NOT SO SOLO,
WITH NOLO
NOT SO SOLO,
WITH NOLO
ROLE
ROLE
UX DESIGN
UX DESIGN, STRATEGY, RESEARCH
duration
duration
FOUR MONTHS
4 MONTHS
project
project
personal
personal
type
type
MOBILE & WEBSITE
MOBILE & WEBSITE
project overview
project overview
project overview
As the UX Designer on the project, I oversaw the entire development of Nolo from concept to execution. From initial user research to final design, I managed every aspect of the project, ensuring that the app not only meets the needs of its users but also delivers a seamless and engaging experience. My role involved crafting the overall vision, creating user-friendly interfaces, and continuously refining the product through testing and feedback. Nolo is the result of a comprehensive and user-centered design process that I spearheaded to help novice backpackers and travel gurus turn their dreams into reality.
As the UX Designer on the project, I oversaw the entire development of Nolo from concept to execution. From initial user research to final design, I managed every aspect of the project, ensuring that the app not only meets the needs of its users but also delivers a seamless and engaging experience. My role involved crafting the overall vision, creating user-friendly interfaces, and continuously refining the product through testing and feedback. Nolo is the result of a comprehensive and user-centered design process that I spearheaded to help novice backpackers and travel gurus turn their dreams into reality.
meet nolo
Introducing Nolo, a traveler's go-to platform for connecting with expert solo backpackers. Whether you're planning your first solo trip or seeking new travel insights, Nolo helps users prepare through communication with experienced peers. The app fosters a supportive community where seasoned travelers share tips, itineraries, and advice, helping you gain the knowledge and confidence for memorable solo adventures.
Nolo positions itself as the ultimate companion for backpacking adventures. Fueled by the wisdom of our vibrant backpacking community, users gain the confidence and knowledge enabling them to embark on life changing journeys.
Introducing Nolo, a traveler's go-to platform for connecting with expert solo backpackers. Whether you're planning your first solo trip or seeking new travel insights, Nolo helps users prepare through communication with experienced peers. The app fosters a supportive community where seasoned travelers share tips, itineraries, and advice, helping you gain the knowledge and confidence for memorable solo adventures.
Nolo positions itself as the ultimate companion for backpacking adventures. Fueled by the wisdom of our vibrant backpacking community, users gain the confidence and knowledge enabling them to embark on life changing journeys.
DESIGN THINKING
DESIGN THINKING
DESIGN THINKING
01. Empathize
01. Empathize
Observe
Understand the market
Understand the user
Observe
Understand the market
Understand the user
02. Define
02. Define
Articulate user problem areas
Outline business requirements
Articulate user problem areas
Outline business requirements
03. Ideate
03. Ideate
Conceptualize the journey
Brainstorm solutions
Visualize navigation
Conceptualize the journey
Brainstorm solutions
Visualize navigation
04. Design
04. Design
Sketch ideas
Build frameworks
Prototype the vision
Sketch ideas
Build frameworks
Prototype the vision
05. Test
05. Test
Gather insights
Analyze feedback
Iterate solutions
Gather insights
Analyze feedback
Iterate solutions
01. Empathize
Observe
Understand the market
Understand the user
02. Define
Articulate user problem areas
Outline business requirements
03. Ideate
Conceptualize the journey
Brainstorm solutions
Visualize navigation
04. Design
Sketch ideas
Build frameworks
Prototype the vision
05. Test
Gather insights
Analyze feedback
Iterate solutions
EMPATHIZE
EMPATHIZE
Problem
Problem
Embarking on your first solo-travel journey can be extremely daunting – especially when you have no one in your circle to connect and share with.
Aspiring backpackers need a space to connect with experienced travelers so they can feel more prepared & excited to embark on their new journey.
Embarking on your first solo-travel journey can be extremely daunting – especially when you have no one in your circle to connect and share with.
Aspiring backpackers need a space to connect with experienced travelers so they can feel more prepared & excited to embark on their new journey.
Objective
Objective
Connect like-minded travelers
Help users discuss and plan out future adventures
Inspire others to travel the world, and encourage solo backpackers to take the jump!
Showcase personal travel experiences and help experts monetize their knowledge
Connect like-minded travelers
Help users discuss and plan out future adventures
Inspire others to travel the world, and encourage solo backpackers to take the jump!
