Multi-Modal Trip Planning for Google Maps
The Multi-Modal Trip Planning feature for Google Maps aims to provide users with a seamless and efficient way to plan trips that involve multiple modes of transportation. This feature addresses the challenges faced by users who rely on various transport methods but struggle with fragmented planning experiences.
Problem Statement / Motivation
Users who frequently rely on multiple modes of transportation (e.g., public transit, biking, and ride-sharing) often find it challenging to plan and optimize their trips using Google Maps. Existing navigation tools require them to manually stitch together different transportation segments, leading to inefficient and time-consuming planning.
Problem Statement: How might we enable Google Maps users to seamlessly plan and navigate trips that involve multiple modes of transportation, optimizing for efficiency, cost, and real-time conditions?
Goals & Non-Goals
Goals:
- Provide seamless trip planning that integrates multiple transportation modes.
- Allow users to set preferences (e.g., minimize cost, optimize time, avoid tolls, prefer biking, etc.).
- Incorporate real-time traffic, transit schedules, and ride-sharing availability.
- Dynamically adjust routes based on real-time conditions.
- Improve accessibility and usability for frequent travelers and commuters.
Non-Goals:
- Full integration with third-party transit, ride-sharing, or bike-sharing apps beyond navigation recommendations.
- Enhancements to existing single-mode navigation systems (e.g., car-only or transit-only directions).
- Offline functionality for dynamic route adjustments.
User Stories / Use Cases
Primary Persona: Sarah Adu (Frequent Traveler & Multi-Modal Commuter)
- As a frequent traveler, I want Google Maps to plan trips that integrate multiple transportation options, so I can save time and money.
- As a commuter, I want proactive route suggestions before departure, so I can avoid delays and unexpected changes.
- As a user, I want dynamic adjustments to my route based on real-time conditions, so I don’t miss connections or experience unnecessary delays.
Secondary Personas:
- Emily Chen (EV Owner): Needs optimized routes that include charging stations.
- James Brad (Delivery Driver): Needs real-time updates to reroute around road closures and accidents.
- Olivia Thompson (Outdoor Enthusiast): Needs efficient biking routes integrated with transit.
Customers and Business Impact
Customer Impact
- Time Savings: Users will save time by having a single, integrated plan for multi-modal trips, reducing the need to manually piece together different transportation options.
- Cost Efficiency: Users will be able to choose the most cost-effective routes, combining different modes of transportation to minimize expenses.
- Reduced Frustration: Users will no longer need to switch between different apps or manually plan multi-modal trips, leading to a smoother and more enjoyable experience.
Business Impact
- Increased User Engagement: By offering a more comprehensive navigation solution, Google Maps will attract more users and increase engagement.
- Competitive Advantage: This feature will differentiate Google Maps from competitors by addressing a significant gap in the market.
- Data Collection: Google Maps will gain valuable insights into user preferences and behaviors related to multi-modal transportation, which can be used to further improve the product.
Proposed Solution
The Multi-Modal Trip Planning feature will provide a seamless, AI-driven navigation experience that integrates multiple transportation modes based on user preferences and real-time conditions.
It will include:
- Integrated Trip Planning: Users can enter a destination and receive an optimized route incorporating driving, biking, public transit, and ride-sharing.
- User Preferences: Users can set priorities such as cost-efficiency, time optimization, and preferred transportation modes.
- Dynamic Adjustments: Routes will be updated in real-time based on traffic, transit delays, and ride-sharing availability.
- Proactive Notifications: Users will receive alerts if a better route becomes available.
Requirements
Functional Requirements
No.
Requirement
Priority
1. Allow users to input a destination and select transportation mode preferences.
P0
2
Generate multi-modal trip plans combining driving, public transit, biking, etc.
P0
3
Provide real-time adjustments based on traffic, transit delays, etc.
P1
4
Display detailed cost and time estimates for each leg of the trip.
P1
5
Offer step-by-step navigation instructions for each transportation mode.
P0
6
Allow users to save and share multi-modal trip plans.
P2
7
Integrate with third-party transportation providers (e.g., ride-sharing apps).
P1
Measuring Success
No.
