Oot & Aboot is an imaginary company that provides services related to finding Minnesota State parks, securing rentals, tracking trips, and buying merch. The idea for the company began when I struggled to find the perfect park for the occasion. I would want to see a waterfall, or bike on a paved trail, however this information was not instantly available and user friendly at the time. Minnesota has such a variety of parks I wondered what it would be like if there was an app and company that could offer an easy reference.
The Name:
The name Oot & Aboot comes from the common phrase Out & About pronounced with a heavy Minnesotan accent. (A common saying only second to 'Oh yeah, sure, you betchya') As a company based in MN and based on MN parks, I thought it was appropriate to have a strong Minnesota feel to the company and app.
The Process:
Minnesota is a mixture of urban cities and places with natural forests, lakes and prairies. The app is about finding those spaces of nature wherever you are. Parks and waterfalls can be found only a few steps away from Minneapolis if you know where to look.
When I was working on this project, subscription services were trending. This influenced the project because Oot & Aboot grew into more than just a directory, it became a subscription. A personally tailored app that could help you find parks based on your location, save you favorites, track you steps, and earn rewards that could be cashed in for cups and pins.