Showcase personal travel experiences and help experts monetize their knowledge
Proposed Solution
Proposed Solution
Users gain personalized guidance from experienced backpackers - feeling encouraged, motivated, and prepared to begin their backpacking journey.
Experts monetize their world knowledge, helping them continue their passion for travel & inspire wanderlust in others.
Users gain personalized guidance from experienced backpackers - feeling encouraged, motivated, and prepared to begin their backpacking journey.
Experts monetize their world knowledge, helping them continue their passion for travel & inspire wanderlust in others.
EMPATHIZE
Problem
Embarking on your first solo-travel journey can be extremely daunting – especially when you have no one in your circle to connect and share with.
Aspiring backpackers need a space to connect with experienced travelers so they can feel more prepared & excited to embark on their new journey.
Objective
Connect like-minded travelers
Help users discuss and plan out future adventures
Inspire others to travel the world, and encourage solo backpackers to take the jump!
Showcase personal travel experiences and help experts monetize their knowledge
Proposed Solution
Users gain personalized guidance from experienced backpackers - feeling encouraged, motivated, and prepared to begin their backpacking journey.
Experts monetize their world knowledge, helping them continue their passion for travel & inspire wanderlust in others.
Did you know?
Did you know?
45 million
About 45 million backpacking trips around the world are taken annually.
30%
About 30% of individuals considering solo-travel end up backing out due to concern about having to plan the trip by themselves.
236%
Online searches for the term ‘solo travel’ have increased by 236% from April 2020 to April 2023, demonstrating an increasing need for support within the backpacking community.
9.1%
Between 2023 and 2030, the solo travel market is expected to have a 9.1% compound annual growth rate.
EXPLORING OUR COMPETITORS
EXPLORING OUR COMPETITORS
01.
Backpackr
Discover travel buddies and connect with other like-minded travellers across the globe.
Social chat-room functionality
No streamlined onboarding process
Where it lacks a streamlined onboarding process, Backpackr offers a seamless navigation structure & interactive menus for users to engage more efficiently within the app. Backpackr stands out from competitors by highlighting their adventure-oriented community & facilitating connections with like-minded travelers. Besides offering travel recommendations & resources, Backpackr connects others through social chat-room style functionalities.
02.
Going Solo
A social media for solo travelers
Intuitive social interaction features (i.e: chat options & group creation)
Lacks downloadable, offline features for more remote travelers
The app provides a range of easily-to-use interactive content to enhance the user experience & cater to user needs. It encourages further engagement through intuitive social interaction features (i.e: chat options & group creation), & demonstrates consistent technical reliability, with fast loading times & minimal technical issues. Going Solo can further leverage their strengths by introducing more personalized recommendations based on users’ travel preferences. It should consider adding a user verification feature, as security may be a problem when connecting with users.
01.
Backpackr
Discover travel buddies and connect with other like-minded travellers across the globe.
Social chat-room functionality
No streamlined onboarding process
Where it lacks a streamlined onboarding process, Backpackr offers a seamless navigation structure & interactive menus for users to engage more efficiently within the app. Backpackr stands out from competitors by highlighting their adventure-oriented community & facilitating connections with like-minded travelers. Besides offering travel recommendations & resources, Backpackr connects others through social chat-room style functionalities.
02.
Going Solo
A social media for solo travelers
Intuitive social interaction features (i.e: chat options & group creation)
Lacks downloadable, offline features for more remote travelers
The app provides a range of easily-to-use interactive content to enhance the user experience & cater to user needs. It encourages further engagement through intuitive social interaction features (i.e: chat options & group creation), & demonstrates consistent technical reliability, with fast loading times & minimal technical issues. Going Solo can further leverage their strengths by introducing more personalized recommendations based on users’ travel preferences. It should consider adding a user verification feature, as security may be a problem when connecting with users.
EXPLORING OUR COMPETITORS
01.
Backpackr
Discover travel buddies and connect with other like-minded travellers across the globe.
Social chat-room functionality
No streamlined onboarding process
Where it lacks a streamlined onboarding process, Backpackr offers a seamless navigation structure & interactive menus for users to engage more efficiently within the app. Backpackr stands out from competitors by highlighting their adventure-oriented community & facilitating connections with like-minded travelers. Besides offering travel recommendations & resources, Backpackr connects others through social chat-room style functionalities.
