Project: a travel app concept
Deliverables: potential features and solutions powered by AI
My journey began as an exploration of how AI can be integrated into my design process. However, that’s just part of the story. More importantly, this case study aims to showcase how existing applications and digital products can be enhanced with the use of artificial intelligence. As researched deeper into this exploration, the final product of my case study quickly found new meaning: Globo, the incredibly personal and helpful travel app.
Travel, a fundamental human experience
Given that travel is a basic aspect of human life, it naturally serves as the focal point of this piece. It’s an activity deeply ingrained in our daily existence. Some studies suggest that the need for travel is encoded in our brain, and we have an innate drive to explore diverse environments. We also have natural curiosity and need for new information. Our brain releases “feel good” chemicals (dopamine, serotonins, endorphins etc.) when we encounter new experiences, making travel a good source of novelty supplier. Introducing new in our life disrupts routine and improves cognition, subsequently contributing to better problem-solving skills and increased creativity. The exposure to different cultures and people not only broadens our perspective but also makes us more tolerant and flexible. In summary, travel promotes mental health. So, it is good for you, right?
Traveling has significant impact on us, positive and negative, equally. Reducing stress, enhancing creativity, improving mental health and providing emotional balance positive ones. Despite these benefits it can be stressful.
Navigating travel stress: common challenges and experiences
In the following section, I will share several stories and insights gathered during my research on travel stressors. These examples highlight the common challenges travelers face and provide a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to travel-related stress.
Not speaking the local language can really stop people from traveling. While we might think English is spoken everywhere, that's not true. Most places don't. Planning a bucket list birthday trip with family, Ben realized one of his favorite relatives had a lot of criteria for leaving home. This relative wants a relaxing, low-stress vacation, which started to look like staying at a resort by the ocean within a six-hour flight. He also doesn’t like going to places where he can’t speak the language.
For first-time travelers, flying across ocean scan be incredibly stressful due to the many unknowns. From gathering all the necessary travel documents, visas, and paperwork to navigating transfers, passport controls, and finding gates in unfamiliar airports, it can be quite chaotic. Even seasoned travelers find it tiring, and for those with high anxiety, it can be overwhelming.
A dear relative of mine was traveling for the first time with her entire family—two adults and two young kids—from Hungary to Hawaii. She experienced sensory overload, and combined with jet lag, it took her almost two weeks to recover. For her, the fewer the unknowns, the better prepared she can be. This includes having airport maps, calculating the time needed to get from arrival gate to departure gate during transfers, estimating time spent at security, receiving real-time itinerary updates, tracking luggage, and knowing where to find food that accommodates certain allergies or intolerances.
Drawing from the information collected through interviews and research materials on the topic, it’s clear that travel can present numerous challenges. To better understand and address these issues, I’ve identified the most common stressors that travelers face.
By examining the list of stressors, we might already have a clear idea of which features to implement. However, let’s not get ahead of ourselves just yet.
Addressing travel anxiety: user perspectives and opportunities for travel apps
Analyzing the data from my user interviews, I frequently encountered concerns related to travel anxiety, a feeling of fear or worry that some people experience when planning or embarking on a trip.
The symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe conditions requiring professional intervention, this case study focuses on the milder end of the spectrum. It’s estimated that approximately 25% of travelers experience anxiety before leaving home, out of which 10% is mild. As a UX professional, not a mental health expert, I approached my conversations with empathy and objectivity to understand my interviewees’ experiences. These insights offer a unique opportunity to improve travel apps (even making them more inclusive).
To illustrate these points let’s explore one such story.
Dora frequently experienced panic attacks that significantly impacted her commute to work. One day, while on a tram, she had a panic attack and called her office in tears, unable to work. From that point on, she avoided public transport and relied on taxis or her husband for commuting. Her fear extended beyond public transport; she couldn’t take planes or trains. Visiting relatives in nearby regions required weeks of mental preparation. With professional help, she developed strategies to manage her fears. Over time, these helped Dora feel more at ease with the idea of traveling. She started with local trips and gradually worked her way up to longer journeys. Eventually, she even managed to take a flight, something she had previously thought impossible.
What practices worked for her? Breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques were among the first strategies she tried. These helped her stay calm during stressful moments and provided relief when she felt overwhelmed. Dora found visualization to be particularly helpful. Before a trip, she would visualize the journey in detail, imagining herself staying calm and in control.This mental rehearsal reduced her anxiety when the actual travel day arrived. Planning and preparation also played a crucial role. Dora meticulously planned her trips, including backup plans for potential triggers. This gave her a sense of control and reduced the uncertainty that often fueled her anxiety.
Finally, Dora gradually introduced exposure therapy into her routine. She started with short trips on public transport, gradually increasing the duration as she became more comfortable. This step was taken only after she had built confidence through the other practices. She worked her way up to longer journeys. Eventually, she even managed to take a flight, something she had previously thought impossible.
In my view, these are potential solutions every traveler can benefit from.
Potential features and how AI enhances them
Now we reached the point where the bigger picture starts to come together. By synthesizing the data from user interviews, I’ve identified the most common stressors that can serve as the basis for our app. These stressors, combined with features designed to support users with travel anxiety, form the foundation of our solution.
Amid the unstoppable technology revolution, it’s only natural to expect our daily tools to evolve. So, why should integrating AI into our travel routines be any different? Imagine an app that not only understands but also adapts to your unique preferences. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, it analyzes your behavior, historical travel data, and even social media activities to craft a comprehensive profile just for you.
By combining these features and leveraging AI, a travel app can provide a highly personalized and informative experience for users, making their travels more enjoyable, efficient, and memorable.
Next steps
Having visualized the app’s potential features, the next steps in the design process are crucial for bringing this concept to life. These include:
Market research: Conducting thorough market research to understand the competitive landscape, identify gaps in existing solutions, and validate the demand for the app.
Identifying target users: Defining and segmenting target audience so the app is tailored to their specific needs and preferences.
Prioritizing features: Balance user needs with technical feasibility and business goals to create a roadmap for development
Prototyping & user testing: Gathering feedback on usability, functionality, and overall user experience.
Collaboration with developers: Working closely to translate design into a functional app
Launch & marketing strategy: Planning a comprehensive launch strategy, including marketing and promotional activities to generate awareness and drive user adoption.
Some of these details will be part of my upcoming case studies, stay tuned for the insights.