Flowbird

Redefining the urban mobility experience of Detroit: A partnership that drives change

A Bold Vision for Downtown Detroit

To support Detroit’s downtown revitalization, Flowbird partnered with the city to redesign the ParkDetroit app—making parking easier for residents, employees, and visitors. The new experience introduced real-time availability, off-street reservations, and seamless event parking. Flowbird enlisted A Stronger Idea Design to lead design direction and UX strategy for the project. Replacing the outdated system, the redesign aimed to boost engagement, improve efficiency, and help drive more people into the heart of the city.
SERVICES
Design direction
UI/UX Design
INDUSTRY
Urban Mobility, Urban Management, Civic tech
RESULTS
200,000+ transactions per mo.
4,000+ on-street parking spaces
90+ off-street parking locations
4.6/5 app store rating
Flowbird mobile app

The Mission: A Seamless Urban Parking Experience

For the City:

  • A modernized system with innovative technology.
  • Maximizing existing digital infrastructure to generate positive ROI.
  • Customer experience innovation to position Detroit as a leader in urban mobility.

For Residents & Visitors:

  • A user-friendly, feature-rich app integrating multiple services.
  • A seamless and convenient parking experience for all users.
  • An effortless parking process that eliminates frustrations such as space availability and payment difficulties.

Design That Drives a City Forward

A modern, unified mobility experience that boosts economic impact, enhances urban exploration, and makes parking effortless for everyone.

Real-Time On-Street Parking Availability & Pricing

ParkDetroit empowers users to find open spaces quickly, with real-time visibility into parking availability and current rates. By integrating live data directly into the app interface, we eliminated the guesswork and frustration of circling city blocks. The result: a smoother parking experience that supports downtown access and boosts user satisfaction.
Flowbird UI
Flowbird UI
Flowbird UI
Flowbird UI
Flowbird UI
Flowbird UI

Off-Street Parking Options

Beyond simply finding a spot, ParkDetroit helps users plan their entire downtown experience. From browsing off-street parking rates and viewing lot photos to reserving a space in advance, the app removes uncertainty from the equation. Users can even purchase event tickets and secure nearby parking in one seamless flow—reducing stress and improving access for locals, commuters, and visitors alike.

Seamless Reservations & Payments

ParkDetroit streamlines the entire journey—from planning to parking. Users can explore venues, browse upcoming events, and view key details, all within the app. Once plans are made, reserving a nearby parking spot is effortless. Digital passes and QR codes simplify access, turning what used to be a multi-step process into a unified, intuitive experience that saves time and reduces friction.
Flowbird UI
Flowbird UI
Flowbird UI
Flowbird UI
Flowbird UI

QR Code Access for Off-Street Parking

ParkDetroit brings modern convenience to city parking with QR code access for off-street reservations and event entries. Once a user reserves a spot, their digital pass—with embedded QR—can be scanned for instant entry and exit. Passes can be saved to Apple Wallet or Google Pay for added ease, creating a seamless bridge between mobile planning and real-world access. It's fast, secure, and built for how people move today.

Enhanced Downtown Experience

ParkDetroit goes beyond parking—it opens up the city. With integrated maps, directions, and detailed venue information, users are encouraged to explore more of what downtown Detroit has to offer. Whether planning a night out or discovering something new, the app connects people to places in a way that feels natural, useful, and rewarding—for both users and local businesses.
Flowbird UI
Flowbird UI
"It is my favorite city app to park."
Ofeliat — App store reviewer

Results That Speak for Themselves

The redesigned ParkDetroit app delivered measurable success:

200,000+ transactions per month
4,000+ on-street parking spaces
90+ off-street parking locations
4.5/5 app store rating

By delivering a streamlined, intelligent parking solution, A Stronger Idea + Flowbird and the City of Detroit successfully enhanced urban mobility, supported local businesses, and positioned ParkDetroit as a best-in-class parking app.

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