Ranger Trek

For my senior capstone project, I created an app called, Ranger Trek, which focused on gamifying hiking experiences in our national parks. The app provides digital incentives for completing various hiking trails by allowing users to tap their phone against a Ranger Trek panel. My project included the Ranger Trek app, physical postcards, laser-cut and engraved ornaments, stickers, and a Ranger Trek panel that featured 10 interactive corners. When tapped, each corner delivered a digital postcard containing fun facts about the animals found in the parks. This project explored how thoughtful design can inspire healthier lifestyles and deeper engagement with the natural world.

For this project, I learned about the different uses of NFC tags and how they can be beneficial for the environment as well as learning initiatives. By integrating NFC technology into physical touchpoints within parks, I explored how digital interactions can enhance educational experiences without the need for excessive printed materials. This not only supports sustainability but also makes learning more engaging, accessible, and memorable for a tech-savvy audience. Through this process, I gained valuable skills in user experience design, interactive prototyping, and environmental storytelling.