Vgo

Travel App: Thesis Project

Role

UX Researcher
UX/UI Designer
Illustaror

Time

8 Months

Tools

Figma
After Effects

A digital platform tailored for travellers to help them discover hidden gems and match with locals

By customizing travel experiences to personal preferences, users can match with local friends who act as tour guides, introducing them to local spots. It aims to fosters authetic cultural exchange between locals and tourists, encouraging meaningful connections and breaking down barriers in tourism.

THE PROBLEM

"How long-term tourists can engage in cultural immersion through tourism while build meaningful connections within the community."

A survey was conducted with over 22 participant that have travelled aboard for an extended period of time

Through conducting the survey I found...

63%

Priority connection with locals

25%

Wish to discover more hidden gems

77%

Want to learn more about the culture

The Soultion

This project aims to redefine tourism through cultural immersion by connecting travellers with local communities and attractions. Through my research, I discovered that many travellers value the emotional connections and experiences tied to a place and its people, often finding more meaning in hidden gems and local culture than in touristy attractions. However, travellers often struggle to find authentic locations due to reliance on tourist-centric resources and hesitations about stepping outside their comfort zone to connect with locals, which limits their ability to engage deeply with the location they are in.

User's Persona

To better understand our users, I created the persona of "Sofia" based on the main pain points, needs, and goals collected from the survey. Sofia is a extraverted travellers that is excited to meet new friends but not sure how. Following her perpective, we can better grasp how we can find a soultion for her to make friends while traveling.

Empathy Mapping:
Pain Points Experienced in Tourism

Taken from personal stories from the surveies conducted, users reveal the common challenges they face while traveling

Combining Product Models

By combining different app models, I created a unique platform that not only helps users find tour guides and book tours, but also fosters a community between tourists and locals to curate new cultural experiences.

Travel Meetup App

Find other travellers to hang out with

Tour Guide Models

Booking tours with the focus on the social aspect

Dating Apps

Swiping mechanism & customizable personal profiles

Language Exchange App

Exchange of culture and language between 2 people

What's the soultion?

Find Local Friends

Match with locals who share your interests. They’ll guide you to cultural gems and exchange stories over shared passions.

Choose your itenary

Tell us what excites you, and we’ll personalize recommendations. Study, work, or wander—your adventure stays uniquely yours.

Explore Hidden gems

Skip the crowded spots and dive into authentic experiences. Find hidden cafes, street art, and local hangouts loved by locals.

How the App Works?

This flow shows how tourist personalize their match results with locals

How the App is Structured?

In my prototype, I will be focusing on the Home and Explore flow, highlighted in the dark purple

Devloping User Requirments

By clearly define what users needs, It translates user insights and goals into specific, actionable requirements that guide the design funtions and development process.

Presenting Vgo

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Design System

Personalize your perferences

Set your travel preference to find your perfect travel companion

Search for locals

Filter your city, date, time, how many people, and what you want to do

Get to know the locals

Explore profiles to get to know more about the person. Find out where they like to go in their free time, suggested itinerary, reviews, and past memories

Reply to prompts

Have any questions on locals recommend spots? Reply to locals through their prompts and get to know them better

Make a travel buddies

If this person fits your preference, hit the “join me” button to be travel buddies

View plan

View plan to confirm tour and see itinerary

Message

Message your travel buddies for plans or any questions you have about the place

Going solo?Discover hidden gems

Want to discover hidden gems by yourself? No worries! Find the newest and trendiest spots recommend by locals near you. This feature is location based only, so you can only discover new spots as you walk around.