Overview
I was tasked to design an interface for an app that served users in a particular industry. I designed a Travel Itinerary Management app called “Viaja”.
Viaja helps eager study abroad and foreign exchange students acclimate to their new international environment while pursuing their education. Students can connect with fellow traveling students, form social networks with others, and plan weekend trips and excursions to explore the culture of their host country.
Role
Product Designer
User Research, Interaction, Visual design, Prototyping & Testing
Timeline
January 2024 (1 month)
The Process
Research
User Persona
I was inspired to create Viaja by my recent study abroad experience in Cyprus. Adapting to a new country 6,000 miles (~9,656 kilometers) away from home was a significant adjustment, especially as an American. I had an eye-opening experience, however, I was not as prepared as I anticipated for the exchange. I struggled socially to understand the culture and network of students, convert currency, and plan efficiently for excursions. Also, I wrestled with the swings of homesickness, especially with the 7-hour time difference. In hindsight, I wished I had a tool that helped me connect easily with others from back home and keep track of my daily insights while learning about the country and traveling efficiently.
Creating this user persona helped me to understand how other study abroad students feel when traveling outside the country for the semester. I also researched statistics on foreign exchange student behaviors.
The Design
User Flow
Creating a user flow helped me in the development of Viaja and decide on the main features: A home screen with helpful articles, a Travel Itinerary, Messages, a Budget, and Travel Log. These features were designed to target the main challenges of study abroad students: cultural adjustment, homesickness, financial planning, and time management. Students are also able to book excursions, create travel groups, and view helpful articles written by psychologist experts in the app.
I referenced different designs from travel app concepts on Dribbble.com, the Journal App, and Wanderlog. The name of the app, “Viaja” is the Spanish term for “travel”. The name has a catchy and enticing tone that can bring about excitement.
Low Fidelity Designs
I designed the main features of Viaja in a low fidelity wireframe so that I could create a layout for the high fidelity frames.
The Final Prototype