Ridin' Solo

How might we help solo travelers overcome various concerns when traveling?

UX Designer | 2020

Achievements

Product Thinking

UX Treatment

Achievements

This was my first experience using a Product Design Thinking framework, which helped me answer fundamental questions and create a product tailored to the right audience.

A web application that helps solo-travelers plan their next adventure, giving them the ability to choose a destination, discover activities, and connect with others.

Product Thinking

Traveling alone can be an amazing adventure, but it can also present challenges and uncertainties.

Here's a quick video demonstrating how I apply a Product Thinking Framework to a problem I'm passionate about.

I was inspired to use this process after reading “Solving Product Design Exercises” by Artiom Dashinsky.

Why am I building this product?

  • According to GDS data, 18% of all global bookings were solo travelers. This number continues to spike and there has been a 7% increase in the last 12 months!
  • Solo-Traveling is trending amongst the world! #solotravel is associated with 6.4 million posts on Instagram in 2021.

What are the biggest hurdles for solo-travel?

According to Klook’s Solo Travel Global Survey, which gathered close to 21,000 respondents across 16 markets, there are multiple reasons why people choose not travel solo.

  • 49% of respondents are afraid of being lonely
  • 48% worry about safety
  • 30% are concerned about booking alone
  • 27% find it too costly

Who am I building this for?

Based on Klook’s 2020 Global Travel Survey, which gathered close to 21,000 responses, Gen-Z (80%) and Millennials (79%) said they have already traveled alone or would be keen to plan a trip. These are the groups I will focus on.

When and where will this product be used?

My product will be with the customer before and during their travels. Primarily before they travel because we will need to assist them with their plans and resolve their concerns.

What am I building?

Build a responsive web application, which can help users access their product from various devices.

UX Treatment

After addressing the big questions, I created user journeys that are critical to the product's success.

Task Flows

After defining the core tasks a user will take when using the product, I was able to organize the tasks into flows. I decided to break the app into 3 parts.

Sketching

After getting a good sense of what the app will include, it was time to start sketching the interfaces for all the routes users would take.

Wireflows

After sketching out the interfaces for each user flow, it was time to start wireframing in Figma. To me, wireframing is a great opportunity to start establishing the UI based on visual design principles.

Outcomes

When moving into Hi-Fidelity, the biggest focuses are: consistency, minimalism, and clarity. I decided to use a sea-green as a primary color because it would complement some of the images being used on various sections.

Creating a trip

Planning a trip solo is one of the biggest challenges a traveler will face. It's important that we keep this step as simple as possible.

Adding activities to the trip

The user will have the ability to add activities and other important details to their trip. This task can boost a solo-traveler's confidence knowing they’re doing things that are safe and recommended by other fellow solo-travelers.

Connecting with other solo-travelers

The user will have the opportunity to connect with other solo-travelers who are currently in-town or have previously visited the destination.

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