The result was a dynamic, user-focused map feature that made Trekko an even more powerful tool for trail enthusiasts.

Version 3.0
Live condition Map