Project Description
In this group project, two students from the Computer Science and Business program and I worked together to redesign a web application into a user-friendly mobile app for an existing website called Budget Your Trip. This website was created to help budget-conscious travelers plan, prepare financially, and track expenses during their trips.
In this group project, two students from the Computer Science and Business program and I worked together to redesign a web application into a user-friendly mobile app for an existing website called Budget Your Trip. This website was created to help budget-conscious travelers plan, prepare financially, and track expenses during their trips.
Project Category Role
UX/UI Primary Designer
Tools Duration
Figma, Illustrator 3 Months
Project Rationale
The new Budget Your Trip app transforms the website's concept of providing information, guidance, and general budgeting tools into a more user-focused experience. By considering different needs, budgets, and options, travelers can customize their use of the app. The app turns an inaccessible and inconvenient website/desktop interface into a practical, on-the-go tool for money-conscious travelers. Adjust your recommendations, whether it's setting a price budget or splitting costs with friends. We’ve even gamified your travel experience—because traveling should be fun! Now, users have an organized and personalized way to track their trip budget.
Project Process
We started by reviewing the current site and creating site maps that reassessed the flow for the new product. We also conducted thorough research, including analyzing competitors, conducting interviews, hosting interactive focus groups, and performing product testing. By understanding how people budget for their trips, the factors they consider, and what motivates them to travel and budget, we were able to identify the most useful features for the application design. Through experimentation with wireframes, prototyping, and branding, the app is divided into three streams: Explore, Planning, and Budgeting tools.
Product Features
The Explore tool offers options for every user, whether they have a destination in mind or prefer using filters and quizzes for suggestions. This tool provides tailored recommendations based on individual preferences.Users can log countries they've visited to receive new suggestions, have a random selection or search specifically. Each search result provides detailed information about the country, including categorized costs for transportation, food, accommodation, and more. It also informs travellers about visa requirements, country regulations, and essential information. Users can research destinations before committing to a trip and estimate expenses based on trip duration and budget range.
The Budgeting tool guides users through a step-by-step process, covering all logistics of their trip to ensure thorough planning and personalization. With visual cues and indicators, users can easily plan expense categories, set individual budgets for each category, and even split costs with others if desired.
The Tracking tool allows users to monitor their budget as they go, either by linking their account to their bank or using the manual entry option. At the end of the trip, the app offers a breakdown of expenses and features a badge system to keep users motivated and engaged with their budgeting goals.
BEFORE
AFTER
Key Takeaways & Results
Research & Practicality: We found that a mobile app for tracking travel budgets was more practical than a web application, which could only offer blogs and general information in chunks. Our new app provided a curated experience for the users journey from the beginning to end of budgeting their trip.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Working with a diverse team aligned our vision with business goals, functionality, and design, ensuring a cohesive final product. Exploring the possibility of connecting tours, activities and accommodation businesses through the app would be something to consider to improve the users planning experience.
User-Centered Design: By focusing on understanding user goals, solving problems, and offering personalization options we could substantially improve the product’s design and create a uniquely tailored app for each user.
Future Improvements: In the future I would elaborate on a consistent interface and continue enhancing personalization features. I would also like to explore the share-ability of a product like this, and design for specific needs, such as pet care, disability accommodations, and more.
See the full presentation below!