Connect - The best way to get away
A UX Case Study
Connect is an app that aims at developing a community of solo travelers and backpackers. Travelers can connect with other travelers around the world and in the destination they are traveling to. Travelers can share their experiences via photos, videos, articles / blogs, etc. Also, travelers can connect with locals from the destination they are traveling to.
Ideation
What does it do?
It allows solo travelers to connect with each other
It allows travelers to connect to locals and communicate with them directly
It allows travelers to share their experiences via posts
It suggests places to visit and things to do based on the users trip i.e. customization
Create lists or collections of things they want to do, places they want to visit, etc
How does it work?
Connect with locals from your destination and plan trips with their advice
Find travelers around your location during the dates of your trip
Discover things to do, etc
Why would someone use it?
Usually people who travel solo feel lonely and are worried about things like safety and transportation. They usually end up taking help from locals.
The app allows them to connect with verified locals beforehand. They can plan and organize their trips with their help. The locals can advise them and help them explore the coolest places. Also, since they already know someone, they develop some sense of security.
The app also creates a social network of travelers who can find and connect with each other.
To summarize, user will use the app :
To plan trips
To get help with moving around and exploring
To meet new people
User Research & Survey Results
I conducted a survey of relevant users, their major concerns include safety, transportation and loneliness during the trip. They usually take trips to explore themselves, new cultures, meet new people, etc.
The survey included a comprehensive set of questions requiring both qualitative and quantitative data. The aim of the survey was to understand the users frustrations and goals.
What are the major problems you face as a solo traveler/backpacker?
What are your goals while traveling?
User Personas
Competitor Research
I divide my research into 5 parts.
Apps that do the exact same thing
Travello - Social app for travelers to meet. Allows them to discover and book experiences from the app.
CoolCousin - An app that lets you find a local buddy to help you with city guides and advice.
Apps that do similar things
Eatwith - An app that allows you to explore culinary experiences with locals.
Tourlina - An app for females to find a travel companion
Content adjacent apps
Insider.in - An app that allows you to discover and book movies, experiences, events, classes, etc in your area
Apps with similar models - Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest
Planning and Mapping
First, I created an interaction map that describes the steps that users will have to take to accomplish tasks. After the interactions were final, I made a a sitemap. The site map defines which functions will take place on which screens. It also roughly outlines the content that will be placed on each screen.
By doing this, I get an idea of how my content will be structured and what information needs to be placed where in the application.
Interaction Map
Sitemap
Conceptualization
Once the interactions were in place and I had a skeleton for the content, I started creating the information architecture and low-fi wireframes for primary use cases.
The primary use cases include
Login / SignUp
Add a post
Search for people & explore collections by locals
Chats
Splash page, Login and SignUp
Add a post
Search screen and results
Traveler Profile
Local Profile
Chat Screens
UI Design
Next, I selected a color palette and created a logo.
Next Steps
Next, I will go ahead and develop hi-fi mockups and an interactive prototype.
