IKON PASS Redesign
Enabling Hands-Free Access to Essential On-Mountain Tools
Type
Interface Design I
— Bill Flora
Timeframe
January 2024 — 4 Weeks
Disciplines
Interface Redesign
Video Prototype
Tools
After Effects
Figma
Premiere Pro
Summary
"I don’t like taking off my gloves or using my phone too much on the mountain." – Research Participant
When redesigning an app, we focus on what works, what doesn’t, and where there’s room for improvement. Most competitor apps share the same core functions. For skiing, that includes tracking friends, collecting stats, and discovering new locations. Some, like the Slopes app, take it further by diving deep into performance tracking.
The quote at the beginning stood out to me the most during my interviews. I had never considered accessing a phone without using my fingers, but it made me think about how I navigate my Apple Watch using gesture controls instead of touch. That realization sparked the question: How could I implement gesture-controlled navigation into a ski app to enhance glove-friendly accessibility on the mountain?
I had never worked with gesture control before, so it was a challenge, but also an exciting opportunity to explore. It’s not perfect, but I learned that innovation isn’t about perfection—it’s about pushing boundaries and making the most of the time I had for this project.One of the biggest challenges was staying within iOS gesture detection capabilities while ensuring controls remained intuitive, visually clear, and efficient. Another key discussion point was balancing information density while minimizing unnecessary wrist movements during selection. Right now, gesture control supports the most commonly used features, but I’d love to explore expanding it further while keeping it accessible.
Context
Originally a redesign of the IKON app, a snow sport season pass tool for discovering, tracking, and accessing resort tools, the project quickly evolved into something more ambitious.
Problem
"I don’t like taking off my gloves or using my phone too much on the mountain."
– Research Participant
It’s cold on the mountain.
Putting gloves back on can be difficult, especially if they are damp.
Removing gloves exposes hands to freezing temperatures.
Snow can easily get inside the gloves, making them wet and uncomfortable.
I invented a mobile gesture-based navigation system.
To explore, communicate, and track your ski day, all without ever lifting a finger.
The Active Hub
Everything you need, on the mountain, in one place.
On the mountain active hub
A gesture-based navigation system built on familiar motions that makes it intuitive to use to gap the learning curve.
Pan left to right to view the map or find your friends
Trigger emergency help fast
Intuitive, accessible, fast navigation system
Gesture Like Second Nature
A gesture-based navigation system built on familiar motions that makes it intuitive to use to gap the learning curve.
Shake to Unlock
Prevent accidental activation in your pockets by requiring an intentional shake to unlock.
View at Any Size
Whether you have perfect vision or not, all gesture navigation indicators are designed to remain clear and legible at any size.
Other Features
Explore faster, smarter, and
Summit Center
All your essential on-mountain tools in one place, including friend locations, unread messages, trail and lift updates, and Smart Search for quick access.
End your day with a recap
All your essential on-mountain tools in one place, including friend locations, unread messages, trail and lift updates, and Smart Search for quick access.
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The project process is still being put together, with more insights and visuals coming soon. Check back for updates!