Simplifying Airport Navigation

Clearway is an app designed to simplify navigation and reduce cognitive load throughout the airport experience.

Role

Lead UX/UI Designer

Timeline

6 weeks

Tools

Figma, Adobe Suite

Team

UX/UI Designer

Overview

Understanding the challenge.

Airports require travelers to make frequent decisions under time pressure while navigating unfamiliar environments. When important information like directions, boarding updates, and timing cues is spread across multiple sources, cognitive load increases and confidence decreases.

 

This challenge presented an opportunity to design a solution that provides clear guidance and real-time support throughout theairport journey.

Reducing traveler stress and decision fatigue

Unify digital and physical wayfinding

Increase traveler confidence and independence

Background

Measurable impact.

Existing studies and industry data on airport navigation, crowding, and passenger stress highlight key traveler pain points. These insights inform the design decisions behind Clearway.

45%

of U.S. airport travelers find crowds, noise, and environment stressful.

71%

of passengers use mobile apps to book travel, and many want consolidated information in one place.

39%

of U.S. travelers report being very satisfied with in‑airport navigation.

User Research

Defining traveler needs.

Understanding traveler behaviors and pain points was key to identifying the most important user needs. By analyzing common challenges experienced throughout the airport journey, clear patterns emerged that informed the priorities behind Clearway’s design.

Traveler Types

First Time

Unfamiliar with airports and easily lost of confused

Anxious

Sensitive to crowds and needs clear steps and information

International

Not accustomed to typical procedures, may need visuals

Business

Tight schedules, need quick updates, and favor efficiency

Based on these traveler types and their challenges, three core user needs emerged. These needs directly informed and prioritized the design decisions behind Clearway.

User-Informed Action Items

  1. Simple, actionable instructions for every stage of their journey, from arrival to boarding, so they feel confident and in control.

  2. Real-time information about gate changes, delays, and security to make informed decisions and avoid last-minute stress.

  3. A clean, intuitive experience that minimizes cognitive load and reduces anxiety, especially for first-time or international flyers.

Competitor Analysis

Analyzing product competitors.

Flight Aware

Tracks flights in real time and provides updates for passengers.

  • Live flight tracking and delay alerts
  • Notifications for gate changes and arrival times

Google Maps

Provides basic indoor maps and directions inside major airports.

  • Step-by-step walking directions inside terminals
  • Real-time information integrated with Google Flights

Task mapping

Mapping design opportunities.

Breaking down the traveler journey into individual tasks revealed moments of confusion, stress, and urgency. Mapping these steps helped identify key opportunities where Clearway could simplify decisions and provide timely guidance.

  1. Step 1

    Arrive at Terminal

    Medium Urgency

    Environment

    Crowded entrance, check-in counters

    Challenges

    Finding correct terminal

    Emotions

    Nervous, slightly stressed

    Thoughts

    "Where do I go first?"

    Design Opportunity

    Step-by-step visual guidance through airport, simple explanations of common processes

  2. Step 2

    Security Chekpoint

    High Urgency

    Environment

    Line, scanners, loud announcments

    Challenges

    Confusing process, long wait

    Emotions

    Anxious, impatient

    Thoughts

    "Will I make it through quickly?"

    Design Opportunity

    Timed alerts for wait times and announcements, calming interface to soothe stress

  3. Step 3

    Walk to Gate

    High Urgency

    Environment

    Long corridor, multiple signs

    Challenges

    Unclear signage, crowded pathways

    Emotions

    Rushed, overwhelmed

    Thoughts

    "Am I going the right way?"

    Design Opportunity

    Smart crowd-aware routing using visuals, clear wayfinding to designated destination

  4. Step 4

    Gate Arrival & Boarding

    Very High Urgency

    Environment

    Gate area, seating, announcements

    Challenges

    Gate changes, last-minute boarding calls

    Emotions

    Relieved, alert, ready

    Thoughts

    "I hope they don't call my gate late."

    Design Opportunity

    Real-time gate updates, boarding notifications and updates

Prioritization

Prioritizing key features.

To focus on the most impactful functionality, potential features were evaluated based on urgency and importance. This prioritization helped identify which capabilities would deliver the greatest value to travelers while supporting Clearway’s core goals.

