Perry
Perry
Perry
Personalising and enriching the solo travel experience.
Personalising and enriching the solo travel experience.
Personalising and enriching the solo travel experience.
Timeline:
Aug 2024 - Oct 2024
Timeline:
Aug 2024 - Oct 2024
Timeline:
Aug 2024 - Oct 2024
Role:
UXUI Designer
Role:
UXUI Designer
Role:
UXUI Designer
Tools:
Figma, Adobe Illustrator
Tools:
Figma, Adobe Illustrator
Tools:
Figma, Adobe Illustrator
Introduction
Introduction
Introduction
In 2023, I spent the best 2 weeks exploring Japan's Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. It felt like a dream!
While unforgettable memories were made, there was some disappointment when trending spots did not live up to Instagram's hype, homesickness and deviations from my itinerary due to unexpected fatigue and sickness.
Returning home, I wondered: how can I make future solo travel even more fulfilling?
In 2023, I spent the best 2 weeks exploring Japan's Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. It felt like a dream!
While unforgettable memories were made, there was some disappointment when trending spots did not live up to Instagram's hype, homesickness and deviations from my itinerary due to unexpected fatigue and sickness.
Returning home, I wondered: how can I make future solo travel even more fulfilling?
In 2023, I spent the best 2 weeks exploring Japan's Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. It felt like a dream!
While unforgettable memories were made, there was some disappointment when trending spots did not live up to Instagram's hype, homesickness and deviations from my itinerary due to unexpected fatigue and sickness.
Returning home, I wondered: how can I make future solo travel even more fulfilling?
Overview
Overview
Overview
Problem
Problem
Problem
The solo travel community needs a platform that improves the travel process, by preventing misinformation, echo chambers and filter bubbles in solo travel information and improving the trip-planning process.
The solo travel community needs a platform that improves the travel process, by preventing misinformation, echo chambers and filter bubbles in solo travel information and improving the trip-planning process.
The solo travel community needs a platform that improves the travel process, by preventing misinformation, echo chambers and filter bubbles in solo travel information and improving the trip-planning process.
Solution
Solution
Solution
Perry is a mobile application (app) that combats these issues in the solo-travelling community and creates a sense of companionship between the user and the app's Arctic Tern bird mascot of the same name.
Perry is a mobile application (app) that combats these issues in the solo-travelling community and creates a sense of companionship between the user and the app's Arctic Tern bird mascot of the same name.
Perry is a mobile application (app) that combats these issues in the solo-travelling community and creates a sense of companionship between the user and the app's Arctic Tern bird mascot of the same name.
Audience
Audience
Audience
Solo travellers aged 18 to 28 who travel every 1 to 3 years.
Solo travellers aged 18 to 28 who travel every 1 to 3 years.
Solo travellers aged 18 to 28 who travel every 1 to 3 years.
Design Process
Design Process
Design Process
Learning From Fellow Solo Travellers
Learning From Fellow Solo Travellers
Learning From Fellow Solo Travellers
User Research
User Research
User Research
To deepen my understanding of the types of solo travellers and their preferences in the community, I interviewed 5 people that uncovered:
To deepen my understanding of the types of solo travellers and their preferences in the community, I interviewed 5 people that uncovered:
To deepen my understanding of the types of solo travellers and their preferences in the community, I interviewed 5 people that uncovered:
The typical mental model of planning and going on a trip
The typical mental model of planning and going on a trip
The typical mental model of planning and going on a trip
Sources of travel information used
Sources of travel information used
Sources of travel information used
Frustrations before, during and after their solo travels
Frustrations before, during and after their solo travels
Frustrations before, during and after their solo travels
Methods of preventing, experiencing and combating challenges
Methods of preventing, experiencing and combating challenges
Methods of preventing, experiencing and combating challenges
Ways to improve their future solo travel experiences
Ways to improve their future solo travel experiences
Ways to improve their future solo travel experiences
Key Insights From Solo Travellers
Key Insights From Solo Travellers
Key Insights From Solo Travellers
Need for an easier way to find local and less tourist-filled recommendations and region-specific information
Need for an easier trip planning process
Some travel decisions have been influenced by friends
A majority ask for advice from their family, even if they have no travel experience
Risk of misinformation exists
Travel behaviours are influenced by online echo chambers and filter bubbles to varying extents
Key Insights Persona-fied
Key Insights Persona-fied
Key Insights Persona-fied
Personas were created to represent the two types of solo travellers - new and experienced - and their needs, which I uncovered during the insights.
