Responsive Travel App

Next Home

About

NextHome is a responsive application that is designed for individuals who have recently relocated. Getting settled in an entirely new place is hard. To make this process a little easier, NextHome allows its users to connect with people around them, explore top rated restaurants, and learn the local lingo. The application also suggests tourist attractions. It empathizes with the users by using the budget filter, without burning a hole in their pockets.

My Role

Led a team of designers in conceptualizing a responsive travel app for unfamiliar destinations

Conducted desk research and storyboarding for user-centric design

Developed functional prototypes for mobile and desktop users

Analyzed target demographics and identified SEO keywords

Provided suggestions for monetization strategies

My Takeaways

Young adults move frequently and often aspire to discover budget-friendly destinations

Assimilating into unfamiliar environments without assistance can be challenging

Language acts as a hindrance for non-native speakers adjusting to new surroundings

Immigrants often seek familiar cuisine and connections from their hometowns while researching new locations

Desk Research

According to UN Migration 2022 report, the current global estimate is 281 million international migrants in the world, which equates to 3.6 % of the global population.

Identifying Target Demographic

According to Bookings Metro 2022 report, the highest migration rates occur among young adults ages 20 to 34 and children under age 10 (the latter group largely reflecting children of the former).

Young adults move most frequently and for a variety of reasons like:

warmer climate
political environments
being closer to family
finding more affordable housing
higher studies
career demands and
lifestyle experiences.

This user group is well versered with latest advancements in technology and fluent with its usage.

Therefore, developing a responsive application is an optimal choice as it can help provide a fluent user experience for both mobile and desktop users.

Identified Pain Points from Interviews

Cannot find all the information in one place

Difficulty to find local Information

Lack personalization and filtering options

Accessibility issues in multimedia devices

Adaption issues due to cultural shift and language barriers

User Personas & Empathy Map

Lucy Hayland, 23

Moved from Mexico to London, UK

“I want to survive and explore on a budget while also connecting with people from my homeland”

Meera Bhatia, 26

Moved from India to Chicago, US

"I love a good party and try new experiences. I want to explore the local culture make new friends."

Storyboard (Big picture)

Relocates to a new city for the first time ever

Feels homesick and confused

Randomly find NextHome app browsing through AppStore

Impressed with the app's description decides to give it a try

Sets her budget using the budget filter

Learns the "local Lingo", using app's language assistance

Makes new friends using the "Meet & Greet" feature

Visits Tourist places using "Travel" feature

Finds hidden food gems in the city by exploring "Food & Drinks" feature

Feels grateful to have NextHome app

User Frustrations

Implemented Features

Cannot find all the information in one place

The web app is a central information hub

Issues in exploring budget friendly options

Budget filter lets the user set the budget

Difficulty in networking and meeting new people

"Meet & Greet" feature helps connect with both groups and individuals

Language acts as a barrier for non-native speakers

Challenges navigating in a new place

Researching and finding local restaurants can be time consuming

"Local Lingo" feature helps users to learn the local language and slangs

"Explore" feature helps to navigate and explore tourist destinations

"Food & Drinks" feature suggests various restaurants based on cuisine with ratings

Site Map

Mobile Application :

Screenshot 2023-12-12 at 10.32.08 PM.png

Desktop Website :

Screenshot 2023-12-12 at 10.40.47 PM.png

Process Thinking & Solution

1. Responsive Design

Responsive Layouts

Design layouts that adapt seamlessly to various screen sizes and orientations. Ensure that the app's functionality remains consistent across devices.

Mobile-First Approach

Prioritizes mobile design due to the likelihood of users accessing information on-the-go during their relocation journey.

2. Comprehensive Information Hub

Facilitates access to a variety of information that is essential for settling into a new location in one place.

3. Accessibility Enhancement

Alternate Text for images

Alt text provides a textual description of images, aiding users with visual impairments who rely on screen readers.

Screenshot 2023-12-13 at 12.02.35 PM.png

Voice Command support

Enable hands-free interaction, allowing users to navigate and control devices using their voice, fostering accessibility for those who may face challenges with traditional input methods.

Screenshot 2023-12-13 at 12.02.56 PM.png

4. Localization

Geo-Targeting

Location-based services to provide users with relevant information about their new city, including nearby attractions, events, and local services.

Screenshot 2023-12-13 at 12.58.36 PM.png

Language Learning

Language learning resources based on user preferences and language proficiency levels.

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5. Personalization

Allows the user to set their desired budget range and and choose from a list of suggestions that helps them explore, without burning a hole in their pocket.