Project: EasyTrip+ Travel m
Project type: Bootcamp Project
Time: 2 weeks
Member: Jieming He (Jack)
Role: UI/UX Designer
Tools: Figma
Goals/Objectives
The main goal was to develop a visually appealing and user-friendly online platform that simplifies the shopping experience and encourages transactions. Additionally, the site was designed to present comprehensive information on apparel quality, supporting customers in making informed purchase decisions and positioning the brand for online retail success.
The problem
Traveling can often lead to two major issues — overspending and the challenge of finding suitable accommodations. These issues arise from a lack of tools that allow for effective budget management and accommodation search tailored to individual needs.
Solution Development
EasyTrip+ is developed as a comprehensive travel assistant. It features advanced search filters and personalized recommendations, helping users find accommodations that fit their budget. The app also provides real-time pricing information to keep spending in check.
Feature Inspirations from Market Leaders for EasyTrip+ App
User Research Process
Interview Planning & Execution:
To understand how users approach travel planning, I conducted a in-depth interviews with 5 travelers to understand their travel experiences, planning processes, and needs. By asking open-ended questions, I will guide them to describe the challenges they face while planning a trip and their expectations for an ideal travel app.
User Insights Synthesis
Then I created an Affinity Diagram from interview transcripts to sort insights.
Grouped findings into 4 main topics:
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Tools and Why: Investigated the tools users currently use and their reasons.
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Goals and Likes: Explored what users aim to achieve and what they enjoy when planning travel.
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Budget Planning: Examined how users approach budgeting for their trips.
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Pain Points: Identified common difficulties users face during travel planning.
Based on the insights, it was clear that travelers overwhelmingly prefer TripAdvisor for its valuable resources, When planning a trip, their main concerns are language, safety and budget. They also expressed a desire for additional features in the app to enhance their travel experience.
Empathy Mapping
Developed an Empathy Map to visualize users experiences, highlighting their thoughts and feelings, which helped in understanding their emotional journey. This Empathy Map helped to prioritize features that address real user concerns, such as adding comprehensive safety information and transparent budgeting tools within EasyTrip+, informed our design choices
USER PERSONA
Alan is a hardworking data analyst at J.P. Morgan who is excited about his upcoming summer trip to Dubai with his girlfriend. He has a strong desire to travel around the world without any worries. Budgeting has always been a challenge for him, which makes even the simplest things more complicated. Alan recognizes the need to improve his money management skills to achieve his goal of stress-free travel. Currently struggling to find suitable accommodation options within his budget.
Definition & Ideation​
Ideation Sessions
Using "I wish," "I like," and "What if" method to brainstorm and generate creative solutions for user needs.
Feature Prioritization Matrix
Determine which features are essential based on user needs and business objectives, helping prioritize development efforts.
Value Proposition
EasyTrip+ is the ultimate travel app that helps you effortlessly handle all your trip requirements. With personalized customization and budget management features, it simplifies the process of finding the ideal accommodation and exploring exciting activities. EasyTrip+ with a user-friendly interface, ensuring a stress-free and comfortable travel experience for everyone.​
User Scenario
Follow Alan's day-by-day journey with EasyTrip+. Each image marks a real moment — from choosing a hotel within his budget to enjoying local eats without overspending. It's the app in action, with Alan's trip unfolding one tap at a time.
sTORYBOARD
The key points of the storyboard are:
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Alan is excited about his trip to Dubai but concerned about budgeting.
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Budgeting challenges make finding accommodations difficult.
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Alan discovers the EasyTrip+ app and decides to try it for better budget management.
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The app provides a personalized budget and travel details, helping him manage expenses.
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Alan enjoys a worry-free trip and ends up spending less than his total budget, thanks to EasyTrip+.
User Journey Mapping
Trace Alan's emotions and experiences through our map. From the first 'wow' at EasyTrip+'s savvy tips to the final content sigh as he lands under budget. Each stop is a victory, each image a testament to a trip well-planned and enjoyed.
Prototyping​
Competitor Analysis
Examined direct and indirect competitors to understand their strengths and how to let EasyTrip+ can stand out.
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Airbnb's got cool, unique places to stay, but it's missing some travel bits like things to do and how to get around.
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Expedia scores high with lots of travel options, but there's so much info it can get overwhelming.
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TripAdvisor makes finding hotels and activities easy and lets people chat about their trips, but it's not too personal.
User Flow
For EasyTrip+'s user flow, I wanted to make sure users could get from sign-up to enjoying trip without any headaches. I saw that users liked how easy it was to use Airbnb and TripAdvisor, so I kept things simple. No more getting lost in too many options like on Expedia.
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I added a smart AI, because everyone's trip is different and I wanted the app to give you just what you need. This flow means uses can spend less time planning and more time traveling. That's what EasyTrip+ is all about – smooth sailing from your couch to next adventure.
Sketches Click to see full sketches
Began the design with sketches to quickly explore ideas and layout possibilities for the app’s interface after user flow created.
Digital Wireframes Click to see full wireframes
Translated sketches into digital wireframes/ Mid fidelity , setting the foundation for the app’s structure and user interaction points.
Login Process
Apps Features
New trip feature- Ai Assist
Common Features
Digital Prototype Click to see full wireframes!
Bringing the wireframes to life and enabling user testing and feedback gathering!
Testing and Iterating​
User Testing Plan & Notes
Objective​
1. Do users understand the purpose of Easytrip+ through the splash page?​
2. Did users find this app easy to get started with and have all the features needed?​
3. Can users have a budget option in any planning page, also access AI assistance at any time?​
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Tasks​
1. Login to user account, understanding of Easytrip+ purpose​
2. Get to homepage and MyTrip+ page with all the details​
3. Availability of Ai assistance, ask the Ai assistant for recommendations, tips, anything related to trips or app​
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Feedbacks​
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- Users demonstrated a clear understanding of the purpose of the Easytrip+ app.​
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- Users found the Easytrip+ app to be user-friendly, enabling them to get started easily and navigate through the app with confidence.​
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- One of the user provided valuable feedback suggesting that the Easytrip+ app should include a real-time navigation map, even as a trip planning app.
User Testing Notes​
Analyze the Guerrilla User Testing Results
I discovered that everyone preferred an app that is simple and user-friendly because it is easier to get started with. Easytrip+ is a travel app that is designed to be simple and easy to use, ensuring users can navigate through it effortlessly without any confusion. Many features of Easytrip+ are helpful and practical. But One of the user provided valuable feedback suggesting that the Easytrip+ app should include a real-time navigation map, even focused as a trip planning app.
Final Thoughts / Conclusion​
What have I learned?​
Building the EasyTrip+ app taught me a lot. Users want apps that are easy to use and meet their needs. I used their feedback to make the app better, but it wasn't always straightforward. Sometimes, when I thought the app was nearly perfect, new user tests or presentations would reveal more ways to improve. It showed me that app design is never really finished; there's always room to make things better.
What will I be focused on?​
I believe it would be beneficial to conduct a more in-depth analysis of competing apps and gather feedbacks from users to gain a better understanding of their preferences. Feedback allowed me to make improvements and ensure the app meets the needs of a wider audience.
What can be improved?​
Involving a larger number of users in the testing process can provide valuable insights and uncover new areas for improvement. Each testing phase is an opportunity to identify ways to enhance the app further.​
Conclusion
EasyTrip+ is more than an app; it's a journey in understanding and solving real-world problems through design. Every phase of development brought new insights, setting the stage for future innovations in the travel app space.
Thank you for taking the time to explore this project.
Your interest and feedback are greatly appreciated.