PROMPT : We've all heard that adding more guests to a room scheduling is difficult and choosing the right accommodation for them. LodgeLink, like any other platform, has struggled to engage and motivate users to add guests, swap guests and re-assign guests. The prompt given was to - build a mobile application for similar to a LodgeLink web app which must provide an experience that is far simpler and quicker compared to the web application. The important goal was to build an MVP(Minimum Viable Product) and get it introduced to the users. Now as we acquire users at this stage, it is important for the team to track their behaviour and usability preferences to further enhance and develop the product to the next level. I had more freedom to design and but at the same time we thoughtfully reduced few key aspects of the web application to keep it simple and clean. In order to achieve this, I made sure I gave extra attention to visual design to make the application look good, which will make it easier to market it as well.
ROLE : PRODUCT DESIGNER
TIMELINE : 3 MONTHS
TEAM : Product Manager, Team of two mobile engineers & and Team of Two designers
PROCESS: UX Research, Information Architecture, User journey Diagrams, Prototyping, User Testing, Product Strategy, Visual Design
WHY A MOBILE APPLICATION
Most Users
85% Org users used the web application for booking accommodation of their workforce travel.
User Acquisition
User acquisition or retention is better on mobile apps due to their convenience, accessibility, and ability to leverage push notifications for engagement.
Business Opportunity
Improving business opportunities through higher customer reach, retention, and potential growth.
Convenience
An app can provide unparalleled convenience with anytime, anywhere access, streamlined data input, and on-the-go submission, simplifying the process and empowering users to manage their bookings efficiently.
WHO IS THE USER As a product designer, prioritizing and deprioritizing features is crucial when building a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Here, I went ahead with planning the product to only support the simple user journey of adding guests and booking a reservation for them. That makes the user very clear - Org Admins
PRIORITIZE & DE-PRIORITIZE
The MVP is about delivering the core value of the product to the users quickly and efficiently. By prioritizing features, I ensured that essential functionalities were implemented first, allowing for early user feedback and validation. This approach helps to identify and address user needs and pain points early on. Deprioritizing less critical features allows for faster development cycles, reduces complexity, and helps keep the MVP focused on its core purpose.
USER JOURNEY DIAGRAM :
Once everything was planned out and approved, I went ahead with the information architecture of the application. It was extremely challenging to make sense out of everything from the scope and then narrow down, to build a task flow. After several iterations and failures, I did come up with the Critical User Journey(CUJ) and the overall structure of the app.
FINAL SHIPPED DESIGN :
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.