Important & Urgent

  • Step-by-step guidance
  • Real-time flight updates
  • Clear maps and walking directions
  • Crowd-aware routing
  • Calm interface for anxious users

Important & Not Urgent

  • Personalization
  • Access to lounges, restaurants, and other services

Not Important & Urgent

  • Push notifications for non-critical services
  • Minor flight-related alerts

Not Important & Not Urgent

  • Optional cosmetic themes
  • Minor visual customizations

The Solution

Introducing the solution.

Clearway is designed to simplify airport navigation and reduce cognitive load throughout the travel experience. The following features demonstrate how the app provides clear guidance, real-time updates, and a calmer journey through the airport.

Designing for clarity.

The interface is intentionally minimal and structured, keeping critical information visible while eliminating unnecessary visual noise. Every element supports faster decisions and calmer movement through the airport.

Simplify navigation and reduce cognitive load throughout the airport experience.

Smart timeline.

Clearway builds a real-time travel timeline based on your flight, airport, and personal preferences.

Real-time updates.

Stay ahead of delays, gate switches, and boarding updates with instant notifications. Clearway keeps travelers informed so they can adjust confidently without constantly checking screens.

Terminal guidance.

Interactive directions guide users from curb to gate with clear, minimal instructions.

Airport search & wayfinding.

Search for restaurants, gates, lounges, restrooms, or amenities within the airport and instantly navigate to them. Clearway provides directions, walking times, and key details so travelers can move with confidence.

Created with care.

ッ I’m happy you’re here. I hope you found something worth taking with you.

Simplifying Airport Navigation

Clearway is an app designed to simplify navigation and reduce cognitive load throughout the airport experience.

Role

Lead UX/UI Designer

Timeline

6 weeks

Tools

Figma, Adobe Suite

Team

UX/UI Designer

Overview

Understanding the challenge.

Airports require travelers to make frequent decisions under time pressure while navigating unfamiliar environments. When important information like directions, boarding updates, and timing cues is spread across multiple sources, cognitive load increases and confidence decreases.

 

This challenge presented an opportunity to design a solution that provides clear guidance and real-time support throughout theairport journey.

Reducing traveler stress and decision fatigue

Unify digital and physical wayfinding

Increase traveler confidence and independence

Background

Measurable impact.

Existing studies and industry data on airport navigation, crowding, and passenger stress highlight key traveler pain points. These insights inform the design decisions behind Clearway.

45%

of U.S. airport travelers find crowds, noise, and environment stressful.

71%

of passengers use mobile apps to book travel, and many want consolidated information in one place.

39%

of U.S. travelers report being very satisfied with in‑airport navigation.

User Research

Defining traveler needs.

Understanding traveler behaviors and pain points was key to identifying the most important user needs. By analyzing common challenges experienced throughout the airport journey, clear patterns emerged that informed the priorities behind Clearway’s design.

Traveler Types

First Time

Unfamiliar with airports and easily lost of confused

Anxious

Sensitive to crowds and needs clear steps and information

International

Not accustomed to typical procedures, may need visuals

Business

Tight schedules, need quick updates, and favor efficiency

Based on these traveler types and their challenges, three core user needs emerged. These needs directly informed and prioritized the design decisions behind Clearway.

User-Informed Action Items

  1. Simple, actionable instructions for every stage of their journey, from arrival to boarding, so they feel confident and in control.

  2. Real-time information about gate changes, delays, and security to make informed decisions and avoid last-minute stress.

  3. A clean, intuitive experience that minimizes cognitive load and reduces anxiety, especially for first-time or international flyers.

Competitor Analysis

Analyzing product competitors.

Flight Aware

Tracks flights in real time and provides updates for passengers.

  • Live flight tracking and delay alerts
  • Notifications for gate changes and arrival times

Google Maps

Provides basic indoor maps and directions inside major airports.

  • Step-by-step walking directions inside terminals
  • Real-time information integrated with Google Flights

Task mapping

Mapping design opportunities.

Breaking down the traveler journey into individual tasks revealed moments of confusion, stress, and urgency. Mapping these steps helped identify key opportunities where Clearway could simplify decisions and provide timely guidance.

  1. Step 1

    Arrive at Terminal

    Medium Urgency

    Environment

    Crowded entrance, check-in counters

    Challenges

    Finding correct terminal

    Emotions

    Nervous, slightly stressed

    Thoughts

    "Where do I go first?"

