Google Maps is a tool that uses GPS to help users get directions from point A to point B using various modes of transport, or find places of interest near a point.

User Personas:

It is used by:

• Pedestrians: Individuals walking to their destinations, requiring clear walking paths and safety information.
• Car drivers: Users navigating by car, needing real-time traffic updates and route optimization.
• Public transport commuters: Individuals using buses, trains, and other public transportation, needing schedule and route information.
• Tourists: Travelers exploring new locations, needing recommendations, navigation assistance, and detailed local information.

Tourists face the following pain-points:

1. No personalized recommendations.
2. No social integration to share itineraries with close networks.
3. Internal maps for buildings are usually unavailable or unhelpful.
4. Not clear/helpful enough representations for helping users in moving elevations or depressions such as over or under bridges.

Solutions for these pain points:

1. Create a AI-powered recommendation system based on user’s preferences and past behavior to offer suggestions on points of interests.
2. Enable social networking in app to help users connect to their networks and share useful information.
3. Enable AR-based internal mapping and gamify it to get users/owners to create map inside buildings.
4. Create better notations to clearly identify and direct users in elevated or depressed areas.

Evaluating these solutions:

1. AI-powered recommendation system: Input: Investment in AI/ML technology, talent, user data analysis. ROI: Increased user engagement and satisfaction, leading to longer app usage times and more frequent interactions.
2. Enhanced Social networking integration: Input: Development of social features, UI updates, privacy settings. ROI: Improved user interaction and retention as users can share their experiences and itineraries. This can increase app stickiness and user loyalty, driving higher lifetime value and potential for in-app purchases or premium features.