HiChee website
redesign.
Introducing the "HiChee website" – go-to platform for effortlessly comparing prices on vacation rentals to find the best deals.
Company
HiChee
Role
Product designer
Service
Website design
Year
2023
Challenge
When I joined the HiChee team, the website had many inconsistencies and accessibility issues. Additionally, with only two designers, including myself, on the team, we were tasked with developing numerous new features requested by stakeholders.
Goal
Maintain website consistency and accessibility while also developing new features within tight time, budget, and staffing limits.
My role
My responsibilities involved redesigning website elements, creating new features, and addressing accessibility issues throughout the website.
( 01 ) Emphasize users
When I joined HiChee I conducted research on two distinct user groups: travellers and hosts.
The screenshots showcase survey results and Persona, offering a visual representation of our users.
( 02 ) Define problems
Users face the challenge of efficiently choosing affordable and comfortable accommodations within a limited time.
To better understanding of our users I created a user journey map and conducted a competitive audit.
( 03 ) Ideate solutions
I analyzed competitors and user research to brainstorm ideas for the redesign:
Competitive audit opportunities:
Navigation: add helpful filters at the top of the page so users can quickly see listings in specific categories.
Accessibility: add support for multiple languages, additional currencies, and a prominent 'Search by Location' button. Additionally, improve clarity and inclusivity by refining the 'Know More' button in the hosts section for a better experience, especially for users with disabilities
Engagement: Optimize user interaction by showcasing more articles such as 'Top Destinations' or 'Travel Ideas' for added engagement. Additionally, to display appealing listings upfront, allowing users to explore without navigating to other pages.
Visual design: Improve the look with high-quality and appealing pictures. Make content more engaging by changing videos to auto-playing GIFs or MP4s, as users often prefer shorter visuals.
Brand identity: highlight our independence as a platform, emphasizing our commitment to providing unbiased and unrestricted services.
User research ideas:
Navigation: simplify the main form by combining URL and location inputs and include a single clear button for ease of use. Highlight the price and rating filters to demonstrate our platform's advantages over competitors like Airbnb.
Enjoyment: Make it easy for users to be flexible with dates and locations with options like 'anywhere,' 'anytime,' country preferences, and a ± 10 days range. Build a community for travelers to share their experiences and insights about accommodation searching.
Accessibility: increase accessibility with a voice search feature.
Engagement: build trust by highlighting our free and transparent service. Improve accessibility by adding support for platforms like hotels.com, increase engagement with previews of popular articles on the main page, and enhance the user experience with a 'Favorites' feature.
Marketing: enhance SEO by optimizing code headings for improved search engine visibility. Explore potential collaborations with platforms like hoodmaps.com or nomadlist.com for mutual benefits.
( 04 ) Design solutions
We started with the flow that had the most important functions and significant impacts on users – the price comparison page.
Tidied up the whole page removed extra info and adjusted colors.
Enhanced accessibility by implementing a new calendar, updating all icons, addressing font issues, introducing primary and secondary buttons, and incorporating an FAQ section.
Improved consistency by creating a unified color palette, emphasizing accents that match the logo.
We improved user enjoyment by showcasing the best options and enhancing visuals with brighter pictures.
Before
After
Then we redesigned the log in flow.
We improved the login process by simplifying form fields, optimizing error messages, and adding alternative authentication methods like login through Google and Facebook.
The next important flow was the listing verification.
We improved the process by simplifying the form fields, condensing the entire process into 5 easy steps, optimizing error messages, and adding progress indicators to guide users through each step.
We improved the mobile search flow because many of our users prefer the mobile version.
We improved the mobile vacation rental search experience by designing seamless navigation and enhancing accessibility, providing users with a more efficient experience.
( 06 ) Get results
We increased user engagement by 46% and user accessibility, attributed to enhanced usability and streamlined navigation features.
More happy users every day – more hosts are listing their vacation rentals, and more travelers are using our website on a daily basis.
( 07 ) Consider next steps
My next steps involve conducting thorough market and user research to identify key competitors and market trends. Using this data, we aim to refine the website's features and functionalities to gain a competitive edge. Our focus will be on enhancing user experience and optimizing search algorithms for more accurate and efficient results.
Additionally, we aim to establish strategic partnerships with leading vacation rental providers to expand the platform's inventory and ensure users have access to a wide range of options. Through iterative design iterations and user feedback, I will continue to iterate and improve the website to meet the evolving needs of travelers and enhance their booking experience.