Client:
Cosmo
Service:
Brand Identity, UX/UI
(2020)

Cosmo

I assisted Cosmo in creating a brand identity and designing the UX/UI for a mobile app that simplifies travel planning from point A to point B.
Project Description

Cosmo isn't merely a ticket booking application; it's your ultimate travel buddy, a know-it-all friend who guides you from point A to point B in the fastest and most convenient way possible—even if your journey takes you to the moon.

Cosmo approached me after identifying a significant gap in the current travel planning app market—the complexity of creating seamless travel routes between non-standard departure and arrival points. They envisioned developing a platform that would do more than find plane tickets. It would determine the optimal route from any starting point A to any destination B, offering alternative travel options and serving as a companion guide for travelers navigating their journey.

Objective:The task was to develop the branding, create a brand identity, and design both the interface and logic of the app within an extremely tight timeframe—just 2.5 weeks.

No items found.
Research

Initially, the project lacked everything fundamental: there was no name, no brand identity, no logo, and no clear vision for the app's design or user interface.

In our first briefing, we established a strong connection through our mutual focus on the travel sector. My comprehensive understanding of this sector, derived not only from my own travel experiences but also from insights into the industry's economic dynamics and technological landscape, played a crucial role. My ability to execute projects rapidly, thanks to my experience in managing similar ventures, was a significant advantage.

I emphasize the importance of a comprehensive analysis of the market and competitors before initiating the design process. However, I believe that truly understanding and connecting with customers comes from direct engagement. To capture authentic insights, we organized a focus group with potential users. During these sessions, we delved into their needs, preferences, and the enhancements they sought in similar products. This direct feedback was instrumental in guiding our approach to product features and branding, ensuring that our design decisions were aligned with user expectations and demands.

Strategic Planning and Research: We executed the following steps:

  • Conducted detailed market and competitor analyses.
  • Facilitated focus group sessions with potential customers.
  • Performed an in-depth SWOT analysis of competing applications.

Key Insights: Our research unearthed several challenges commonly faced by users of travel apps:

  • Complicated route planning processes.
  • Fragmented travel services.
  • Intricate app navigation.
  • Stagnation in app innovation.
  • Challenges in connecting with fellow travelers.

These findings were pivotal, shaping our project strategy and directing our efforts to tackle these issues, thereby improving the overall user experience.

No items found.
Design

Before diving into the actual design of the application, I believe it is essential to thoroughly study the market and competitors. However, the best way to cater to customers is to ask them directly about their needs and the improvements they desire. Therefore, we assembled a focus group of potential customers and asked them various questions to understand their vision for the product, additional features, and branding.

Based on the issues highlighted by the focus group, we developed solutions and integrated them into the design and logic of the application/platform.

The name "Cosmo" embodies the platform's goal and mission—not only to make travel more convenient but also to provide a valuable service that enhances the overall travel experience. The logo, fonts, and colors were chosen to reflect the essence of the platform: simplicity in navigation and the ability to reach any destination, whether it’s a rural village or the moon.

During a brainstorming session with the client, we analyzed all market data and customer insights to determine their vision for the application. I then began sketching wireframes based on this data and addressing the weaknesses in competitors' UX/UI designs. This preparation made it significantly easier to develop logical user flows, considering every step and pathway. As a result, the process of finalizing the prototype development was expedited.

No items found.
Testing

Thanks to a well-prepared plan and clearly outlined processes, I was able to complete the branding and prototype development within 3 weeks and deliver all materials to the client, including the brand book and app prototype.

As a result, Cosmo received positive feedback from users, who appreciated its functionality, ease of use, and design.

No items found.
Results

1. Successful Completion and Delivery:

  • Efficient Execution: With a well-structured plan and clearly defined processes, the project was completed within a tight two-week timeframe.
  • Comprehensive Deliverables: Delivered all project materials to the client, including a detailed brand book and a fully functional app prototype.

2. Positive User Feedback:

  • High User Satisfaction: Users praised the app’s functionality, intuitive design, and ease of use.
  • Enhanced User Experience: The app’s interface and features effectively addressed the common pain points identified during research, leading to a seamless travel planning experience.

3. Strong Brand Identity:

  • Cohesive Branding: Developed a strong and memorable brand identity for Cosmo, including a unique logo, fonts, and color scheme that reflect the platform’s mission to simplify and enhance travel.
  • Market Differentiation: Successfully positioned Cosmo as a distinctive and innovative player in the travel app market.

4. Innovative Solutions:

  • User-Centric Design: The design process was heavily informed by direct user feedback, ensuring that the final product met user needs and expectations.
  • Advanced Features: Integrated features like an interactive travel assistant and Cosmos Connect for finding travel companions, setting new standards for travel apps.

5. Comprehensive Market Research:

  • Thorough Analysis: Conducted detailed market and competitor analyses, along with a SWOT analysis, to inform the design and development process.
  • Actionable Insights: Used insights from focus groups to shape product features and branding, ensuring alignment with user preferences.

Overall, the Cosmo project was a success, demonstrating the power of strategic planning, user-centered design, and innovative thinking in creating a standout travel application.