Project Summary
Large venues like malls, airports, and event spaces face a common but frustrating problem: people forget where they parked. The sheer scale of these spaces, coupled with poor signage or disorientation after long visits, causes anxiety and wasted time.
This case study covers the design and development of Loc(8)ate, a lightweight web-based parking recall solution allowing users to save their parking location using QR code triggers and indoor navigation technology.
Problem Statement
In large indoor parking areas such as shopping malls, airports, and event venues, people frequently struggle to find their parked vehicles. This issue is especially common in multi-level or underground structures, where visual cues are minimal and navigation is disorienting.
As a result, users often face:
Time-consuming searches through multiple parking zones
Frustration and stress, especially when in a hurry or carrying heavy items
Disruption to their overall visit experience, leaving them with a negative impression
Target Audience
01
Commercial Complexes
High-Sports areas with extensive parking spaces requiring efficient vehicle retrieval.
02
Shopping Malls
Large multi-level parking lots where shoppers often forget their parking location.
03
Event Venues
Places with temporary parking setups where attendees may struggle to remember their spots.
Objectives
Create a lightweight, accessible solution for parking location recall.
Ensure the system is easy, fast, and works without mobile apps.
Integrate with indoor mapping systems to provide step-by-step navigation.
Automate messaging to user phones after location confirmation.
Goals
Help users save their location in under 60 seconds.
Deliver an indoor navigation link via WhatsApp or SMS.
Ensure minimal user interaction: only scan, confirm, and go.
Hypotheses
People often forget where they parked in malls, airports, and large event venues.
Lack of signage or visual cues in parking areas leads to confusion.
Distractions while parking reduce the chance of remembering the location.
Crowded environments increase the chances of misplaced vehicle recall.
Most users rely on memory, not tech, to find their parked vehicles.
Research & Insights
To understand how people experience the frustration of losing their parked vehicles, I followed a mixed research approach — combining real-world observations, user interviews, and supporting data.
Field Visit to Parking Areas
I personally visited a few malls with large indoor parking lots to speak directly with people at the parking exit points. While I wasn’t allowed to record videos or conduct formal interviews on-site,
I had casual, one-on-one conversations with few people and noted down their responses. Most admitted that they often forget their parking spot, especially when they're in a rush or distracted. I’ve also documented the visit with photos from the actual underground parking areas.
Images blurred for privacy
User Interviews
To dig deeper, I conducted structured interviews with 5 users over Google Meet. They frequently visit places like malls, airports, or events. Every one of them had at least one experience of not being able to find their vehicle. Common patterns emerged: poor signage, look-alike surroundings, and a lack of habit in noting down parking positions.
Supporting Research
In addition to first-hand research, I looked at global and India-specific reports. A study from IJCRT covering 20 urban parking sites in India highlighted similar behavior — people struggling to remember where they parked, especially in indoor and repetitive parking structures.
Globally, the pattern holds
56% of UK drivers forget where they parked
Shopping malls and multi-level garages are the most confusing spaces
People still rely heavily on memory, rather than using digital tools
Key Findings
While global studies show that 56–65% of users in developed countries frequently forget where they parked, Indian data remains limited. However, a recent IJCRT study based on interviews at 20 urban parking sites supports similar patterns of confusion and frustration, especially in indoor and mall-based parking areas.”
Personas
User Journey Map
Concept & Solution
Solution Concept Overview
User parks their vehicle and notices a QR code pasted on a nearby pillar.
Scans the QR → opens a mobile web app (no installation required).
The app asks for the user’s phone number and requests location permission.
Upon confirmation:
The current location is saved.
A message is triggered and sent to the user via WhatsApp or SMS, containing a recall link.
Later, the user opens the link and follows the directions to reach their parked vehicle.
Technical Constraints
Initially, the solution was intended to use Google Maps for navigation. While Google Maps performs well outdoors, it presents limitations inside large enclosed structures.
Google Maps Limitation in Malls:
GPS signals are inaccurate or absent indoors, especially underground.
Google Indoor Maps only exist for selected venues.
If a mall is not mapped, you cannot get precise indoor navigation using Google Maps.
What’s Needed to Enable Google Indoor Maps
The mall/building must submit a floor plan/blueprint to Google.
Google’s Indoor Maps team needs to process and configure the layout.
The building must meet eligibility criteria (public access, mapped layout, etc.).
While not officially paid, this may require business partnership or formal request via Google Maps Partner Program.
Alternative Indoor Mapping Solutions
Recognizing that Google may not always be a feasible option, I evaluated other indoor mapping solutions and compared their features and feasibility with Google Indoor Maps. Based on this comparison, I concluded which tool is the most suitable.
Constraints & Problem Analysis
Contextual Constraints
Indoor parking lacks GPS signals, making it hard to use standard navigation apps.
Signage is inconsistent, especially in multi-level structures.
Multiple exits confuse users about orientation when returning.
Technical Limitations
Google Maps does not support precise indoor blue-dot tracking in most malls.
Other indoor systems often require costly hardware (beacons/Wi-Fi mapping).
Most parking solutions need app installation, creating friction for casual users.
Behavioral Challenges
Users don’t expect to forget their parking spot, so they rarely take action.
After long visits, users experience mental fatigue, reducing recall ability.
Many feel rushed when exiting, leaving little time to “figure it out.”
Final Decision (After Evaluation)
After evaluating cost, ease of integration, and required accuracy, the finalized stack may use:
User Flow
Entry Point: Scan QR → Load Web App
Mid Flow: Enter phone number → Allow location → Confirm
Exit Point: Backend stores data → Sends pre-written message via WhatsApp with indoor route link
Low-Fidelity Wireframes
High-Fidelity Mockups
Welcome Screen
Phone Number Input
Location Confirmation
Task Success
Navigation UI
Indoor route guidance via Google Maps
High-Fidelity Prototype
Users guided through 3-4 screens max.
Each screen optimized for mobile readability and tap zones.
WhatsApp message includes location context + floor + pin.
Anticipated Impact on Users
While this is a conceptual project, the solution was designed to address clear pain points identified through user research and behavioral insights. If implemented, it could potentially result in:
Faster vehicle recall
(in < 60 seconds), reducing user frustration after long visits.
Frictionless experience
Using a no-download, web-based interface.
Improved in-mall navigation
Via precise location guidance inside complex structures.
Personal Impact
User-centered research synthesis
Planning backend-triggered logic (SMS/WhatsApp automation)
Evaluating indoor navigation technologies (Google Maps, Oriient, etc.)
Making product decisions based on feasibility, constraints, and user needs
Loc8 demonstrates that even a small, everyday problem like “I forgot where I parked” can become an opportunity for efficient, elegant design. With the rise of smart environments and indoor APIs, concepts like Loc8 can lead the way in micro-interaction-based service design.