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For walks longer than 20 minutes, Citymapper changes the walking man icon to a hiking man icon.
AI insights
Insights
User Delight is about adding small, fun moments that make an experience memorable. Citymapper's hiking icon swap adds a playful surprise, which can boost happiness and make users enjoy the app more.
Progressive Disclosure helps users by revealing complexity only when needed. Here, Citymapper uses a hiking icon only for long walks, so users aren't overloaded with info unless it's relevant.
Cognitive Load is the mental effort needed to process info. By changing the icon for longer walks, Citymapper quickly signals a bigger effort, making it easier for users to understand route differences at a glance.
Citymapper also uses city-specific loading images to add personality and delight. Both features use playful visuals to make routine tasks feel more enjoyable and memorable.
Uber shows a moving car on the map while you wait for a ride. Both Citymapper and Uber use dynamic icons to add delight and keep users engaged during otherwise mundane moments.
Posted 13/09/2025
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