02.
Going Solo
A social media for solo travelers
Intuitive social interaction features (i.e: chat options & group creation)
Lacks downloadable, offline features for more remote travelers
The app provides a range of easily-to-use interactive content to enhance the user experience & cater to user needs. It encourages further engagement through intuitive social interaction features (i.e: chat options & group creation), & demonstrates consistent technical reliability, with fast loading times & minimal technical issues. Going Solo can further leverage their strengths by introducing more personalized recommendations based on users’ travel preferences. It should consider adding a user verification feature, as security may be a problem when connecting with users.
UNDERSTANDING THE USER
UNDERSTANDING THE USER
To begin gathering insights about my users, I conducted six user interviews across my network of peers and colleagues, keeping in mind the carefully developed research goals below:
Identify Challenges
Identify Challenges
Determine the specific challenges backpackers face when embarking on their travel journey.
Determine the specific challenges backpackers face when embarking on their travel journey.
Explore Behavior
Explore Behavior
Investigate the way travelers go through their own destination research & backpacking prep.
Delve into their routine before, during, and after a trip.
Investigate the way travelers go through their own destination research & backpacking prep.
Delve into their routine before, during, & after a trip.
Determine Preferences
Determine Preferences
Identify travelers’ preferences for ways in which they seek advice and travel recommendations.
Identify travelers’ preferences for ways in which they seek advice and travel recommendations.
ANALYZING THE DATA
ANALYZING THE DATA
Using an affinity map to analyze the user interviews, I was able to visually organize the data, identify patterns, and uncover key insights that guided my design decisions.
Using an affinity map to analyze the user interviews, I was able to visually organize the data, identify patterns, and uncover key insights that guided my design decisions.
KEY INSIGHTS
Social Media Influence
Social Media Influence
Participants mainly seek advice through online forums & expert chat boxes, and social media
Preparation Confusion
Preparation Confusion
First-time backpackers have difficulty knowing how much to prepare and plan beforehand
First-time backpackers have difficulty knowing how much to prepare and plan beforehand
Off the beaten path
Off the beaten path
Most backpackers are looking for more niche, “off-the-beaten-path” recommendations
Most backpackers are looking for more niche, “off-the-beaten-path” recommendations
Lack of travel network
Lack of travel network
Participants often feel like they can’t talk to anyone at home both before and after their experiences
Participants often feel like they can’t talk to anyone at home both before and after their experiences
Organizing ideas
Organizing ideas
Travelers would like a place where they can store and organize their travel recommendations
Travelers would like a place where they can store and organize their travel recommendations
Influx of information
Influx of information
Online backpacking information is too overwhelming, with not enough variation in advice, and is often outdated
Online backpacking information is too overwhelming, with not enough variation in advice, and is often outdated
View the full research process and analysis here:
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define
define
With the gathered information, I could better empathize with users and see Nolo's potential through their lens. To define the product’s audience, core needs, and keep stakeholders aligned, I developed four personas based on user interview feedback.
With the gathered information, I could better empathize with users and see Nolo's potential through their lens. To define the product’s audience, core needs, and keep stakeholders aligned, I developed four personas based on user interview feedback.
define
With the gathered information, I could better empathize with users and see Nolo's potential through their lens. To define the product’s audience, core needs, and keep stakeholders aligned, I developed four personas based on user interview feedback.
paige
"I’m too young to be locked down in a career right out of college. I need to go and fulfill my dream of traveling the world!"
paige
"I’m too young to be locked down in a career right out of college. I need to go and fulfill my dream of traveling the world!"
michael
"After solo backpacking 3 different regions of the world, I want to give back to the travel community by inspiring others to go out and see the world.”
michael
"After solo backpacking 3 different regions of the world, I want to give back to the travel community by inspiring others to go out and see the world.”
erin
"I love that I have the flexibility to explore the world while working remotely and earning an income. I can’t wait to see where I’ll work from next!”
ERIN
"I love that I have the flexibility to explore the world while working remotely and earning an income. I can’t wait to see where I’ll work from next!”
jesse
"Being a travel influencer is the ideal job, but with the changing digital landscape, I’m starting to feel stuck on other ways I can promote my brand.”
