Optimizing the booking process for a smooth and effortless hotel reservation experience.
Case Study
Travel made simple
Stayfinder redefines hotel booking, acting as your gateway to memorable travel adventures. Effortlessly secure accommodations that reflect your style and comfort, with access to curated recommendations and local experiences that bring each destination to life. Enjoy smooth reservations, insightful local guides, and a welcoming stay wherever you go—Stayfinder is here to make your travel seamless, personal, and enriching.
My Design Approach
The design approach for Stayfinder focuses on a user-centered, streamlined booking experience, emphasizing simplicity and clarity. By prioritizing clean layouts and intuitive navigation, the design minimizes visual clutter while highlighting essential information. Transparent pricing and personalized recommendations build user confidence, and each element is refined through iterative feedback to ensure usability, trust, and overall satisfaction in the booking process.
Challenges
What was the problem? 🤷♂️
Users find hotel websites overwhelming, with cluttered layouts and excessive information.
Pricing is unclear, with hidden fees, leaving users uncertain about their choices.
How are we solving it? 💡
Streamline navigation for ease of use.
Present clear, transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Offer personalized recommendations based on user preferences.
Provide intuitive filtering options to help users quickly find the best choices.
What are the user needs? 👤
Easy navigation: A platform that’s simple to browse, free from clutter.
Clear pricing: Transparent costs to help users budget confidently.
Relevant recommendations: Tailored suggestions based on preferences.
Accurate information: Detailed photos, check-in/check-out times, and amenities.
Quick booking process: A streamlined experience with no unnecessary steps
Flexible options: Refundable rates and easy modifications.
Making the booking process effortless with a simple, user-friendly website, so guests can find and book accommodations with ease, from browsing hotels to completing reservations.
Delivering exceptional hospitality and quality accommodations to ensure memorable stays at great value. Every hotel experience is designed to leave guests feeling satisfied and valued.
Committed to transparency, providing clear pricing with no hidden fees. Guests can book with confidence, knowing exactly what they’re paying for with no surprises at checkout.
Offering a wide selection of accommodations to meet diverse needs, from luxury to budget-friendly options. Whether traveling for business, leisure, or adventure, our platform ensures each guest finds a stay that fits their unique preferences and style.
User Survey
Some of the user survey questions include,
A set of survey questions was designed to capture users' perspectives on the challenges associated with booking hotels. These questions primarily focused on identifying the target audience, challenges, the efforts involved, etc. in finding suitable accommodation.
User Survey
The survey was designed in such a way to receive responses in the form of both qualitative and quantitative data.
The wide spectrum of data received helped empathize with user behaviour.
Usability Testing
Before beginning the competitor analysis participants from the primary research phase were invited to complete a moderated usability test on competitors' products. This process provided insights into user interactions with similar apps and helped identify priorities for Stayfinder’s design. The findings are as follows:
Concise information on each page is essential, as excessive scrolling or clutter can confuse users, especially when comparing rooms.
Clear details on included amenities (such as breakfast and free cancellation) help set accurate expectations for users.
Clear indicators on the validity of special offers reduce user frustration and unnecessary back-and-forth.
User Flow
Throughout this process, users can engage with the product and explore a variety of opportunities and features on our platform, all without needing to log in.
The content is mapped out to display at each stage of the user journey.
Information architecture illustrating the user flow for Stayfinder
Low-Fidelity Sketch
The user flow was developed to know the site screens to see
the future flows and organize the ideas for the site.
Impact Created
For this project, a website was chosen over an app to maximize accessibility for all users.
This means the design centered primarily on desktop, with a mobile website included based on insights from the case study. A website was chosen over an app to ensure that desktop users also have easy access.
(01) Change Location
This is the first step in the booking process. Simply enter a city, region, or specific address to set your preferred location for hotel search results. Instantly discover how many accommodations are available in your desired area. With real-time updates and an easy-to-use interface, finding the perfect place to stay has never been more convenient.
(02) Date Selector
This is the second step in the booking process. Select your check-in and check-out dates to narrow down available accommodations for your stay. If your travel plans are flexible, simply choose the "I'm Flexible" option to explore a wider range of dates and find the best deals or availability.
(03) Guest Selector
This is the third step in the booking process. Specify the number of guests, including adults, children, and even pets, to ensure the accommodation fits your needs. With a simple and user-friendly interface, you can customize your search to find places that are perfect for your group—whether it's a solo trip, family getaway, or pet-friendly vacation.
Search Results
Refine your search with ease in this step of the
booking process. Choose between list and
grid views to browse accommodations
in the format that best suits your preferences.
The clear and professional layout ensures a
seamless and efficient browsing experience.
Booking Form
This is the final step in the booking process. Provide all necessary details, including the number of guests and any specific preferences, to secure your accommodation. Designed with a clear and professional interface, the form ensures a seamless completion of your booking, tailored to your unique requirements—whether for an individual trip, a family vacation, or a pet-friendly stay.
Key Takeaway
Reflection on the project outcome
Stayfinder challenged me to design an intuitive platform that addresses common pain points in accommodation booking, such as unclear pricing, inefficient filters, and confusing booking processes. Through user research, I identified these challenges and incorporated features like advanced filtering, a streamlined booking flow, and interactive maps. Testing prototypes at each stage ensured the final design was both user-friendly and visually appealing.
This case study strengthened my ability to balance user needs with functional design, delivering a solution that simplifies the booking experience.
Chelsey Bodenham
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