Enhancing Urban Development Transparency: UX Improvements for the "Praha Zítra" Web Application

In today's digital landscape, presenting urban development projects to the public in an engaging and accessible manner is a critical challenge. Praha Zítra, an application designed to showcase ongoing and planned construction projects in Prague, serves this exact purpose. However, as with any digital platform, there is always room for refinement to enhance user experience (UX) and ensure a seamless interaction for all stakeholders. A research project by Marko Šoltés at the Czech Technical University in Prague took a deep dive into optimizing this application, focusing on UX enhancements and future development strategies.

Understanding the "Praha Zítra" Application

The Praha Zítra platform consolidates information about various urban projects, offering users an interactive map with layers, filters, and project details. Managed by the Center for Architecture and Metropolitan Planning (CAMP) and the Institute of Planning and Development (IPR), this tool aims to increase transparency and public awareness of Prague's evolving landscape.

Despite its potential, the existing application faced several challenges, including usability issues, unclear navigation, and limitations in information presentation. Recognizing these hurdles, Šoltés' study sought to refine the platform by conducting thorough UX research and developing a set of targeted improvements.

Methodology: A User-Centered Approach with RealEye

1. Analyzing the Current State

Before proposing improvements, the study conducted a comprehensive analysis of the existing Praha Zítra platform. This included reviewing:

• The technical framework and functionalities
• Similar tools used by IPR and CAMP
• User interaction data and feedback

2. User Research and Testing

To understand public expectations and pain points, the study implemented a multi-phase user research process:

• User Interviews: Gathering qualitative insights from stakeholders, urban planners, and citizens
• Usability Testing: Evaluating how users navigate the platform and identifying common frustrations
• Eye-Tracking Analysis: Using eye-tracking technology to determine which elements capture the most attention

3. Prototyping & Validation

Based on the research findings, the study proposed a refined UX design. A prototype was created in Figma, incorporating:

• Improved navigation with clearer menus and pathways
• Enhanced filtering options for better project discovery
• Aesthetic and functional UI updates for a modern, intuitive feel

User feedback was then collected to validate the proposed changes, ensuring they effectively addressed prior usability concerns.

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Key Findings and Recommendations

1. ‍Improved User Navigation: The current layout lacked intuitive flow, leading to user confusion. A redesigned homepage with a structured information hierarchy significantly improved accessibility.
2. ‍Enhanced Filter and Search Functions: Users struggled with the existing filtering system when exploring projects. The updated system allowed for multi-category filtering, making project searches more efficient.
3. ‍Optimized Map Interface: The map-based visualization was a strong feature but required refinements. Adjustments to contrast, layering, and labeling made the map more user-friendly.
4. ‍Transparent Project Information: Some projects lacked detailed descriptions or media, reducing engagement. Standardized content templates ensured all projects provided comprehensive insights.

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Implications for Future Development

This study underscores the importance of continuous user research in urban tech applications. The refined prototype not only improves Praha Zítra’s functionality but also sets a foundation for future expansions, such as:

• Integration with real-time data sources for up-to-date project statuses
• Community feedback features allowing users to engage directly with planners
• Mobile-first design enhancements ensuring accessibility across devices

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Final Thoughts

The Praha Zítra application holds immense value in bridging the gap between urban development and public engagement. By applying UX research and iterative design, this study demonstrated how even well-intended platforms can benefit from refinements that put users at the forefront. With ongoing enhancements and strategic improvements, Praha Zítra is set to become a benchmark in smart city transparency and citizen participation.

Interested in UX-driven urban planning solutions? Explore how user research can revolutionize your digital platforms today!

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