JESSE
"Being a travel influencer is the ideal job, but with the changing digital landscape, I’m starting to feel stuck on other ways I can promote my brand.”
ACCOUNTING FOR USERS' STEPS
ACCOUNTING FOR USERS' STEPS
User journey maps were created for each persona to visualize their navigation through the app. These maps illustrated users' experiences, emotions, and pain points, helping to craft realistic stories at key stages of their journeys.
Goal: Ensure a user-focused design by highlighting interactions and touch-points, identifying opportunities to improve the user experience, and aligning the final design with audience needs and expectations.
User journey maps were created for each persona to visualize their navigation through the app. These maps illustrated users' experiences, emotions, and pain points, helping to craft realistic stories at key stages of their journeys.
Goal: Ensure a user-focused design by highlighting interactions and touch-points, identifying opportunities to improve the user experience, and aligning the final design with audience needs and expectations.
IDEATE
IDEATE
IDEATE
Before designing, I focused on understanding how users interacted with Nolo’s core features while completing tasks. The goal was to simplify users' understanding of the app’s functions. I created detailed user flows to map the optimal paths users would take to achieve their goals, ensuring each interaction was intuitive and seamless.
Before designing, I focused on understanding how users interacted with Nolo’s core features while completing tasks. The goal was to simplify users' understanding of the app’s functions. I created detailed user flows to map the optimal paths users would take to achieve their goals, ensuring each interaction was intuitive and seamless.
01.
Objective:"As a first time backpacker, I want to plan my route across Southeast Asia ahead of time, so that I feel confident when embarking on my trip."
01.
Objective:"As a first time backpacker, I want to plan my route across Southeast Asia ahead of time, so that I feel confident when embarking on my trip."
02.
Objective:"As an expert, I want to verify my account so that users see me as a trustworthy source and feel comfortable reaching out to me for advice.”
02.
Objective:"As an expert, I want to verify my account so that users see me as a trustworthy source and feel comfortable reaching out to me for advice.”
03.
Objective:"“As a digital nomad looking for my next destination, I want to connect with similar professionals to see what countries/cities are most accommodating for remote work.”
03.
Objective:"“As a digital nomad looking for my next destination, I want to connect with similar professionals to see what countries/cities are most accommodating for remote work.”
View user flows and mental model in full detail here:
View user flows and mental model in full detail here:
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building hierarchy
building hierarchy
Nolo's original information hierarchy was designed to help users quickly access core features like speaking with experts and crafting itineraries. However, after launching and analyzing the open card sort, significant adjustments were needed to make the sitemap more user-friendly. Three key revisions were made to enhance usability and overall user satisfaction.
Nolo's original information hierarchy was designed to help users quickly access core features like speaking with experts and crafting itineraries. However, after launching and analyzing the open card sort, significant adjustments were needed to make the sitemap more user-friendly. Three key revisions were made to enhance usability and overall user satisfaction.
METHOD
METHOD
OPEN CARD SORT
OPEN CARD SORT
TYPE
TYPE
VIRTUAL
VIRTUAL
PARTICIPANTS
PARTICIPANTS
EIGHT
EIGHT
INSIGHTS AND REVISIONS
INSIGHTS AND REVISIONS
Merging Screens & Features
Merging Screens & Features
Combined “Forums” & “Experts” to fall under the same family, with the addition of “Expert Profile” &“Forum Profile” under the respective subcategory
Added “Search” to “Connect” family
Combined “Forums” & “Experts” to fall under the same family, with the addition of “Expert Profile” & “Forum Profile” under each respective subcategory
Added “Search” screen to “Connect”
Combined “Forums” & “Experts” to fall under the same family, with the addition of “Expert Profile” & “Forum Profile” under each respective subcategory
Added “Search” screen to the “Connect” family
Creating Subcategories
Creating Subcategories
Made “Wishlists” & “Travel Tracker” its own subcategory, deleting “My Plans”
Moved “Notifications” to “Inbox” and included a subcategory of “New Chat,” realizing that it should be its own screen
Made “Wishlists” & “Travel Tracker” its own subcategory, deleting “My Plans”
Moved “Notifications” to “Inbox” and included a subcategory of “New Chat,” realizing that it should be its own screen
Renaming Screens
Renaming Screens
Changed “Preferences” to “Expert Preferences,” so as not to be confused with typical account preferences
Renamed “Planner” to “My Planner” to signify to users that it holds their personal information
Changed “Preferences” to “Expert Preferences,” so as not to be confused with typical account preferences
Renamed “Planner” to “My Planner” to signify to users that it holds their personal information
Changed “Preferences” to “Expert Preferences,” so as not to be confused with typical account preferences
Renamed “Planner” to “My Planner” to signify to users that it holds their specific information
Original Sitemap
Original Sitemap
Revised Sitemap
Revised Sitemap
design
design
design
"Progress over perfection." Repeat. “Progress over perfection.”
