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Using AI & Interactive Maps to Simplify Parking at UMD to Cut Fines and Boost Accessibility
Using AI & Interactive Maps to Simplify Parking at UMD to Cut Fines and Boost Accessibility
Project overview
DotSpots is an AI-powered, real-time parking solution designed to simplify UMD’s complex parking system for both administrators and users.
It enables admins to quickly push updates to permits and rules, while giving users instant guidance through an AI chatbot and interactive maps to navigate parking, avoid fines, and buy permits with confidence.
MY ROLE
Led research, concept development, design and front-end development
TEAM
2 product designer, 2 Engineers
The Impact
Rule clarity rate
Users correctly interpreted parking rules without assistance.
Time to first value
Users found a valid parking spot quickly after opening the app.
Confidence score
Users felt confident choosing a parking spot.
Admin overhead
Fewer manual checks and disputes.
The Problem
At the University of Maryland, over 50 parking zones and 78+ permit types create a fragmented system that confuses users and overwhelms administrators.
🪪 78+
Permits
Too many permit types cause confusion, making it unclear where users are allowed to park.
🅿️ 50
Parking Areas
Dozens of zones with varying rules add complexity and inconsistency across campus.
🔄
Constant Changes
Events and construction frequently override normal rules, leaving users uncertain.
🗂️
Admin Burden
Administrators struggle to update rules in real time and can’t manually resolve the high volume of complaints efficiently.
Without a clear, reliable way to navigate permits and changing rules, users face confusion, costly violations, and reduced campus mobility.
THE SOLUTION
Pain Point #1
Drivers struggle to understand where they can park and which rules or permits apply, leading to confusion and frequent violations.
How DotSpots Helps
The map instantly shows whether a lot is valid for the user’s permit, along with clear reasons and enforcement timing. If a lot isn’t allowed, nearby eligible options are highlighted so drivers can quickly choose where to park without risking a fine.
Pain Point #2
Drivers reach a parking lot only to realize they’re not allowed to park there and don’t know where to go next.
How DotSpots Helps
When a lot isn’t eligible, the app highlights nearby valid parking options and helps the driver navigate to the closest available lot, reducing guesswork and unnecessary circling.
Pain Point #3
Drivers struggle to get quick answers, resolve issues, or buy permits without navigating multiple systems.
How DotSpots Helps
An AI assistant understands natural language and helps users instantly, answering questions, clarifying rules, and guiding them through permit purchases or payments in a single conversation.
Pain Point #4
Drivers aren’t aware of sudden changes to parking rules, lots, or permits until they’re already affected.
How DotSpots Helps
The app sends real-time notifications when parking rules change and suggests nearby valid lots based on the user’s location, helping them quickly adjust without confusion or fines.
Admin side | Pain Point
Parking administrators are overwhelmed with repetitive requests like permit transfers, refunds, and event overrides. Manual handling slows operations, increases errors, and limits time for higher-impact work.
How DotSpots Helps
DotSpots uses AI to streamline request resolution and rule management. Admins can conversationally add or remove rules, create event overrides, and auto-resolve common requests with real-time updates and notifications handled instantly by the system.
Admin side working prototype - Mobile app & the dashboard
And that's a wrap!