WanderGram
Curating travel for social media increases traffic for hospitality
Problem
Application
Role
Duration
Tools
Creating a solution for people to find photo-ops while traveling
Mobile
Lead Designer
1 week
Procreate, Figma, Google Suite, Zoom
WanderGram is a photo editing app that enhances user's photos before sharing on social media. This case study examines how WanderGram is assisting users in finding new photo locations and connecting with a community of photographers. With a focus on user engagement and innovative features, WanderGram aims to provide a valuable experience for its users.
Introducing WanderGram
To understand the needs and preferences of our target users, we analyzed data provided by WanderGram and identified two user personas: Nick and Sarah. Nick wants an easy way to find nearby photo-ops, while Sarah is willing to do some research but struggles to find reliable information about lesser-known locations. This understanding of their needs and challenges helped guide our development of solutions for WanderGram.
Nick and Sarah showcasing who is the ideal user
Understanding the Problem
Creating a Plan
To determine the most important features for Nick and Sarah, I created an affinity map and listed their desired features as well as those offered by competing and inspiring apps. This helped me understand what elements were essential for WanderGram and how the app should look and feel. I also considered potential color palettes to complement the app's theme.
Affinity map showcasing ideas and app inspiration
Scoping Out the Competition
I researched the top travel apps to understand the market and compared their features. Traveladvisor had the most features but was difficult to discover new recommendations without searching. Roadtrippers had a feature for recommending nearby spots, but it was hard to share plans with friends and family. These insights helped inform the development of WanderGram's features.
Competitive analysis chart of the top travel apps
Flows for Frictionless Use
Before creating any visual designs, I focused on ideating the user flows for the app to minimize the number of steps required for users to find and visit a location. I considered how different users, such as Nick and Sarah, might navigate the app and identified the key actions and decision points. These user flows helped guide the development of the prototype and ensure a seamless and intuitive experience for users.
Sketches of possible user flows for WanderGram
Illustrating the Blueprints
Before starting the sketches for the prototype I was ideating the possible user flows on how one would go about using the app. I kept in mind the struggles of Sarah and Nick had when looking for spots and what the features would look like within the app.
Tabs to offer immediate suggestions as well as nearby trending spots
Location and weather to inform users
Favorited section so users can keep track of locations they like to frequent or one that plan to visit
Ability to customize trips and offer navigation to the locations
Ability to learn more about a location by seeing photos of other users and reviews of their experinece
#ColorStory
In order to create a new color palette I took inspiration from Instagram and other popular social media platforms. I payed special attention to the top posts tagged #vacation or #destination and grabbed the colors that kept showing up and implemented them into the color palette.
#FCD676
Orange Yellow Crayola
#17AF8B
Jungle Green
#D04E85
Mystic
#EDF2E6
Ivory
#9A9F93
Morning Blue
#383837
Black Olive
Color palette inspired by popular Instagram posts
Mapping out the App
When creating the low-fidelity screens I took inspiration from all the top travel apps and compared their layouts and features the implemented the features that followed the features the personas would benefit from having including:
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A featured homepage
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Curated trips
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Place to keep favorite locations
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Profile section where you and others can share locations and photos
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A page dedicated to give extensive details about the place
Low-Fidelity screens mapping out the layout of the app
Taking Notes from Users
After including all the details to make a fleshed out high-fidelity prototype I conducted a round of user testing with over 4 people who aligned with Sarah and Nick. Some comments users had about the app:
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"I want the start page include a quick instructions of the important features."
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"The Map needs to include an option to share with others."
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"Profiles need have the ability to see who you and others are currently following."
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"I appreciate the homepage using location services to tell you the weather"
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"I love seeing the accessibility of the location and availability for bathroom or parking."
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"It's great to see the variety of locations that are not just restaurants and parks."
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"I like seeing the reviews from other users who have gone to the location."
After taking the comments of issues needing to be fixed I implemented what I thought would elevate the app and created the final iteration of WanderGram
Final screens for WanderGram
Last Impressions
After finishing the design spring here are the main takeaways from the experience:
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Take inspiration for the UI from other apps that contain similar features to save time
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When creating features from data already conducted pay close attention to any overlapping concerns to create an all in one solution for the users
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People love being given the option to learn all that they can about the place
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When you create a fun looking app it creates excitement and interest
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When designing in a short amount of time it forces designers to come up with on the fly solutions
If given more time I would be able to create a more fleshed out prototype and integrate the editing features from the original app and create a more effortless flow from finding the location to editing then posting.