Outcome
Measure
1
Increased user engagement
% increase in daily active users (DAU) for Google Maps
2
Improved user satisfaction
User satisfaction score (via surveys)
3
Reduction in trip planning time
Average time spent planning multi-modal trips (before vs. after feature)
4
Increased usage of public transit/biking
% increase in users selecting public transit or biking as part of their trip
Milestones and Timelines
Item
Timeline
Exit Criteria
Design user flow and wireframes
1 week
User flow and wireframes completed, including multi-modal trip planning interface
Run validation interviews with users
1 week
80% of interviewees find the feature useful and intuitive
Develop MVP (Minimum Viable Product)
1 month
MVP developed with basic multi-modal trip planning functionality
Launch MVP in select cities
2 weeks
MVP launched in 3 major cities with positive user feedback
Iterate based on user feedback
1 month
Additional features and improvements added based on user feedback
Full-scale launch
2 months
Feature launched globally with full integration of public transit and biking
FAQ
- Q: How will users access the multi-modal trip planning feature?
- A: Users will access the feature through the Google Maps app by selecting the "Multi-Modal Trip Planning" option when entering a destination.
- Q: Will this feature work in all cities?
- A: The feature will initially launch in major urban areas with robust public transit systems and will expand to other regions based on user demand and data availability.
- Q: How will real-time adjustments work?
- A: The feature will continuously monitor traffic, transit delays, and other factors, and will suggest alternative routes or modes of transportation if delays are detected.
- Q: Will this feature support voice-guided navigation?
- A: Yes, users will receive voice-guided navigation instructions for each leg of the trip, including walking directions between transportation modes.
- Q: How does Google Maps determine the best route?
- A: The feature uses AI-driven optimization based on traffic, transit schedules, and user preferences.
- Q: Can users manually adjust routes?
- A: Yes, users can reorder segments and choose different transport modes at key decision points.
- Q: Will this feature be available offline?
- A: Real-time adjustments require internet connectivity, but saved routes can be accessed offline.
Conclusion
The Multi-Modal Trip Planning feature will significantly enhance Google Maps' capabilities by providing seamless, AI-driven trip planning across multiple transportation modes. By addressing the needs of urban commuters, frequent travelers, and multi-modal users, this feature will improve efficiency, engagement, and user satisfaction while positioning Google Maps as the go-to navigation tool for modern mobility.
Appendix
Learnings
Product Manager Learnings:
Edem Aniwa
Designer Learnings:
Designer Learnings:
Jo Sturdivant
- Adapting to an Established Team: Joining the team in week 6 of 8 was challenging, as I had to quickly adapt to existing workflows, dynamics, and goals. This mirrors real-world situations where you often integrate into teams mid-project, and flexibility is essential.
- Work-Blocking for Efficiency: With only two weeks to complete the project, I learned the importance of a structured work-blocking system. This approach allowed me to manage my time effectively and meet deadlines under pressure.
- Making Data-Driven Design Decisions: Unlike my past projects, I had to rely on research conducted by others. This was a valuable experience in using pre-existing data to guide design decisions, helping me focus on the core insights without starting from scratch.
Developer Learnings:
Developer Learnings:
Vanady Beard
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As the back-end developer, I learned how important it is to create efficient and reliable systems that support the entire application. This experience also taught me the importance of optimising the database and ensuring the backend is scalable and easy to maintain.
Developer Learnings:
Stephen Asiedu
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As a back-end developer, I've come to understand the importance of being familiar with various database systems and modules. This knowledge enables me to build diverse applications and maintain versatility in my work. I've also learned that the responsibility for making the right choices rests on my shoulders, guided by my best judgement.
Developer Learnings:
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Developer Learnings:
Maurquise Williams
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- Process of Creating an MVP: Developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) taught me how to focus on delivering core functionalities balancing between essential features and avoiding scope creep.
- Collaboration in a Real-World Tech Setting: This experience taught me how to collaborate efficiently in a fast-paced tech environment, keeping the team aligned and productive, even while working remotely across time zones.
- Sharpening Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: This experience honed my ability to think critically and solve problems efficiently. By tackling challenges and finding quick solutions, I sharpened my decision-making and troubleshooting skills in a dynamic, real-world setting.
Developer Learnings:
Jeremiah Williams
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All in all this experience was very awesome I learned that in coding with others being transparent is key
Developers Learnings:
Justin Farley
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I learned how important communication is when working with a team. Communication provides understanding, advice, ideas, and much more. While working with the product team, I’ve found that communication keeps everything flowing smoothly. Working with a team also showed me that every member brings something different to the table and we all have to work together in order to align and meet our end goal.