2022
The other day I was at a loose end on a sunny autumn afternoon so I took myself down to the main shops & promenade area where I live, which also happens to be by a beautiful beach (Takapuna beach in Auckland, New Zealand).
I started snapping and uploading as I went, but then I thought - how do I know if what I'm doing is truly beneficial. I mean, of course, every bit of info and upload helps users at some point in time - but I was in the mood to be ultra effective - after all it was an unplanned 1 hour of downtime and I was determined to make the most of it! So I went into the "Uncover Missing Info" feature on my phone. I think this is currently only available on Android..?
It was so much fun! Felt like an Easter egg hunt, very appropriate as Easter is just around the corner 🙂 I started ticking off point after point, snapping, following the map, editing, uploading. But the most fun part of all was getting to know my neighbourhood inside out and *talking* to people. In order to find the missing info, like phone number, website, opening hours etc., I had to walk into the store and talk to the rep or the owner. And then it dawned on me - these people work (and probably live) on this side of the peninsula - they are effectively my neighbours! And I had no idea they run a vegan cafe, a second hand goods shop, a takeaway, a clothes boutique.
So yes I felt like I was helping to improve Maps to be a better tool for users around the world - but most of all, I was helping myself. And I think that's the true meaning of UX.
What do you think? Have you used the "Uncover Missing Info" feature much? I'm keen to hear others' perspective on it!
