02 Travel Apps

The brief was to design a travel app collection platform that helps users discover, browse, and access various apps that cater to different aspects of travel, from navigation to booking, translation, budgeting, and more.

‍

Challenges included :

• Making the interface easy to scan despite high content density
• Creating a clean, engaging layout for app discovery and categorisation
• Designing a scalable system that would support continuous content expansion
• Ensuring smooth communication with developers for pixel-perfect implementation

I conducted competitive and comparative research by reviewing similar app marketplaces and resource platforms (e.g. Product Hunt, App Store, curated tech stacks).

‍

Key takeaways :

• Users scan first, then decide. Clear categories and app icons are essential.
• Credibility signals like ratings or categories increase trust.
• Pages must load fast and feel clean — clutter causes bounce.

Information Architecture

• Homepage: App categories (e.g., Maps, Language, Booking)
• Category Pages: App cards with icons, titles, descriptions, and external links
• Detail Page (Optional): Short app summary + CTA
• Global Elements: Sticky navigation, search/filter, footer with terms and privacy
  ‍

Wireframes

• Define user journeys (browsing > app card > click-out)
• Optimise for clarity, contrast, and grid structure
• Validate key flows before diving into visual design

Visual Design Principles :

• Minimalist, editorial feel to balance utility with inspiration
• Travel-themed accent colours (soft blues, greens, sandy beige)
• Clear iconography and app visuals with strong contrast
• Legible typography across screen sizes

Component System :

• App Card Component with image/icon, name, short description, CTA
• Category Header with subtle illustrations
• Navigation System that’s flexible and easy to expand

This project was taken through structured design handoff :

• Figma files organised by components, screens, and states
• Conducted design review sessions with the development team and project manager to ensure alignment
• Addressed technical constraints and feedback in real-time
• Provided a mini style guide: typography, colours, spacing, and interaction notes
• Maintained open communication via Microsoft Teams during development

This was a great example of how clear documentation and collaboration can ensure design quality is preserved through development.

Mobile-first adjustments included :

• Stacked category grids with swipeable horizontal app cards
• Touch-friendly spacing
• Avoided hover-only interactions
• Performance-friendly layout with lazy-loading options discussed

While the platform did not run ads directly, I ensured :

• All links were clearly marked as external
• Privacy and cookie policy links were visible in the footer
• No misleading CTAs or content

While analytics post-launch were handled by the development team, I received positive feedback on :

• The ease of implementation thanks to the clean Figma structure
• Low friction collaboration between design and dev
• The interface's clarity and consistency

What I learned: Designing platforms that scale is not just about UI, it’s about planning, system thinking, and communication with your team.