Personas were created to represent the two types of solo travellers - new and experienced - and their needs, which I uncovered during the insights.
Personas were created to represent the two types of solo travellers - new and experienced - and their needs, which I uncovered during the insights.
Samantha - New Solo Traveller
"After 12 years of studying, I want to try something new, such as solo-travelling!"
About Samantha
A high school graduate who is taking a gap year, and preparing for solo-travel due to social media.
Motivations
Find popular and mainstream attractions and itineraries
Book hotels and flights
Know region-specific information
George - Experienced Solo Traveller
"I've enjoyed every bit of solo-travelling - from immersing into local cultures to quick problem-solving."
About George
A corporate worker who enjoys local cultures and meeting fellow solo travellers.
Motivations
Find a curation of local attractions
Meet other solo travellers in the area
Avoid tourist traps and mainstream attractions promoted as must-visits
Understanding the Market
Understanding the Market
Understanding the Market
Competitor Research
Competitor Research
Competitor Research
My primary competitors include websites and apps mentioned by my participants and discovered through research, that had both travelling and solo-travelling information and features.
My primary competitors include websites and apps mentioned by my participants and discovered through research, that had both travelling and solo-travelling information and features.
My primary competitors include websites and apps mentioned by my participants and discovered through research, that had both travelling and solo-travelling information and features.
During my research, I realised that video games like Genshin Impact had an interesting concept of a solo traveller and their companion, which was a refreshing idea I could further explore in my design.
During my research, I realised that video games like Genshin Impact had an interesting concept of a solo traveller and their companion, which was a refreshing idea I could further explore in my design.
During my research, I realised that video games like Genshin Impact had an interesting concept of a solo traveller and their companion, which was a refreshing idea I could further explore in my design.
Competitor Analysis
Competitor Analysis
Competitor Analysis
The gaps among my primary competitors include:
The gaps among my primary competitors include:
The gaps among my primary competitors include:
Information and features are not specifically catered towards the solo travel community
Information and features are not specifically catered towards the solo travel community
Information and features are not specifically catered towards the solo travel community
Risk of misinformation, especially regarding subjective solo travel topics
Risk of misinformation, especially regarding subjective solo travel topics
Risk of misinformation, especially regarding subjective solo travel topics
Unappealing user interface and use of advertisements in the middle of the user experience
Unappealing user interface and use of advertisements in the middle of the user experience
Unappealing user interface and use of advertisements in the middle of the user experience
The ideas I may take from my research include:
The ideas I may take from my research include:
The ideas I may take from my research include:
Provide information about destinations and links to hotels, flights and activities
Provide information about destinations and links to hotels, flights and activities
Provide information about destinations and links to hotels, flights and activities
Customisation of itineraries
Customisation of itineraries
Customisation of itineraries
Find things to do near the user's location or by search
Find things to do near the user's location or by search
Find things to do near the user's location or by search
Facilitate a forum for discussions and questions
Facilitate a forum for discussions and questions
Facilitate a forum for discussions and questions
Personalise the app experience with the concept of a travel companion
Personalise the app experience with the concept of a travel companion
Personalise the app experience with the concept of a travel companion
Framing the Challenge
Framing the Challenge
Framing the Challenge
Problem Statements and Questions
Problem Statements and Questions
Problem Statements and Questions
I developed problem statements to understand the ideal experiences of my primary personas. This understanding helped clarify the focus on creating solutions that address the community issues of misinformation, echo chamber, filter bubbles and a tedious trip-planning process.
I developed problem statements to understand the ideal experiences of my primary personas. This understanding helped clarify the focus on creating solutions that address the community issues of misinformation, echo chamber, filter bubbles and a tedious trip-planning process.
I developed problem statements to understand the ideal experiences of my primary personas. This understanding helped clarify the focus on creating solutions that address the community issues of misinformation, echo chamber, filter bubbles and a tedious trip-planning process.
Samantha needs a moderated platform where she can find and ask for advice from other experienced travellers, so she can be prepared for her own trip.
