Travel App Inspiration
Another one of our tasks for IXD104 was to research some travel apps and I analysed what I liked about them or if there is any aspects that don’t like about them, why I chose them and the apps purpose. So I took to the App Store and surfed some of the most popular travel apps.
Airbnb
Airbnb is an online marketplace that connects people who want to rent out their homes with people who are looking for accommodations in that local area. It is a travel app that is very well known, users of this app are able to book vacation homes with a choice of over 6 million across over 150 countries! Its’ purpose is to make travel cheap, easy and safe, this app also allows you to become a host and post listings of your house or cottages, etc, to rent out to travellers.
Why did I choose this app?
I chose to look at airbnb as it one of the biggest travel apps used in todays society and overall I like the simplicity of the design, I downloaded the app and I found it easy to use. I am fond of the logo, its simple but still eye catching and chosen colour palette works really well together. The purpose of this app is interesting and the community that this app has created is a strong one, I find the overall message easy to understand and the process easy to follow as the app’s layout is organised and easily recognisable.
Alltrails
Alltrails is an app that provides over 100,000 hand curated trail maps for hikers, runners and bikers all around the world! They have a review section where people can post their opinions of the different maps and chosen trails, which is a vital feature in a travel app in my opinion.
Why did I choose this app?
I chose this app base I really like the overall concept, I liked how it was based on trails and the other features fit around this one idea, its specific and hits its exact target audience- people who want trail maps. I guess in some circumstance it could feel limited but its purpose and aims are met. I like the colour palette, the sage greens and earthy tones work well as I think it is very suited to the concept idea. Again I liked the layout of this app, I found it easy to manoeuvre across the app and its individual sections. I also found the interactive feature a great idea when it comes to travelling as this is a key part of the journey and overall experience.
Citymapper
Citymapper is a transit app that’s purpose is to provide users with public transit information, including real-time departure times and even disruption alerts. Apparently this app is better and ‘smarter’ than Google maps because it has the ability to categorise as many different routes as it can for the same journey and fit it all in one screen. This app also comes with a handy journey planner with Uber Integration and cycle routes, it really does cover all of your transit needs!
Why did I choose this app?
Immediately the name caught my eye as it is catchy and memorable, I also liked Citymapper’s purpose and I think it is a useful tool that you can keep in your pocket. I also was gravitating towards the icons used, the are simple and clear to read. However I am not too keen on the chosen colour palette and the overall design of the app, as times looks a little cluttered.
Hopper
Hopper is an app that helps its users achieve the best prices for flights and hotels. This app even notifies users when the best time to buy is or if they should wait a little longer before purchasing tickets! It’s purpose is to get its users the best possible price, with 95% acuracy.
Why did I choose this app?
Firstly I was intrigued immediately with the apps very catchy name and this is the only travel app that I researched with illustrations within the app, travel apps (from what I have gathered) tend to use real images of cities and countries. However I loved the illustrations within this app, along with the name and logo it is has a fun, energetic and slightly whimsical atmosphere! I also like the overall purpose of this app, as the subject area of ‘cheap flights’ is a topic I was thinking would suit the type of app I want to develop.
Hostelworld
Hostelworld is an app aimed for travellers who are on a budget and want to meet like-minded travellers and the countries locals. From scrolling through the app and reading reviews online I have discovered that this app has over 12 million reviews left by customers, this helps to persuade users to book a hostel and experience the ‘real world’ and not just the tourist brochure. This is one of the worlds leading travel app for travellers who are looking for a cheap yet cheerful and meaningful experience!
Why did I choose this app?
I chose to look deeper into Hostelworld as I am interested in creating an app for students/ young adults who want to travel and the majority of young people stay in hotels to save money. At first glance I liked the logo which formed two houses and the letter ‘H’ at the same time, alongside a simple colour scheme, the app seemed inviting and homely. Overall I think this is a great app suited for the younger generation and a very useful tool for cheap and cheerful travel!
Tripit
Tripit is an app that helps user to master itinerary and travel planning. The app allows users to keep all vital and important travel documents such as flight tickets and hotel check-in information all in a safe place, to prevent stress and anxiety! Another notable feature that I like was that Tripit makes it easy to sync travel plans to your calendar and even another person.
Why did I choose this app?
I liked Tripit because I liked the organisational intention behind it, I know myself when I travel I can misplace tickets or other essential information and this can cause stress and a lot of panicking. I found it a very useful app where it can keep all important information all in a safe place and I feel like I would actually use it. The only negative to this app is personally I prefer apps with a larger colour palette and apps that are more aesthetically and visually fun to look at, Tripit is mainly just white screens with a lot of information crammed in one box.
What have I learned?
I have learned that not many travel apps out there use illustration within their design, they focus mainly on real life images and their layouts are simple and easy to use. I want my app to be more visually appealing with colour and illustrations as that is something I am really interested in, I want to take this project and push it as far as possible. I have learned that each of these apps that I have mentioned all have a specific purpose and aim, which is an important element that I need to deliver to my directed target audience, and I should make it evident what my apps purpose is. Like some of the examples above, I want my app to have a clean and easily understandable layout but I want to add in some fun and personality to it!