Let’s Connect
This project involves researching the types of visitors at the Ibis Hotel and creating a tool to connect the selected target group with the local community in Rotterdam.
Client: ibis Rotterdam City Centre
Year: 2019
Role: Researching, UX research, Concepting, Prototyping, UX/UI Design, Usability testing
Design tools: Adobe XD, Illustrator
About the company
Ibis Rotterdam City Centre, opened in August 2014, is a brand-new, trendy, and modern hotel located on the waterfront of the Wijnhaven in the heart of Rotterdam. Despite its central location, the hotel offers a quiet atmosphere with excellent transport connections. It is the ideal starting point for exploring Rotterdam.
Case
Together with a team of designers and the case owner, IBIS Hotel, we created a tool for travelers to connect and explore locally in Rotterdam. Our main goal was to transform IBIS Hotel into a community center where people come to meet and engage.
Target group
After thorough research on the types of travelers who visit the Ibis Rotterdam City Centre, we decided to focus on business travelers, identifying them as the most promising target group.
The business traveller
As the title suggests, business travelers visit the Ibis Rotterdam City Centre for short stays primarily for business purposes. The promising aspect of targeting business travelers is their inherent need for new connections, as they travel to meet business partners, attend conferences, meetings, or corporate events. We aimed to emphasize the “connecting part” by facilitating interactions with locals in the city center of Rotterdam, using Hotel Ibis as the starting point.
The design process
We structured this project using the double diamond technique, divided into four phases. In the first phase, we diverged by researching the target groups of Hotel Ibis Rotterdam, including locals, stakeholders, and the hotel’s surroundings. In the second phase, we converged by synthesizing this information, identifying key insights, and starting the conceptualization process. After developing multiple concepts, we selected the most promising one to advance to phase three. In phase three, we diverged again by turning the concept into prototypes. These prototypes were tested multiple times in phase four. In the final phase, we refined the prototypes based on test results to create an end product we were satisfied with.
Phase 1: Research
In this initial phase, we conducted thorough research to gain a comprehensive understanding of the task, the case owner, the hotel at Wijnhaven, its visitors, and the surrounding area. The goal was to develop a complete overview of all relevant factors.
Phase 2: Concepting
With the insights gathered from phase 1, we moved on to the concept development stage. We identified business travelers as our most promising target group. Using the collected data, we pinpointed the challenges this group faces and brainstormed various solutions. From these ideas, we developed several concepts and selected the most promising one to present to our stakeholders.
Phase 3: Design
In phase 3, we began transforming our concept ideas into app prototypes with a focus on design and branding. We developed a brand identity that was both professional and inviting. We created a flowchart and translated it into wireframes to outline the user experience. Once we had a clear overview of the app’s flow, we proceeded to build a high-fidelity prototype.
Phase 4: Testing
In this final phase, we conducted multiple rounds of user testing to assess usability and identify any issues with the prototypes. Based on the feedback and data collected, we refined the prototype into a final product that met our satisfaction and goals.
Let’s Connect
This tool is specifically designed for business travelers staying at IBIS Hotel Rotterdam City Centre. It aims to facilitate meaningful connections with local professionals and fellow travelers, provide opportunities for conducting business, and offer relaxing and recreational activities. By leveraging IBIS Hotel as a central hub, the tool helps users discover local dining, networking events, and cultural experiences, all while ensuring a seamless integration with their business needs. Whether it’s finding a quiet spot to work, meeting new contacts, or exploring Rotterdam’s vibrant community, this tool enhances the overall travel experience by blending business and leisure in one convenient platform.
Phase 1: Research
In this initial phase, we conducted thorough research to gain a comprehensive understanding of the task, the case owner, the hotel at Wijnhaven, its visitors, and the surrounding area. The goal was to develop a complete overview of all relevant factors.
Phase 2: Concepting
With the insights gathered from phase 1, we moved on to the concept development stage. We identified business travelers as our most promising target group. Using the collected data, we pinpointed the challenges this group faces and brainstormed various solutions. From these ideas, we developed several concepts and selected the most promising one to present to our stakeholders.
Phase 3: Design
In phase 3, we began transforming our concept ideas into app prototypes with a focus on design and branding. We developed a brand identity that was both professional and inviting. We created a flowchart and translated it into wireframes to outline the user experience. Once we had a clear overview of the app’s flow, we proceeded to build a high-fidelity prototype.
Phase 4: Testing
In this final phase, we conducted multiple rounds of user testing to assess usability and identify any issues with the prototypes. Based on the feedback and data collected, we refined the prototype into a final product that met our satisfaction and goals.
Let’s Connect
This tool is specifically designed for business travelers staying at IBIS Hotel Rotterdam City Centre. It aims to facilitate meaningful connections with local professionals and fellow travelers, provide opportunities for conducting business, and offer relaxing and recreational activities. By leveraging IBIS Hotel as a central hub, the tool helps users discover local dining, networking events, and cultural experiences, all while ensuring a seamless integration with their business needs. Whether it’s finding a quiet spot to work, meeting new contacts, or exploring Rotterdam’s vibrant community, this tool enhances the overall travel experience by blending business and leisure in one convenient platform.
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