Samantha needs a moderated platform where she can find and ask for advice from other experienced travellers, so she can be prepared for her own trip.
Samantha needs a moderated platform where she can find and ask for advice from other experienced travellers, so she can be prepared for her own trip.
So…How might we create a space that is safe and trusted for solo travellers?
So…How might we create a space that is safe and trusted for solo travellers?
So…How might we create a space that is safe and trusted for solo travellers?
So…How might we ensure information is unbiased and from a credible source?
So…How might we ensure information is unbiased and from a credible source?
So…How might we ensure information is unbiased and from a credible source?
George needs a local feed so he can find places that are not tailored specifically towards tourists, so he gets an authentic experience.
George needs a local feed so he can find places that are not tailored specifically towards tourists, so he gets an authentic experience.
George needs a local feed so he can find places that are not tailored specifically towards tourists, so he gets an authentic experience.
So…How might we improve the process of planning for a trip?
So…How might we improve the process of planning for a trip?
So…How might we improve the process of planning for a trip?
So…How might we measure and determine the authenticity of a place?
So…How might we measure and determine the authenticity of a place?
So…How might we measure and determine the authenticity of a place?
User Scenario and Storyboard
User Scenario and Storyboard
User Scenario and Storyboard
Problem: 3 days into the trip, Samantha gets sick. The medicine aisle has an overwhelming amount of products, all in Japanese.
The Ideal Solution: She receives an immediate answer for the most effective medicine other solo travellers have used before.
Problem: 3 days into the trip, Samantha gets sick. The medicine aisle has an overwhelming amount of products, all in Japanese.
The Ideal Solution: She receives an immediate answer for the most effective medicine other solo travellers have used before.
Problem: 3 days into the trip, Samantha gets sick. The medicine aisle has an overwhelming amount of products, all in Japanese.
The Ideal Solution: She receives an immediate answer for the most effective medicine other solo travellers have used before.
I created a user scenario and storyboard to illustrate one of Samantha’s ideal experiences, which contextualised how an ideal solution would enable her to access timely, effective help from experienced solo travelers.
I created a user scenario and storyboard to illustrate one of Samantha’s ideal experiences, which contextualised how an ideal solution would enable her to access timely, effective help from experienced solo travelers.
I created a user scenario and storyboard to illustrate one of Samantha’s ideal experiences, which contextualised how an ideal solution would enable her to access timely, effective help from experienced solo travelers.
Ideation
Ideation
Ideation
Wireframes
Wireframes
Wireframes
How might we create a space that is safe and trusted for solo travellers?
How might we ensure information is unbiased and from a credible source?
How might we create a space that is safe and trusted for solo travellers?
How might we ensure information is unbiased and from a credible source?
How might we create a space that is safe and trusted for solo travellers?
How might we ensure information is unbiased and from a credible source?
Ideas:
Ideas:
Ideas:
Facilitate a moderated forum, where questions are answered promptly, by travellers whose experiences are proven through in-app location-tracking.
Provide categories of tavel information and resources that redirects user to the respective links.
Facilitate a moderated forum, where questions are answered promptly, by travellers whose experiences are proven through in-app location-tracking.
Provide categories of tavel information and resources that redirects user to the respective links.
Facilitate a moderated forum, where questions are answered promptly, by travellers whose experiences are proven through in-app location-tracking.
Provide categories of tavel information and resources that redirects user to the respective links.
Validation Results:
Validation Results:
Validation Results:
Participants thought the interface for the forum was about other people's itineraries or a chat room with Perry. This resulted in major changes to the interface.
Participants thought the interface for the forum was about other people's itineraries or a chat room with Perry. This resulted in major changes to the interface.
Participants thought the interface for the forum was about other people's itineraries or a chat room with Perry. This resulted in major changes to the interface.
How might we improve the process of planning for a trip?
How might we improve the process of planning for a trip?
How might we improve the process of planning for a trip?
Idea:
Idea:
Idea:
Feature for planning the entire trip and on the day. Users can add locations saved in-app and on other platforms.
Feature for planning the entire trip and on the day. Users can add locations saved in-app and on other platforms.
Feature for planning the entire trip and on the day. Users can add locations saved in-app and on other platforms.
