Hotello


a hotel reservation app

Prototype








Role

UI Designer

Duration

8 weeks

Tools

Figma
Illustrator
Photoshop

Skills

Prototyping
Visual Design
User Interface






OVERVIEW

A safe hotel reservation app




Hotello is a user interface design for a hotel booking application developed for my Visual Design class at Kennesaw State University. The prototype aims to evoke the comforting experience of arriving at a hotel as night falls, emphasizing the reassuring glow of hotel lights guiding guests to their destination. This narrative of warmth and safety is the cornerstone of the Hotello design.




/ 01

Utilizing Variables




To enhance adaptability, I leveraged Figma’s variable system, allowing me to create a responsive design that works seamlessly across different screen sizes and modes. Key features include:

  • Dark and Light Modes: Custom modes designed to suit user preferences, improving usability in varying lighting conditions.

  • Multi-Device Responsiveness: Developed layouts for desktop, tablet, and mobile, ensuring a consistent user experience across devices.

  • Auto Layout and 8-Point Grid: All components follow an 8-point grid and auto layout properties, ensuring scalability and consistency in design.



/ 02

Prioritizing Consistency




Consistency was a key principle throughout the Hotello project. By utilizing reusable components and Figma's variable system, I ensured that design elements remained uniform across all screen sizes and modes. This approach enabled:

  • Visual and Functional Consistency: From buttons to typography, every design element was systematically aligned, creating a harmonious user interface.

  • Scalable Design: Ensured that the design could be easily maintained and scaled for future updates, minimizing potential discrepancies during development.




/ 03

Ideation and Interation




The design system for Hotello was established early in the project, which provided a solid foundation for further refinement. As the design progressed, I focused on continuously improving the UI by iterating on assigned pages and components. During this process, I kept several core principles in mind:

  • User-Centric Design: Designed with a focus on presenting information in ways that maximize clarity and value for users.

  • Design Heuristics: Applied fundamental usability principles, ensuring that the interface is intuitive, accessible, and engaging.

  • Iterative Improvement: I regularly revisited and enhanced the design based on feedback, ensuring that the solution addressed both functional and aesthetic goals.




/ 04

Simplifying User Flows




Simplicity was key to creating an intuitive experience in Hotello. I aimed to keep user flows straightforward while introducing small, delightful interactions to make the experience enjoyable. Some key strategies included:

  • Streamlined Interaction: Simplified the process of tasks like hotel check-in, allowing users to complete them effortlessly.

  • Minimalist Design: Focused on reducing visual clutter, using only essential elements to guide users through the interface.



/ 05

Conclusion




Hotello was one of the first full-scale visual design projects I developed in Figma, making it a pivotal part of my journey as a designer. The project allowed me to explore the intricacies of storytelling through visual design, using a contrasting color palette to enhance the user’s emotional experience. This project solidified my passion for crafting enjoyable, cohesive, and user-centered interfaces. Designing an entirely new interface from scratch was a unique challenge that helped me grow creatively while understanding the users' needs in an adventurous, engaging context.


       © 2024 Dylan Bagwell