SpotHero is a great solution for finding parking when you need it. But what if we could take the parking experience even further?
SpotHero relies on dedicated spots that are already available and managed by a third party. You are getting a certain level of convenience, usually at a discounted price, but what if there are free spots nearby? Or cheaper ones? SpotHero only has a limited view into what parking options are available to you.
Suspend your imagination a little as I propose the next phase: A smart car with 'SmartPark,' which uses GPS to provide a map view of all available parking spaces - as in, every metered spot, but also the free spot someone just got out of - in a certain mile radius from your car. When you are ready to find a parking space, your windshield, via augmented reality, will display a small map of parking spaces available that you can navigate to. Each would have a signifier that meet the following preferences:
- Is it free? If not, what does it cost and for how long?
- Does your car fit (GPS would provide space length and match it with your car's length)?
- Is it permit parking with only a limited window? When was the last time someone came by to check permits?
- How far do you have to walk to your final destination?
The list can go on.
This is just a quick, incomplete sketch but you see the open space indicated as you approach it and your display offers how the space's information matches your preferences. In addition, your smart car would learn your preferences and the signifier (color could be one option but need to consider accessibility) would represent how many of these needs are met by each space.
This could incorporate SpotHero information, as opposed to competing with it. It's all for the sake of providing the most complete picture for the driver of her parking options when she needs them.