    Design Opportunity

    Step-by-step visual guidance through airport, simple explanations of common processes

  2. Step 2

    Security Chekpoint

    High Urgency

    Environment

    Line, scanners, loud announcments

    Challenges

    Confusing process, long wait

    Emotions

    Anxious, impatient

    Thoughts

    "Will I make it through quickly?"

    Design Opportunity

    Timed alerts for wait times and announcements, calming interface to soothe stress

  3. Step 3

    Walk to Gate

    High Urgency

    Environment

    Long corridor, multiple signs

    Challenges

    Unclear signage, crowded pathways

    Emotions

    Rushed, overwhelmed

    Thoughts

    "Am I going the right way?"

    Design Opportunity

    Smart crowd-aware routing using visuals, clear wayfinding to designated destination

  4. Step 4

    Gate Arrival & Boarding

    Very High Urgency

    Environment

    Gate area, seating, announcements

    Challenges

    Gate changes, last-minute boarding calls

    Emotions

    Relieved, alert, ready

    Thoughts

    "I hope they don't call my gate late."

    Design Opportunity

    Real-time gate updates, boarding notifications and updates

Prioritization

Prioritizing key features.

To focus on the most impactful functionality, potential features were evaluated based on urgency and importance. This prioritization helped identify which capabilities would deliver the greatest value to travelers while supporting Clearway’s core goals.

Not Important

Important

Urgent

  • Step-by-step guidance
  • Real-time flight updates
  • Clear maps and walking directions
  • Crowd-aware routing
  • Calm interface for anxious users
  • Push notifications for non-critical services
  • Minor flight-related alerts

Not Urgent

  • Personalization
  • Access to lounges, restaurants, and other services
  • Optional cosmetic themes
  • Minor visual customizations

The Solution

Introducing the solution.

Clearway is designed to simplify airport navigation and reduce cognitive load throughout the travel experience. The following features demonstrate how the app provides clear guidance, real-time updates, and a calmer journey through the airport.

Designing for clarity.

The interface is intentionally minimal and structured, keeping critical information visible while eliminating unnecessary visual noise. Every element supports faster decisions and calmer movement through the airport.

Simplify navigation and reduce cognitive load throughout the airport experience.

Smart timeline.

Clearway builds a real-time travel timeline based on your flight, airport, and personal preferences.

Real-time updates.

Stay ahead of delays, gate switches, and boarding updates with instant notifications. Clearway keeps travelers informed so they can adjust confidently without constantly checking screens.

Terminal guidance.

Interactive directions guide users from curb to gate with clear, minimal instructions.

Airport search & wayfinding.

Search for restaurants, gates, lounges, restrooms, or amenities within the airport and instantly navigate to them. Clearway provides directions, walking times, and key details so travelers can move with confidence.

Created with care.

ッ I’m happy you’re here. I hope you found something worth taking with you.

Simplifying Airport Navigation

Clearway is an app designed to simplify navigation and reduce cognitive load throughout the airport experience.

Role

Lead UX/UI Designer

Timeline

6 weeks

Tools

Figma, Adobe Suite

Team

UX/UI Designer

Overview

Understanding the challenge.

Airports require travelers to make frequent decisions under time pressure while navigating unfamiliar environments. When important information like directions, boarding updates, and timing cues is spread across multiple sources, cognitive load increases and confidence decreases.

 

This challenge presented an opportunity to design a solution that provides clear guidance and real-time support throughout theairport journey.

Reducing traveler stress and decision fatigue

Unify digital and physical wayfinding

Increase traveler confidence and independence

Background

Measurable impact.

Existing studies and industry data on airport navigation, crowding, and passenger stress highlight key traveler pain points. These insights inform the design decisions behind Clearway.

45%

of U.S. airport travelers find crowds stressful, and noise and environment are also common stressors.

71%

of passengers use mobile apps to book travel, and many want consolidated information in one place.

39%

of U.S. travelers report being very satisfied with in‑airport navigation.

User Research

Defining traveler needs.

Understanding traveler behaviors and pain points was key to identifying the most important user needs. By analyzing common challenges experienced throughout the airport journey, clear patterns emerged that informed the priorities behind Clearway’s design.

