G Street UX Research

Strategic, Human-Centered Policy Guidance

Challenge: A global organization proposed rebuilding the downtown arch in Davis, CA, now a pedestrian-only space. We needed to determine if the city should proceed or consider alternative uses.

We delivered research-backed recommendations to city officials to help transform G Street into a more inclusive, multi-generational space. Designed over eight weeks by a team of four designers, this case study walks through my end-to-end UX process, from conducting initial interviews and user research to synthesizing insights and developing actionable recommendations.

What is G Street?

Considered to be the cornerstone of downtown Davis, it would be Second & G, where sits a small cluster of bars, restaurants and shops, as well as some nice outdoor seating for smokers and bar patrons.

In 2021 the city closed G Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets to vehicular traffic in efforts to support downtown businesses, especially restaurants, and keep them open during COVID-19 shutdowns. Opening the corridor on G Street to a pedestrian-only area raised some discussion about how to better the space allotted.

Why the arch proposal?

The proposal for an arch to be rebuilt was brought up by the Davis Odd Fellows Lodge. The Odd Fellows organization of the City of Davis, California was established in Davis in 1870. The Davis Odd Fellows are part of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF), a national and global organization focused on community support and charitable giving. The Lodge emphasizes camaraderie and community involvement and invites individuals with a desire to serve their community and humanity to apply for membership.

They emphasized the arch as a symbol of civic pride and unity. However, the Arch had a relatively short lifespan (1916-1924) and was demolished because it posed a hazard to the increasing automobile traffic.

Initial Research

We conducted a total of 6 face to face interviews with three local Davis residents and three UC Davis students, and were able to identify varying perspectives on the idea of re-implementing a historical landmark, and the general vicinity of the G Street corridor.

User Archetype: The Disconnected Student

Values:

Wholesome outings
Day time activities
Convenience and comfort

Fears:

Wasting time
Too many new interpersonal interactions
Hinderance to educational and social utility

Synthesis

Interviewees showed little interest in an arch or lingering on G Street. We mapped their responses using Why-How-What and empathy mapping.

How might we make G Street more active and attractive for non-drinkers and families?

Ideate

We brainstormed several prototyping concepts, like a G Street block party, local vendor booths, and glow-in-the-dark mini-golf, to test our idea. Mini-golf stood out for its all-ages appeal, social nature, and ability to engage without alcohol, aligning perfectly with our goal.

Prototype Survey

Before prototyping, we sent out a survey to grasp whether or not users would gain any fulfillment from participating, most users expressed enthusiasm for the idea of mini-golf, citing it as a fun outing and a convenient local activity. Some even suggested it as a great option for dates.

18-51 Years

Age

22.2% Permanent
77.8% Temporary

Residency

11.1% - 4
22.2% - 9
66.7% - 10

Interest Rating

Prototype Testing

Testing on G Street gave us direct insight into public response. Across 10 sessions, feedback was overwhelmingly positive, people appreciated having a low-pressure, interactive activity. Mini-golf drew attention, sparked interest from passersby, and encouraged friendly competition among friends and families.

Concern: Safety risks for children, bikers, and skateboarders due to potential hazards from mini golf equipment and reduced street space.

While mini-golf was well-received and encouraged interaction, feedback revealed that the core issue wasn’t the absence of mini-golf, but a broader need for alcohol-free social activities on G Street.

Key Achievements:

Social and Environmental Impact

Developed a community-centered vision for the future of downtown, emphasizing safety, inclusivity, and sustainability.

Vision for the Future

Presented a comprehensive development plan to guide policymakers in making informed, long-term decisions that align with community needs.

Qualitative Outcomes

The project received positive feedback from residents and city council members, with formal recognition from the Davis City Council—underscoring the research’s relevance, impact, and alignment with the city’s strategic goals.

Conclusions

As a student researcher, I contributed across all phases of the project, from initial interviews and synthesis to prototyping and testing. While the work was highly collaborative, I brought prior experience in user testing, which allowed me to support and guide my team during our fieldwork. I often encouraged team members to feel more confident and engaged during interviews and community testing, helping foster a more open and inclusive research environment.

Implementation Update: A Reality Check Following our research, the city introduced limited public seating in select areas, a small but symbolic step toward improving communal spaces. Our team's work laid a strong foundation for more inclusive, community-centered design conversations, and demonstrated the potential of youth-led, research-driven advocacy. This experience underscored the importance of persistence in civic design and the value of community voices in shaping long-term change.