1. Research
Travelling has proven benefits for mental health: it reduces stress, boosts happiness hormones, and provides fresh perspectives. For 65% of Germans who travel, the primary motivation is “rest and relaxation.” However, the process of planning trips often consumes a significant amount of time, detracting from the enjoyment of the journey itself.
To tackle this challenge, I focused on reducing planning time while maximizing the actual travel experience. Notably, a study by the Bavarian Centre for Tourism (April 2024) revealed that 69% of respondents with prior experience using AI in tourism relied on ChatGPT extensions for travel planning. This highlights that the barrier to adopting an AI-based travel app is relatively low, making it a promising solution for enhancing the travel experience.
Through interviews with three different people, I was able to find out the needs and wishes for such an app. The most important findings were the following.
GENERAL THINGS ON TRAVELLING
- Number of trips per year: 2-4 times (short and longer trips; mostly city trips)
- Reasons for travelling: escape the daily grind; relax; food; experience a different culture; time with family; seeing new things
- Planning: roughly in advance; exact plan on each day
- Means of transport used: mainly by foot + local transport or own car; scooters and bikes less popular
NEEDS & PAIN POINTS
- Simple customization: select interests (sights, hidden gems, restaurants) and special needs (e.g. dog-friendly places; accessibility) using images or sliders.
- Flexibility: Adapt routes to weather conditions and spontaneous changes. Suggest different routes with different attractions on the way to the next destination.
- User-friendliness: Easy to use (not overwhelmed with information), simple and intuitive/understandable tools.
- Additional functions: Integration of opening times and reviews; reservations and ticket bookings less desirable
2. App
Once I had finalized my vision for the travel app, which would be an AI route-planning tool for city trips, I started designing the first wireframes and screens in Figma.
First screens
Different stages of screens
Final screens
In various phases of revision, gathering feedback and adjusting the screens, I created an app that minimizes the time the user spends planning their routes and makes any changes during the city trip easy as well. Utilizing sliders, keywords and a mood board to help the user give the AI the most essential information for the desired route, travelling is now more relaxed and smarter.
Save yourself the time of planning and instead spend it travelling and discovering the city with easygoing.