Validation Results:
Validation Results:
Validation Results:
Participants thought the next events were unclickable and some buttons were visually confusing, so I made changes.
Participants thought the next events were unclickable and some buttons were visually confusing, so I made changes.
Participants thought the next events were unclickable and some buttons were visually confusing, so I made changes.
How might we measure and determine the authenticity of a place?
How might we measure and determine the authenticity of a place?
How might we measure and determine the authenticity of a place?
Idea:
Idea:
Idea:
Real-time location-based map that shows navigation to nearby tourist-filled spots or hidden local places.
Real-time location-based map that shows navigation to nearby tourist-filled spots or hidden local places.
Real-time location-based map that shows navigation to nearby tourist-filled spots or hidden local places.
Validation Results:
Validation Results:
Validation Results:
Participants would like more space for the map and less for the recommendations, so I made adjustments.
Participants would like more space for the map and less for the recommendations, so I made adjustments.
Participants would like more space for the map and less for the recommendations, so I made adjustments.
Additional Validation Results
Additional Validation Results
Additional Validation Results
Participants thought Perry's face looked nervous and were not sure if he was 2D or 3D. This led to further refining his design.
One participant said they would highly likely use the app. Two participants said they would likely to use the app.
Participants thought Perry's face looked nervous and were not sure if he was 2D or 3D. This led to further refining his design.
One participant said they would highly likely use the app. Two participants said they would likely to use the app.
Participants thought Perry's face looked nervous and were not sure if he was 2D or 3D. This led to further refining his design.
One participant said they would highly likely use the app. Two participants said they would likely to use the app.
User Flow
User Flow
User Flow
I created a user flow with the features that will achieve the ideal experience for my personas.
I created a user flow with the features that will achieve the ideal experience for my personas.
I created a user flow with the features that will achieve the ideal experience for my personas.
Concept
Concept
Concept
Inspired by the real-life concept of a travel companion and tour guide, Perry offers both real-time companionship and guiding experience.
By tracking location, Perry moves when the user moves and stops when the user stops, with life-like animations.
Whether it is before, during or after, Perry offers support throughout:
Itinerary plans
Information and advice
Nearby tourist and local recommendations
Stay safe
Customisation
Perry offers real-time companionship, learning and guiding experience
Inspired by the real-life concept of a travel companion and tour guide, Perry offers both real-time companionship and guiding experience.
By tracking location, Perry moves when the user moves and stops when the user stops, with life-like animations.
Whether it is before, during or after, Perry offers support throughout:
Itinerary plans
Information and advice
Nearby tourist and local recommendations
Stay safe
Customisation
Perry offers real-time companionship, learning and guiding experience
Inspired by the real-life concept of a travel companion and tour guide, Perry offers both real-time companionship and guiding experience.
By tracking location, Perry moves when the user moves and stops when the user stops, with life-like animations.
Whether it is before, during or after, Perry offers support throughout:
Itinerary plans
Information and advice
Nearby tourist and local recommendations
Stay safe
Customisation
Perry offers real-time companionship, learning and guiding experience
How might we improve the process of planning for a trip?
How might we improve the process of planning for a trip?
How might we improve the process of planning for a trip?
Before embarking on the trip, users can add events to their itinerary from in-app and cross-platform. This increases the efficiency of planning for a trip.
Before embarking on the trip, users can add events to their itinerary from in-app and cross-platform. This increases the efficiency of planning for a trip.
Before embarking on the trip, users can add events to their itinerary from in-app and cross-platform. This increases the efficiency of planning for a trip.
During the trip, users can view their plans for the day at a glance. They can edit their plans if they change their mind or edit their entire itinerary.
During the trip, users can view their plans for the day at a glance. They can edit their plans if they change their mind or edit their entire itinerary.
During the trip, users can view their plans for the day at a glance. They can edit their plans if they change their mind or edit their entire itinerary.
How might we ensure information is unbiased and from a credible source?
How might we ensure information is unbiased and from a credible source?
How might we ensure information is unbiased and from a credible source?
The app provides a moderated forum where all answers to user questions and travel information are clear and concise, referenced and can be redirected to the source.
The app provides a moderated forum where all answers to user questions and travel information are clear and concise, referenced and can be redirected to the source.