Living this phrase perfectly captures my approach during the wireframing and prototyping phase. Constantly reminding myself to move quickly, trusting that refinement would come through user feedback and mentorship guidance.
My process in this phase was divided into three main steps: low, mid, and high fidelity.
"Progress over perfection." Repeat. “Progress over perfection.”
Living this phrase perfectly captures my approach during the wireframing and prototyping phase. Constantly reminding myself to move quickly, trusting that refinement would come through user feedback and mentorship guidance.
My process in this phase was divided into three main steps: low, mid, and high fidelity.
Low
Low
Medium
Medium
High
High
Low
Low
Medium
Medium
High
High
See more prototyping here
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Low
Low
High
High
Through the prototyping process, I developed a deeper understanding of just how iterative the design process really is. I’ve realized that the design process involves extensive creation and refinement cycles to ensure that the product is effective in providing a seamless user experience. Acknowledging that no design is inherently “fixed” or “final” is important for staying flexible and adaptive throughout the prototyping phase.
Through the prototyping process, I developed a deeper understanding of just how iterative the design process really is. I’ve realized that the design process involves extensive creation and refinement cycles to ensure that the product is effective in providing a seamless user experience. Acknowledging that no design is inherently “fixed” or “final” is important for staying flexible and adaptive throughout this phase.
Low
Medium
High
Low
Medium
High
Low
High
See more prototyping here
See more prototyping here
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ui design
ui design
Color Palette
COLOR PALETTE
#F2E7DC
Primary Color
Primary Color
#2B4D5E
Secondary Color
Secondary Color
#906146
Tertiary Color
Tertiary Color
#BEBDBD
Neutral
Neutral
#2D2B29
Neutral Dark
Neutral Dark
#F7F7F6
Neutral Light
Neutral Light
TYPOGRAPHY
TYPOGRAPHY
Roboto
Roboto
REGULAR
REGULAR
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYX
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYX
BOLD
BOLD
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYX
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYX
ICONOGRAPHY
ICONOGRAPHY
Outline/2px
Outline/2px
View the Nolo Style Guide here
View the Nolo Style Guide
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TEST
TEST
Before evaluating usability, I created a detailed test plan to ensure a structured approach. This plan included a script to maintain consistency in questions and information across all participants. Once finalized and participants were recruited, six usability tests were conducted, using a representative sample of Nolo's target audience.
Before evaluating usability, I created a detailed test plan to ensure a structured approach. This plan included a script to maintain consistency in questions and information across all participants. Once finalized and participants were recruited, six usability tests were conducted, using a representative sample of Nolo's target audience.
OBJECTIVES
OBJECTIVES
The goal of this testing was to assess the ease of new users interacting with Nolo on mobile and desktop. The primary focus involved measuring the learnability and efficiency of users completing a task, to determine if first-time users can easily process Nolo’s main features and core functions.
The goal of this testing was to assess the ease of new users interacting with Nolo on mobile and desktop. The primary focus involved measuring the learnability and efficiency of users completing a task, to determine if first-time users can easily process Nolo’s main features and core functions.
Join a forum
Join a forum
Objective: Evaluate ease & effectiveness of browsing through forums & ultimately joining a forum through the app
Question: Can users easily navigate joining a forum they’re interested in?
Objective: Evaluate ease & effectiveness of browsing through forums & ultimately joining a forum through the app
Question: Can users easily navigate joining a forum they’re interested in?
Message a mentor
Message a mentor
Objective: Determine the efficiency of messaging a mentor
Question: How efficient is it for users to message a mentor?
