Travelzy

Project idea:

A marketplace for tourists and guides. Guides provide excursions, tourists buy excursions.

Results:

Created MVP app, which according to user testing solves their pain points. Created the website for the crowdfunding campaign, which started to raise money.

Competitors research

Сompetitors offer excursions and mostly they are not at all authentic. For example, it’s just resale of tickets from travel agencies, a sale of entrance tickets to parks, museums, attractions. Somewhere this is a private excursion only: a tourist and a guide, but often this is the resale of tickets for boring tours of top tourist locations.

Market Validation

We found researches, that most tourists do not plan in advance what to do on the spot, they buy airline tickets, book hotel, but procrastinate entertainment.

Since the content is one of the most important in this application, it should be authentic and interesting. Therefore, we have implemented scheme recommendations of the excursions and on the basis of this have come up with a business model.

Creating the goal

We started with an optimistic one: everyone expressed the global goal of our project. Goal: To generate a new niche through which will pass 1% of all journeys in the world.

Map

Point of focus: Search and order activities for travelers.I drew the map, we thought through the full interaction of the product, starting from the moment when the user finds out about the project, and how the user can achieve the goal within the product. Vertically, I placed predefined stages “Discovery, learning, using, the goal”. It really helped because it was difficult to start from scratch. Horizontal I placed roles that we have in the project: tourist, guide, moderator, blogger. Our roles in the product corresponded to our business model with the changes that emerged during the discussion. We added a moderator of content and support.

HMW & Expert interviews

We also tried to look at the project from a different angle and take into account the negative consequences in order to avoid them. We posed uncomfortable questions: What can go wrong? Where is our weak point? We invited all members of our team and people who are experts in their field to give their opinion. During the discussion and the expert interviews, more and more new questions appeared, which I, as a moderator, wrote down on post-it notes. We recorded all potential problems with the product in the HMW format. I adore this method, thanks to the formulation, potential problems can look not intimidating, but like a task that can be solved.

Sketches

Four-step sketch. We tried to generate as many ideas as possible. I like Individual work in design sprints, each works separately. individual work gives everyone the opportunity to express their opinions. Unlike Brainstorm, where a couple of people usually speak, the rest are silent. The most interesting exercise is crazy 8, wherein 8 minutes you need to come up with 8 variations for the best idea. Under conditions of forced stress, due to time constraints, the brain begins to work differently and unexpected interesting solutions arise from the subconscious. At the end of the day, we received from each of the participants one solution sketch of the app with additional comments on how it should work.

UI ∕ UX Design

UI ∕ UX design focuses on creating user−friendly and visually appealing digital experiences. The user interface designer plays a crucial role in crafting user−friendly and visually appealing digital experiences by designing the visual layout, interaction elements, and aesthetics, while also ensuring the entire user journey is seamless, accessible, and satisfying. User experience design encompasses the entire user journey, ensuring usability, accessibility, and satisfaction. Through effective UI ∕ UX design, businesses can create intuitive interfaces, seamless interactions, and memorable experiences that delight users and drive business success

The onboarding flow for the travel marketplace application, catering to both tourists and guides, is meticulously designed to ensure user engagement and address key aspects of user psychology:

1. Personalization and Relevance: The onboarding flow tailors the experience to the specific needs and preferences of each user segment—tourists and guides. By asking targeted questions or providing options for customization, the app ensures that users feel understood and valued from the outset, increasing their likelihood of continued engagement.
2. Clarity and Guidance: Recognizing that navigating a new platform can be daunting, especially in the context of travel planning, the onboarding flow offers clear guidance and instructions at each step. This reduces uncertainty and anxiety, making users more comfortable exploring the app and utilizing its features effectively.
3. Building Trust and Credibility: Trust is paramount in the travel industry, particularly when it comes to booking excursions or accommodations. The onboarding flow emphasizes transparency, reliability, and security measures to instill confidence in users. This includes showcasing user reviews, certifications for guides, and secure payment options, fostering trust and encouraging users to engage with the platform.

The "creating an account" flow for the travel marketplace application, serving both tourists and guides, is strategically designed to maintain user engagement and address key aspects of user psychology:

1. Seamless Registration Process: The account creation flow is streamlined and user-friendly, minimizing friction and reducing barriers to entry. By making the registration process quick and effortless, users are more likely to complete the signup process and remain engaged with the platform.
2. Value Proposition Communication: During the account creation flow, the app effectively communicates its value proposition to users. It highlights the benefits of joining the platform, such as access to a wide range of excursions, personalized travel planning tools, or opportunities to earn income as a guide. By showcasing the value users can expect to receive, the app captures their interest and encourages them to proceed with creating an account.
3. Personalization and Customization: The account creation flow allows users to personalize their profiles based on their preferences and interests. Tourists can specify their travel preferences, while guides can showcase their expertise and offerings. This customization creates a sense of ownership and investment in the platform, increasing user engagement and retention.

The "search for hotel" flow in the travel marketplace application, catering to tourists and guides, is strategically designed to maintain user engagement and cater to key aspects of user psychology in the following ways:

• Personalization and Relevance: The search flow offers personalized recommendations based on users' preferences, such as location, budget, amenities, and travel dates. By tailoring search results to individual preferences, users feel understood and valued, increasing their likelihood of engagement with the platform.
• Visual Appeal and Ease of Use: The search interface is designed to be visually appealing and intuitive, making it easy for users to navigate and explore hotel options. High-quality images, detailed descriptions, and user-friendly filters enhance the user experience, keeping users engaged and encouraging them to continue browsing.
• Transparency and Trust: The search flow prioritizes transparency by providing clear information about hotel rates, availability, and booking terms. Users are informed about any additional fees or restrictions upfront, fostering trust and confidence in the platform. Trust is essential for user engagement and retention in the competitive travel industry.
• Social Proof and Reviews: User reviews and ratings play a crucial role in the search flow, providing social proof and helping users make informed decisions. By showcasing feedback from previous guests, the app helps users assess the quality and reputation of hotels, increasing their confidence in booking through the platform and maintaining their engagement.