Traveler Types

First Time

Unfamiliar with airports and easily lost of confused

Anxious

Sensitive to crowds and needs clear steps and information

International

Not accustomed to typical procedures, may need visuals

Business

Tight schedules, need quick updates, and favor efficiency

Based on these traveler types and their challenges, three core user needs emerged. These needs directly informed and prioritized the design decisions behind Clearway.

User-Informed Action Items

  1. Simple, actionable instructions for every stage of their journey, from arrival to boarding, so they feel confident and in control.

  2. Real-time information about gate changes, delays, and security to make informed decisions and avoid last-minute stress.

  3. A clean, intuitive experience that minimizes cognitive load and reduces anxiety, especially for first-time or international flyers.

Competitor Analysis

Analyzing product competitors.

Flight Aware

Tracks flights in real time and provides updates for passengers.

  • Live flight tracking and delay alerts
  • Notifications for gate changes and arrival times

Google Maps

Provides basic indoor maps and directions inside major airports.

  • Step-by-step walking directions inside terminals
  • Real-time information integrated with Google Flights

Task mapping

Mapping design opportunities.

Breaking down the traveler journey into individual tasks revealed moments of confusion, stress, and urgency. Mapping these steps helped identify key opportunities where Clearway could simplify decisions and provide timely guidance.

  1. Step 1

    Arrive at Terminal

    Medium Urgency

    Environment

    Crowded entrance, check-in counters

    Challenges

    Finding correct terminal

    Emotions

    Nervous, slightly stressed

    Thoughts

    "Where do I go first?"

    Design Opportunity

    Step-by-step visual guidance through airport, simple explanations of common processes

  2. Step 2

    Security Chekpoint

    High Urgency

    Environment

    Line, scanners, loud announcments

    Challenges

    Confusing process, long wait

    Emotions

    Anxious, impatient

    Thoughts

    "Will I make it through quickly?"

    Design Opportunity

    Timed alerts for wait times and announcements, calming interface to soothe stress

  3. Step 3

    Walk to Gate

    High Urgency

    Environment

    Long corridor, multiple signs

    Challenges

    Unclear signage, crowded pathways

    Emotions

    Rushed, overwhelmed

    Thoughts

    "Am I going the right way?"

    Design Opportunity

    Smart crowd-aware routing using visuals, clear wayfinding to designated destination

  4. Step 4

    Gate Arrival & Boarding

    Very High Urgency

    Environment

    Gate area, seating, announcements

    Challenges

    Gate changes, last-minute boarding calls

    Emotions

    Relieved, alert, ready

    Thoughts

    "I hope they don't call my gate late."

    Design Opportunity

    Real-time gate updates, boarding notifications and updates

Prioritization

Prioritizing key features.

To focus on the most impactful functionality, potential features were evaluated based on urgency and importance. This prioritization helped identify which capabilities would deliver the greatest value to travelers while supporting Clearway’s core goals.

Not Important

Important

Urgent

  • Step-by-step guidance
  • Real-time flight updates
  • Clear maps and walking directions
  • Crowd-aware routing
  • Calm interface for anxious users
  • Push notifications for non-critical services
  • Minor flight-related alerts

Not Urgent

  • Personalization
  • Access to lounges, restaurants, and other services
  • Optional cosmetic themes
  • Minor visual customizations

The Solution

Introducing the solution.

Clearway is designed to simplify airport navigation and reduce cognitive load throughout the travel experience. The following features demonstrate how the app provides clear guidance, real-time updates, and a calmer journey through the airport.

Designing for clarity.

The interface is intentionally minimal and structured, keeping critical information visible while eliminating unnecessary visual noise. Every element supports faster decisions and calmer movement through the airport.

Simplify navigation and reduce cognitive load throughout the airport experience.

Smart timeline.

Clearway builds a real-time travel timeline based on your flight, airport, and personal preferences.

Real-time updates.

Stay ahead of delays, gate switches, and boarding updates with instant notifications. Clearway keeps travelers informed so they can adjust confidently without constantly checking screens.

Terminal guidance.

Interactive directions guide users from curb to gate with clear, minimal instructions.

Airport search & wayfinding.

Search for restaurants, gates, lounges, restrooms, or amenities within the airport and instantly navigate to them. Clearway provides directions, walking times, and key details so travelers can move with confidence.

Created with care.

ッ I’m happy you’re here. I hope you found something worth taking with you.