Overview

Discover

Define

Design

Test

Takeaways &
Next Steps

Overview

As part of my bootcamp, I was assigned to work in a team of 3 with our client NYC & Company to design the first ever native mobile app for NYCgo’s itinerary building platform with a 4-week deadline. NYCgo is the official liaison for those wanting to experience the city that never sleeps.

The NYCgo website was transformed into a mobile app allowing users to explore NYC with a mini tour guide in the palm of their hands, enabling them to customize and curate their trips, share, and collaborate with others.

Challenge

The challenge faced by trip planners is the lack of a seamless transition from desktop to mobile when planning trips around NYC, causing difficulties in filtering, building, and customizing itineraries, as well as collaborating with others based on preferences.

The Process

We conducted surveys and interviews with various traveler groups, including locals,
and domestic and international travelers, as well as meeting with the client to better understand the goal of the business. The research findings were analyzed and used to create affinity maps, sitemap, and user flow to adapt the NYCgo website into a mobile app, providing insight into how travelers plan their trips to NYC and shaping the vision of the NYCgo mobile app, which aimed to ensure its success as a tool for travelers planning trips to NYC

After creating the user flows and sitemaps, we were able to develop UI solutions through wireframes on top of developing a style guide and performing a usability test on a high fidelity created.

Research Goals

• Understand the business and user needs for the NYCgo App Success

• Have a better insight into how users plan their trips

• What would encourage repeat users to use the app beyond the trip-planning abilities

Insights

With insights gathered from user research, we see that most people begin planning their trips on desktop devices but experience a disconnect in continuity once they are out because they did not have all the information in one concise location.

I like using a desktop more when looking at information and planning because it’s easier to see more vs scrolling around. At the time of the event, I would switch to a smartphone for reference.

The NYCgo app includes the depth of the original site while incorporating quick access to current events and featured content. It allows guests to curate their trips based on preferences. They can also share and collaborate with others during their time exploring NYC.

I would consider it if it's something highly rated and recommended by many people. But the collaborative feature is very important. If I'm traveling by myself, sure, I'll use an app.

Most respondents shared that they prefer word-of-mouth suggestions from family and friends but they are also open to curated guides from internet platforms and other travelers. The insights gathered from the interview respondents indicate a desire for frequent updates and a social media aspect to encourage repeat use of the NYCgo mobile app.

It depends I will use the internet for research like social media and such but social media is tricky since people on social media usually share their thoughts for view and to promote themselves as a traveler influencer so the places they mention can be lacking at the time, but from locals, you know the hidden gems and I trust them more if they are people I know personally

Target User

Note on User Personas: Since I did not have significant data on current NYCgo users, I did not create user personas. Stacking assumptions without the backing of analytics would have provided little value. Instead, I followed the Design Sprint approach of choosing a one target user

Target User: Locals and tourists looking to explore NYC