The Retailer AI Travel Agent
A Travel Revolution Is Coming…
About the project
Via.ai is an up-and-coming startup at the forefront of delivering tailored travel experiences for retailers committed to fostering enduring customer relationships. I had the privilege of serving as their inaugural UX designer, contributing to refining the product vision, crafting a compelling prototype for investor presentations, and subsequently designing their innovative product.
Given the ongoing development status of this project, I'm unable to provide a comprehensive description or showcase most of the work I've been involved in. However, I can offer a glimpse into one of the challenges we faced during the project.
Company: Via.ai.com
Duration: 7/1/2023 - 12/1/2023
Programs Used: Figma
My Role: Lead UX/UI Designer (Contract)
Understanding the interaction between the AI travel agent and the user
Delving into the intricacies of the interaction between the AI travel agent and the user was a significant focus for us. We dedicated considerable time to crafting an experience that would truly revolutionize user engagement.
In this pursuit, we posed several critical questions:
Figuring out the user journey
We invested considerable time in deliberating the interaction between the agent and the user, defining our envisioned experience. Our discussions involved mapping out the AI's reactions in different scenarios and outlining the optimal journey for the prototype.
A more complex use case journey
Optimal journey for prototype
App design - Version 1
To showcase the product's potential, I collaborated with the founders over a few weeks to develop a fully functional prototype. This prototype demonstrated the user journey and experience on our platform, providing investors with a tangible preview.
Here are some insights into the logic behind our design decisions
⤵️ The pivotal question emerged:
How could we preserve the intended user experience without the luxury of developing an entirely new application?
Shortly after completing the overall project roadmap and defining business objectives, it became clear that achieving full production of the designed app within the specified delivery timeframe was not feasible.
Understanding our target users
Once a few aspects of the business were settled, we could confirm who the main user group would be: The Israeli traveler.
The Israeli traveler
“With the holiday season approaching, my family and I need a vacation. But with my demanding job and family responsibilities, I don’t have three hours to spend on planning. An AI travel agent that understands my preferences and simplifies the planning process would be a game-changer. It would let me focus on what matters most—enjoying quality time together.”
Wants:
Efficiency
Utilize retail points
Information Overload
Visas
Quick planning
Authentic Experiences
No headache
Pain points:
Limited Time
Need for Kosher Food
Affordability
Personal Safety
Work-life balance
Language Barrier
Development constraints… what else can we do?
In our exploration of alternative app solutions, our research focused on finding options already embraced by our Israeli users and easily customizable to our requirements - Whatsapp
✓ Over 95% of Israelis utilize WhatsApp for various purposes
✓ Public services like banks, stores, and airlines communicate with customers through WhatsApp
✓ WhatsApp's functional versatility allows for easy integration
WhatsApp screens
Using WhatsApp Business, we were able to integrate our journey fully into the WhatsApp app. Here are examples of the way the interaction would be.
Reflection
Working alongside this exceptionally talented group on the project was a truly enriching experience. I saw how my opinions were meaningful and had a tangible impact on the startup's trajectory. Not only did I enhance my design skills, but I also gleaned invaluable insights from the founders. My exposure to effective meeting management, adept question formulation, compelling investor presentations, and constructive critique have been instrumental in my professional growth. Collaborating with such a dynamic team and absorbing these multifaceted lessons was a privilege. I aspire to apply these practices to my upcoming ventures.
