The first step was to do a teardown on the current interface. Through this process is when we discovered we would need an entirely new UX strategy to be inline with the business goals of TravelBuddy. Some of the key areas that clearly needed changes were:

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• Nav menu: Unclear and possibly not the best use of space for what the app aims to guide users to do.
• Hierarchy: Repetition is good, but the color gradient and heavy block style makes the app feel outdated.
• Map: Not integrated, and does not clearly guide the user to take any intended action.
• Motion: Very static design also makes it feel a bit cheap.
• Icons: Unclear use and unbalanced in weight.

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From completing the teardown I knew I wanted to focus on:

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• Revisiting the nav menu and implementing new IA.
• Creating more opportunities for users to browse interesting trips and deals while also driving them towards conversion.
• Integrating the map.
• Improving the hierarchy and adding more visual appeal using design principles.
• Adding motion with multiple types of scrolling and interactive icons.
• Implement "best practices" from other top travel apps: Flighty, Airbnb & Skyscanner.

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Identified common "best practices" from other well-designed, popular and successful travel apps. Some key UX factors I identified and implemented included:

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• Vertical swipe to toggle between map and list view.
• Clear search bar on main page.
• Integrated map view behind a fully detailed list view.
• Ability to filter and set searched to custom needs.
• Interface factors such as rounded corners, clear use of icons, and gentle shadows.