Objective: Determine the efficiency of searching and messaging a mentor
Question: How efficient is it for users to find and message a mentor?
Get verified
Get verified
Objective: Observe if the participants understand the verification process
Question: How straightforward is the verification process? Are there extra identity protocols you would have expected to see in this task?
Objective: Observe if the participants understand the verification process
Question: How straightforward is the verification process? Are there extra identity protocols you would have expected to see in this task?
core feedback
core feedback
Returning to previous screen
Returning to previous screen
Evidence: Participants struggled with returning to the previous screen during the user verification process, finding themselves only able to press the “Continue” button rather than having the freedom to go back to the former step.
Revision: To remove user frustration, a left-pointing chevron was added for users to easily return to the previous step in the process. This revision was implemented in both mobile and desktop prototypes
Evidence: Participants struggled with returning to the previous screen during the user verification process, finding themselves only able to press the “Continue” button rather than having the freedom to go back to the former step.
Evidence: Participants struggled with returning to the previous screen during the user verification process, finding themselves only able to press the “Continue” button rather than having the freedom to go back to the former step.
Revision: To remove user frustration, a left-pointing chevron was added for users to easily return to the previous step in the process. This revision was implemented in both mobile and desktop prototypes
Revision: To remove user frustration, a left-pointing chevron was added for users to easily return to the previous step in the process. This revision was implemented in both mobile and desktop prototypes
V1
V1
V2
V2
V1
V2
Difficulty reading
Evidence: Two participants had to squint in order to fully read the information on each page and navigate around the site. Participant 6 even noted how it would be difficult for an elderly user to get around the desktop version.
Evidence: Two participants had to squint in order to fully read the information on each page and navigate around the site. Participant 6 even noted how it would be difficult for an elderly user to get around the desktop version.
Revision: Increased desktop sizing and overall typography throughout the design system. Additionally increased the padding around each button to make it more accessible for users.
Revision: Increased desktop sizing and overall typography throughout the design system. Additionally increased the padding around each button to make it more accessible for users.
V1
V1
V2
V2
Unexpected verification process
Unexpected verification process
Added screens
Added screens
Evidence: Multiple participants noted that although it was nice to have a short verification process, it seemed like there should be more steps to confirm a mentor’s identity and experience, and that they expected the process to be more robust.
Evidence: Multiple participants noted that although it was nice to have a short verification process, it seemed like there should be more steps to confirm a mentor’s identity and experience, and that they expected the process to be more robust.
Revision: Extra steps were added to the verification process to legitimize the app and have users feel more secure. Rather than users just uploading their passport, they now also have to capture/upload a selfie, enter details, and pass the biometric trust factors before becoming a verified mentor.
Revision: Extra steps were added to the verification process to legitimize the app and have users feel more secure. Rather than users just uploading their passport, they now also have to capture/upload a selfie, enter details, and pass the biometric trust factors before becoming a verified mentor.
test conclusions
test conclusions
Participants had a very positive experience and successfully completed each task. They praised the app's layout, overall "feel," and ease of navigation. The usability tests provided invaluable feedback, uncovering overlooked navigational issues. Most user flows functioned smoothly, indicating a well-designed interface. However, the tests also revealed that experienced travelers had a slightly more intuitive experience than those new to backpacking or solo travel, highlighting the importance of considering varied user backgrounds in design.
Participants had a very positive experience and successfully completed each task. They praised the app's layout, overall "feel," and ease of navigation. The usability tests provided invaluable feedback, uncovering overlooked navigational issues. Most user flows functioned smoothly, indicating a well-designed interface. However, the tests also revealed that experienced travelers had a slightly more intuitive experience than those new to backpacking or solo travel, highlighting the importance of considering varied user backgrounds in design.
See the full test report here
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Minimum viable product
Minimum viable product
Reviews, suggestions, and yes - more iterations
After analyzing and iterating on the feedback from participants, design professionals were consulted to provide further insights on ways to improve Nolo. The suggested revisions were then implemented, assets were compiled, and the project was prepared for development handoff.
Reviews, suggestions, and yes - more iterations
After analyzing and iterating on the feedback from participants, design professionals were consulted to provide further insights and knowledge on ways to improve Nolo. The suggested revisions were then implemented, assets were compiled, and the project was prepared for development handoff.