The app provides a moderated forum where all answers to user questions and travel information are clear and concise, referenced and can be redirected to the source.
How might we create a space that is safe and trusted for solo travellers?
How might we create a space that is safe and trusted for solo travellers?
How might we create a space that is safe and trusted for solo travellers?
The facilitated forum is full of legitimate solo travellers with experience proven by travelling with the app’s location services turned on. Their privacy is protected throughout the use of the app.
The facilitated forum is full of legitimate solo travellers with experience proven by travelling with the app’s location services turned on. Their privacy is protected throughout the use of the app.
The facilitated forum is full of legitimate solo travellers with experience proven by travelling with the app’s location services turned on. Their privacy is protected throughout the use of the app.
How might we measure and determine the authenticity of a place?
How might we measure and determine the authenticity of a place?
How might we measure and determine the authenticity of a place?
Both tourist spot and hidden gem options are offered in the map feature, to cater to both types of solo travellers.
Both tourist spot and hidden gem options are offered in the map feature, to cater to both types of solo travellers.
Both tourist spot and hidden gem options are offered in the map feature, to cater to both types of solo travellers.
Prototype
Prototype
Prototype
Reflection
Reflection
Reflection
Over 3 months, I had the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge about the solo-travelling community. It was interesting to hear first-hand about the diverse types of solo travellers - their preferences, frustrations and travel approaches, which informed my user research. I was able to focus on designing a solution that aims to foster meaningful interactions within the community.
Next time, I would improve my design process to spend more time on making iterations. Moving forward, the next steps would be to conduct further design testings and iterations and additional research on long-term user engagement, so that I can improve the app further.
Over 3 months, I had the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge about the solo-travelling community. It was interesting to hear first-hand about the diverse types of solo travellers - their preferences, frustrations and travel approaches, which informed my user research. I was able to focus on designing a solution that aims to foster meaningful interactions within the community.
Next time, I would improve my design process to spend more time on making iterations. Moving forward, the next steps would be to conduct further design testings and iterations and additional research on long-term user engagement, so that I can improve the app further.
Over 3 months, I had the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge about the solo-travelling community. It was interesting to hear first-hand about the diverse types of solo travellers - their preferences, frustrations and travel approaches, which informed my user research. I was able to focus on designing a solution that aims to foster meaningful interactions within the community.
Next time, I would improve my design process to spend more time on making iterations. Moving forward, the next steps would be to conduct further design testings and iterations and additional research on long-term user engagement, so that I can improve the app further.
Style Guide
Style Guide
Style Guide
Primary Colours
Primary Colours
Primary Colours
96D3FF
359CE7
005C9E
FFF6C7
FFF6C7
FFF6C7
FEFEFD
FEFEFD
FEFEFD
Saturated gradients of blue, yellow and white, to refer to how the Arctic Tern bird, Perry flies and travels through the sky.
Saturated gradients of blue, yellow and white, to refer to how the Arctic Tern bird, Perry flies and travels through the sky.
Saturated gradients of blue, yellow and white, to refer to how the Arctic Tern bird, Perry flies and travels through the sky.
FFCCCC
EBC9FF
AFFFBC
AFFFBC
AFFFBC
FF2F2F
FF2F2F
FF2F2F
FFCCCC
EBC9FF
AFFFBC
FF2F2F
Secondary Colours
Secondary Colours
Secondary Colours
Pink, purple and green are used as tags to classify items, and red is used for stopping navigation.
Pink, purple and green are used as tags to classify items, and red is used for stopping navigation.
Pink, purple and green are used as tags to classify items, and red is used for stopping navigation.
96D3FF
359CE7
005C9E
FFF6C7
FEFEFD
Typography
Typography
Typography
The font Lilita One has a whimsical style with its curved ears, used for the headings. It is complemented by the Magra font's curved stems, which is used for the subheadings, body and buttons.
The font Lilita One has a whimsical style with its curved ears, used for the headings. It is complemented by the Magra font's curved stems, which is used for the subheadings, body and buttons.
The font Lilita One has a whimsical style with its curved ears, used for the headings. It is complemented by the Magra font's curved stems, which is used for the subheadings, body and buttons.
Illustrations
Illustrations
Illustrations
