Desk research grounded the project: studies link time in nature to lower stress, better focus and higher test scores, and the METU forest itself is a landmark of environmental commitment. Field research followed the students. Cycling trips around Eymir Lake, the forest hill in front of dorm 8 with its views over the whole forest, and BIO Lake, which sits directly on the track from the west dormitories.

The persona work centred on Cem Yilmaz, a student from the mountainous regions of Türkiye with real trekking experience but nobody to go with on campus. His journey was mapped across five stages, from finding like-minded people to sharing the record of a finished hike, with thoughts, struggles and emotions at each step.

Everything hangs off one decision on a simple home page: Hike Along, where you join organized activities with other students, or Discover, where you roam free and complete small missions. Sorted activity lists lead to engaging activity pages that hold every detail in one place, and the during-activity page shows tasks and progress on a single screen without scrolling.