Field & Stream's Rut Reporters
The goal of this project was to track whitetail deer activity across the country by using a combination of user-generated content and expert analysis. The whitetail hunting heat map was the centerpiece of the experience. It served as both a visual guide to the hunting season and a functional navigation to in-depth regional coverage.
Map Features and Functionalities
My team was tasked with the challenge of designing to accommodate for several different states of the heat map. A loading state, an embed code overlay, and regional hovers were all needed for an optimal experience.
Realtime Data Feeding the Heat Map
We designed a simple and engaging custom submission form that extended the design themes being used on Field & Stream to Facebook. Users were prompted to submit their own reports from the field, which would power the heat map with more accurate data.
Regional Landing Pages and Articles
In addition to the heat map, detailed regional content was available to aid users in their hunting trips. Creating a cohesive, branded experience for all sections of the program was key. I designed a custom header and right rail on to several of our standard F&S templates in order to provide visual consistency and context within the Rut Reporters site.
Using the Map to Recirculate Users
Extending the playful navigation approach that was used on the landing page became challenging for pages deeper in the experience. I designed a custom dropdown menu using a mini map that provided links back to the landing page and all of the regions.
The Mobile App
Mobile experiences were still in their infancy at the time this project was designed. We created a Rut Reporters app that reused the design aesthetic I created for the web experience. It was nominated for an Appy Award in the Sports Category.
