Locally
Traveling should be easy going and enjoyable. But sometimes it's stressful, overpriced, generic and lacking hospitality. Locally makes traveling more personal.
Locally is platform that connects travelers with local residents of the area to create new experiences together. Vacation should be easy going and enjoyable. It can be stressful planning activities to do on your vacation, when the destination is unfamiliar.
User Interviews
I conducted a survey and asked individuals who travel frequently and I asked them the following questions:
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What type of traveler are you?
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How do you chose what to do in a new place?
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When a friend visits, do you part take in their trip?
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How do you feel about tour guides?
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What do you difficulties when traveling to a new area?
Some responds that stand out:
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"I go to the usual tourist spots, unless a friend or family recommends me to go somewhere they personally know."
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"Exploring a new area is more comforting, fun and personal when you know someone from the area showing you around.
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"I like playing tour guide when my friends come to visit, I find joy showing people around my neighborhood."
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"I have done a tour from one of those big companies and I feel like it's a bit generic and lacks personality."
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"Locals knows the best spots and how to get around obviously, since they're from the area
Goal
To design a dual interface app, to serve those who travel to a new place and for those who enjoy sharing new experiences with newcomers.
User Types
Locals // who love what they do and want to share new experiences with people visiting the area. Locally connects locals and travelers who are curious about the area and what it had to offer.
Travelers // who want to experience new places from a local perspective with the ease and convenience of a tour guide. Locally connects travelers and local residences who want to share their neighborhood with others.
User Flow
Wireframes
Final Product
Connects People
Together the platform connects people who want new experiences in new areas and people who want to share their love and interest in their area
Endless Possibilities
There is a large variety of personal tours, anywhere from adventurous hike to a pottery class. And there's the opportunity to create your own tours and share your favorite parts of their neighborhood.
Clear Communication
Essential information is always initially provided and further information could be exchanged, which ensures a smooth experience
Insights & Takeaways
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After prototyping and conducting user testing, I learned that in this application people would like the option to be both user types and have the ability to switch and manage the two accounts.
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In addition, feedback I got back was about keeping certain elements consistent throughout the app. Such as there should only be one profile picture size and have less variation as well as keeping the home page from the traveler's perspective the same, before and after using the filter feature.
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From this personal project, I learned that attention to detail is crucial to create direct and short flows for certain actions to be done quickly and smoothly.