Climatize is a mobile app designed to help travelers acclimate to new environments by offering tailored, real-time tips. Acclimatizing is often a complex process, especially when crossing continents and multiple time zones. I aimed to create a tool that provides timely advice as you're getting settled on your new destination.
My role
Entire product design from research to concept creation, visualization and testing.
Design goals
• Deliver relevant, timely information that prepare users for climate and environmental changes
• Help users feel prepared and comfortable in unfamiliar settings
• Ensure a layout that fits their needs
Target group
Travelers who struggle to adjust to new climates and time zones, feeling unprepared or overwhelmed by the sudden changes in weather and routine.
Outcome
A helpful app that makes travelers feel more prepared, less stressed and enhances their ability to adapt quickly, resulting in more time for more worthwhile experiences while traveling.
To design a tool that meets travelers needs, I formulated questions that helped me to discover user needs and giving me more insight in their journey.
• How might we help travelers feel prepared and quickly adapt to new climates and routines?
• What information is valuable for travelers pre-trip, on arrival, and during their stay?
• How can the app's layout and functionality help users find relevant information quickly?
I used a variety of research and design methods to answer the research questions. These were the ones that proved to be the most valuable.
For Climatize, I used user journey mapping and prototyping to organize app features based on a travel timeline, ensuring the app provides tips relevant to each phase of the traveler’s journeys.
• User interviews to identify users’ needs and pain points when travelling to different time zones and climates.
• User testing to validate if the prototype met users' needs in terms of acclimatizing and usability.
• User journey mapping to structure more time-sensitive pain points and possible solutions across four key phases: Two weeks before departure, three days before departure, day of arrival, and first days on destination. I had the opportunity to follow a selection of users that prepared for their new travel destination that kept me up-to-date of their experiences while they got acclimatized to their new destination.
Impression user journey research
To anwers to the questions, research was conducted. The research provided several key insights that directly impacted design choices.
Travelers need quick, stage-specific tips to support an easy going travel experience without overwhelming details. I discovered the following time-sensitive needs:
• Two weeks before departure: initial tips on packing and climate adaptation
• Three days before departure: last-minute reminders and health tips
• Arrival: guidance on sleep, hydration, and local weather
• First days at the destination: practical tips for settling in
Travelers had the need to understand the "why" behind recommendations to get adjusted to their new destination. They also needed essential information on how to get started with the recommendation. By providing more background information and benefits when needed we make each tip more actionable.
Users preferred personalized, time-sensitive, practical tips over specific facts or numbers about the climate, like wind or humidity. It's important to minimize the emphasis on specific numbers that don't provide them with a direct impression of what it's going to be like.
There was also the need for reassurance before the trip to make them feel more prepared. Users experienced a lot of reassurance when people from their home country gave them practical packing recommendations if they visited the place before.
I ideated through sketching as this is a low-effort way to explore new ideas. I created the essential features of the app like the home screen and detail page. While reviewing the concept with users, it confirmed the insights and gave a green light to move on to the next phase.
The time-sensitive part of the app is essential for the flow of the app. To map this, I made flow diagrams, which I reviewed with users to make sure it met their needs.
After some adjustments with new user feedback, wireframes, clickable mid- and high-fidelity prototypes were created using Figma. I focused on creating a logical flow from one phase to the next, prioritizing quick access to tips and detailed pages.
Wireframe design notes
• Slider format on the homepage to display tips in a scrollable format
• Popovers on the detail page that explain the benefits and actions for each tip
• Quick-access sections for key details like flight and packing info
To fine-tune Climatize, I conducted rounds of user testing that focused on how easily users could find relevant tips and use the detail pages.
Key feedback
• Preference for smaller font sizes and no more than three tips on a single screen
• Interest in clear, action-oriented information on tip benefits
• Users suggested adding a more detailed section for travel recommendations
I implemented this feedback by I refining the tips layout, added expandable options, and ensured the detail page offers context and the practical guidance the users needed.
A user-centered mobile app designed through an iterative process, created to help travelers acclimate to new environments with confidence and ease. I conducted thorough research, ideated, and tested three prototypes (low-, mid-, and high-fidelity) with users to refine usability and the app’s core features.
• 80% of users reported feeling better prepared for their destination's climate
• 70% found the tips helpful in reducing stress during travel
• 90% said the app enhanced their ability to adapt quickly to new time zones and weather
When resources allow for it, these are my recommendations for a future version, based on user feedback:
• Expanded information on vaccinations and health tips based on the destination
• Suggestions for local traditions, customs and activities that match current weather and climate conditions
• Push notifications for timely advice on clothing and travel prep leading up to departure
Designing Climatize taught me more about the value of time-sensitive information, clear navigation, and balancing details with simplicity. When refining the design, I was often challenged to avoid the 'detailed plan' that users would get overwhelmed by. It was very tempting to try to cover every single travel scenario that I could think of. I was reminded that this wasn't my goal here and started to prioritize based on the most immediate needs of travelers.
I think it's important to acknowledge that when traveling, there are always at least some unknown factors, and it's good to leave some room for them as well and stay flexible.
By providing the right information at the right time, we give travelers more opportunities to anticipate and adapt.
I'm available for job opportunities, collaborations,
or just a friendly 'hello' 😄