Reviews, suggestions, and yes, more iterations
After analyzing and iterating on the feedback from participants, design professionals were consulted to provide further insights on ways to improve Nolo. The suggested revisions were then implemented, assets were compiled, and the project was prepared for development handoff.
What does nolo offer?
What does nolo offer?
community
community
connect with experts
connect with experts
guidance
guidance
Map out routes
Map out routes
preparation
preparation
plan experiences
plan experiences
final mockups
reflections
reflections
"Not so solo, with Nolo," embodies the spirit of both the app and my own journey as a designer. Just as Nolo inspires backpackers to take the plunge into their adventures, this project challenged me to dive deep into the diverse and sometimes conflicting needs of solo travelers. One of the biggest obstacles throughout this process was grappling with the wide range of user needs and narrowing them down into a cohesive, comprehensive product solution. Balancing the desire for independence with the need for guidance was a delicate task, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing user needs while maintaining a clear vision for the product. The process of refining and iterating Nolo's features helped me develop a stronger focus on empathy and user research, ensuring that the app fully supports users throughout their journey. Ensuring that Nolo was both a meaningful and effective product required not just listening to users, but also synthesizing their feedback into a solution that aligns with its core mission.
"Not so solo, with Nolo," embodies the spirit of both the app and my own journey as a designer. Just as Nolo inspires backpackers to take the plunge into their adventures, this project challenged me to dive deep into the diverse and sometimes conflicting needs of solo travelers. One of the biggest obstacles throughout this process was grappling with the wide range of user needs and narrowing them down into a cohesive, comprehensive product solution. Balancing the desire for independence with the need for guidance was a delicate task, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing user needs while maintaining a clear vision for the product. The process of refining and iterating Nolo's features helped me develop a stronger focus on empathy and user research, ensuring that the app fully supports users throughout their journey. Ensuring that Nolo was both a meaningful and effective product required not just listening to users, but also synthesizing their feedback into a solution that aligns with its core mission.
next steps
next steps
Looking ahead, Nolo’s next steps include exploring partnerships with seasoned travelers and influencers to create exclusive content and interactive experiences within Nolo. As part of the roadmap, there's also opportunity to leverage AI to provide real-time, adaptive advice based on user behavior, making Nolo a truly personalized travel companion. Lastly, we can consider launching a beta program where a select group of users can co-create features alongside the team, turning Nolo into a collaborative platform that evolves directly from its community’s input. This approach would not only enhance Nolo’s usability itself, but also foster a deeper connection between Nolo and its users — making them feel integral to its overall growth and success.
Looking ahead, Nolo’s next steps include exploring partnerships with seasoned travelers and influencers to create exclusive content and interactive experiences within Nolo. As part of the roadmap, there's also opportunity to leverage AI to provide real-time, adaptive advice based on user behavior, making Nolo a truly personalized travel companion. Lastly, we can consider launching a beta program where a select group of users can co-create features alongside the team, turning Nolo into a collaborative platform that evolves directly from its community’s input. This approach would not only enhance Nolo’s usability itself, but also foster a deeper connection between Nolo and its users — making them feel integral to its overall growth and success.
After handing it off to engineering and launching the product, it’s time to start focusing on future improvements. At this stage, user testing will evolve to hone in on more specific and refined aspects of design elements and interactions. I envision creating even more detailed scenarios that simulate real travel and planning situations that users might encounter, and track key performance metrics to assess the success of each task. I anticipate user testing to become more concentrated on the visual appeal as well, with a deeper focus on user satisfaction and likeability alongside usability.
One iteration that was left ready for future implementation but not yet integrated into the product was improvements to the user verification flow. According to user research, many participants noted expecting a more robust process to become verified, with security checks and proof points to ensure credibility. I’ve already iterated the flow by adding the biometric authentication step, but there is definitely room to rework further by building out the flow to be a more cohesive and familiar experience.
Finally, an agile framework will be implemented to ensure ongoing improvement and adaptability of Nolo. I’ve established a 2-3 month timeline to tackle the identified issues and hypotheses, including consistent check-ins with users to evaluate progress and integrate their feedback.
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A.COURTNEY
A.COURTNEY