I found one particular finding from travelers between the ages 35-55 interesting. Many stated that it was more difficult for them to meet people than it had been in earlier years. This age groups spend less time In shared accommodations like hostels and more time in individual housing including airbnb and hotels. Furthermore, many mentioned that they preferred not to travel with people in younger age groups, however, upon further questions, most of their pain points originated from meeting up with fellow travelers who didn’t have similar goals of traveling as them, while they were happy to travel with younger traveler who had similar motives. Meeting other travelers also altered and added to people’s travel locations and plans. Several anecdotes related to meeting a fellow traveler and making a decision to stay on the same travel path for commrodery and financial benefits (the ability to share hostel rooms or rides). Similar travel paths also positively influenced travelers decisions to spend more time with others that they organically met - ie when they met someone who was traveling to the same locations they were traveling to they were more likely to spend a significant amount of time with them after meeting. Finally, safety came up frequently - both as a reason/benefit to meeting other travelers as well as a barrier to meeting others. Overall, meeting others while traveling left incredibly positive impacts on user’s travel experiences and formed bonds that lasted after they returned home, but at times it was difficult to find other travelers who traveled at the same pace and had similar interests.

Challenges and Considerations

Because this is a social platform, it will be important to have a solid user base - how can I direct new users to sign up? Some thoughts included thinking through low barriers to entry, social media integration, micro-influencer media campaigns, affinity group sponsorship.

Travelers will use the app heavily for a specified period of time, but how can I keep up user interaction and encourage repeat usage? Solutions included providing a ‘locals’ function that allows travelers to meet/host travelers while at home, and send push notifications about travel ideas based on previous trips or interests.

Travelers will come from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, differing levels of language efficiencies, and varying levels of abilities. How do I ease these barriers? Some ideas included google translation integration, prioritize inclusivity through rigorous abilities testing, be ever mindful of language, iconography, and cultural significance of colors.

Audience

The audience base for Vagabond focuses on “backpackers” - those traveling for at least 4 weeks of travel to different countries or cities. The age range varies between 18-55.

Feature Prioritization

Although it was tempting to add in every feature that a backpacker may find useful while meeting or choosing social activities, I chose to focus on the moment of connecting two people with inclusivity as a key component..

User Flow

The user flow is simple and straightforward with a fixed bottom nav for easy navigation. The onboarding process allows travelers to add in future and current trips. Geo locations tap into where the traveler currently is to match with nearby backpackers while a filter system ensures each person will be matched with someone with similar interests, qualifications, and pace.

Visual Design

A fun and friendly logo, bold typography and colors that represent the horizons backpackers continually chase. Many travelers spoke about the necessity to be open and friendly in order to meet someone to travel with. With this in mind, I made the branding clean and welcoming.

UI Design and Prototyping

The overall resulting product design utilizes the visual language while creating simple direct CTAs with an uncomplicated and streamlined journey.  The buttons, typography, and systems are minimal and bold to communicate quickly and efficiently the actions that the backpacker needs to take to connect with others.