Traveling in the moment
TIMELINE
6 weeks
TEAM
Jessica Lai
Gretchen Kumpfershmidt
Anthony Pan
TOOLS
Figma
HTML/CSS
ROLE
UI Prototyping
User Testing
Inspired by the term “quaquaversal,” meaning moving or happening in every direction instantaneously, Qua is a travel planning web application for young adults meant to promote spontaneity. My team and I researched, designed, tested and prototyped a web application that generates activity suggestions based on users’ momentary feelings, allows them to visualize just enough structure in their trips to feel comfortable traveling in the moment, and much more!
PROBLEM SPACE
Trip planning can be a stressful and arduous process, and even with the most experienced in planners, unforeseen circumstances may still arise. As risk-taking and spontaneity are a natural part of the travel process that may even lead to more exciting, organic experiences we asked the questions…
How can we help young adults reduce the pressure of going through excessive planning for trips?
How can we help young adults be prepared for unexpected circumstances during travel?
How can we help young adults live in the moment when traveling?
FINAL SOLUTION
FINAL UI TOOLKIT
LIVE HOME PAGE VIDEO
link to live home page
FULL PROTOTYPE WALKTHROUGH VIDEO
Get activity suggestions using an algorithm that can generate suggestions based on your current emotions and interests…
View a flexible framework and modular schedule to organize your trip…
FINAL USER FLOW
Collaborate with your friends to plan your newest adventure…
KEY FEATURES
Track your trip information and be prepared for the unexpected…
USER RESEARCH
We first collected data using surveys, and individual interviews that aimed to give insight into people’s current travel habits and preferences, and concerns around spontaneity.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
To analyze and synthesize this data we used methods like affinity diagramming, empathy maps, and direct storytelling.
PROTOTYPING & TESTING
We started by collectively drawing out our ideas to create a general concept based on time, task, and location within a calendar framework.
We then began to define the possible key features/functions of the app through simple wireframes and storyboards that put these wireframes into a scenario for context. Using our wireframes and storyboards, we tested these features using speed-dating, and contextual inquiry exercises.
Using the insight gained from these tests, we completed our final user flow and wireframes.
We then began then applied our UI pattern library to the wireframes, and made our prototype interactive.
GOALS
avoid over planning
experience their travel in the moment
return with unique stories and experiences
TARGET AUDIENCE
Through our research we found that the problem space was related to the idea of young adults finding balance between comfort and stepping out of their comfort zone to learn in an unfamiliar environment. Our target audience is young adults who are open to the idea of adding spontaneity into their travels in a playful manner.
ELEMENTS OF CONSIDERATION
Scale — general to specific location
Time — efficiency and cost of time
Safety — sense of security
VISUAL IDENTITY
CONCEPT
We took a colorful twist on type and forms inspired travel items like luggage tags, ticket receipts, passport stamps, etc. to create a an energetic, playful visual identity system.
UI IMPLEMENTATION OF BRAND
While the brand was a more colorful and playful, we needed to make sure the tool itself wasn’t too overpowering in personality. We did not want to distract from its functionality. Maintaining the same color palette, the UI aims for a more minimal and clean work space with a touch of color used for organization purposes.
