UX Case Study
Sailing Hostess App
SeaFeast
Duration:
January 2024 - April 2024
All in one solution for sailing hostesses…
…eliminates the need to juggle between multiple applications by integrating a diverse set of tools and features into a single platform, providing a streamlined experience that enhances efficiency and convenience.
A sailing hostess plays a crucial role in ensuring the comfort and satisfaction of guests during sailing trips, managing tasks such as meal planning, provisioning, guest communication, and onboard hospitality.
Designed with a keen focus on the specific needs of hostesses on sailing trips, this app combines real-time preference updates, recipe generation based on guest preferences, communication tools, dedicated sailing guides, guests’ briefing reminders, and a money/expenses tracker.
It is designed for individuals at various stages in their careers; whether you're a newcomer without formal training, recently completed a course, or a seasoned professional.
Responsibility
UX Research
Ux Design
User Testing
Tools
Figma
Zoom
Squarespace
Problem Statement
Lack of a user-friendly tool to manage trips and tasks efficiently, causing inefficiencies and oversight. Novices struggle with a steep learning curve, and experienced professionals deal with fragmented solutions. The unique challenges of boat space and dynamic trips call for a tailored app beyond generic tools. The industry needs a comprehensive solution for smoother operations and an enhanced experience for both hostesses and guests.
Goal
To create an app for sailing hostesses, offering streamlined trip management and tailored features for efficient operations."
Design Process
There are no apps providing assistance or tools tailored to the unique responsibilities of hostesses on sailing vessels…
My research uncovered a gap in sailing apps, particularly in ones aiding crew members. While apps like Navily and Navionics serve sailors/skippers with features like anchorages and weather forecasts, there are no apps for sailing hostesses.
Existing apps offer fragmented tools like recipe generation (SuperCook), messaging (WhatsApp, Viber), and money tracking (GoodBudget), but none comprehensively address hostess needs, leading to juggling between multiple apps
How this app stands out?
Target Audience
Sailing hostesses working in the sailing industry, both experienced and novice.
Charter companies and boat rental agencies employing hostesses.
Guests participating in sailing trips who benefit from improved communication and services provided by hostesses.
User Research
My approach involved employing two research methods: qualitative and quantitative analysis. For the qualitative aspect, I conducted interviews with 4 individuals employed as hostesses in Croatia's sailing industry during the summer season. Meanwhile, in the quantitative research, I administered a survey to a sample of 11 participants and a short poll consisting of 9 yes / no question submitted to 6 sailing hostesses.
Qualitative Research
Interviews
Participants
Four hostesses working in the sailing industry.Each interview lasting approximately 15-20 minutes.
Interview Questions
Through interviews, I sought to understand hostesses' experiences and challenges in the sailing industry, including meal planning, guest communication, and organisation. I aimed to pinpoint inefficiencies in trip management and gather insights to develop tailored solutions for their unique needs.
Quantitative Research
Survey
Through survey questions, I aimed to grasp the daily experiences and challenges of hostesses on sailboats or catamarans. I delved into their guest communication methods, provisioning processes, menu creation based on preferences, and digital tool usage comfort. Moreover, I sought their views on integrating technology to boost efficiency, such as interactive trip planning, video tutorials for sailing tasks, and budget management tools.
Poll
I also conducted short poll to gather insights into the desired features for the app, including messaging and photo sharing with guests, updating preference lists, recipe generation, expense tracking, sailing tips and reminders, guest briefing tips, task management with a to-do list, and organised work weeks with access to specific week-related data.
Insights
Through the remote interviews, I gained a comprehensive understanding of the complexity of their daily and weekly routines, encompassing everything from initial guest contact to provisioning and the sailing trip itself.
Through these survey questions, I aimed to gain insights into various aspects of the hostess's role on sailboats or catamarans. This includes understanding their experience level, communication methods with guests, challenges in provisioning and managing guest expectations, current provisioning processes, menu creation methods, and any time-consuming or challenging aspects. Additionally, I sought to explore the potential benefits of interactive planning through a digital platform, the hostess's role in assisting the skipper during sailing tasks, their comfort level with using digital tools, and their perspectives on the integration of technology to enhance efficiency.
Poll of desired features in the app:
expressed interest in having message and photo exchange option with guests within app.
expressed a desire for a feature to update preference list.
found the features for money and budget tracking, as well as those offering sailing tips and reminders / assistance to the skipper to be useful.
expressed interest in having ability to create a to - do list.
found a recipe generation feature based on filled preference list useful.
found the function offering guest briefing tips useful.
Pain Points
Lack of dedicated platform for hostesses to manage sailing trips efficiently
Fragmented nature of existing solutions leads to inefficiencies and oversight
Novice hostesses face steep learning curve without formal training
Experienced hostesses struggle with managing multiple tools for trip management
Confined space of boat and dynamic nature of sailing trips demand tailored app
Need for comprehensive solution to simplify tasks and enhance guest experience
Solutions
Introduce a comprehensive platform for streamlined trip management
Consolidate essential functionalities tailored for hostesses' specific needs
Provide real-time preference updates, recipe generation, and communication tools
Offer dedicated sailing guides, guest briefing reminders, and money tracking features
Ensure seamless operations and enhance overall guest satisfaction
Simplify tasks and eliminate inefficiencies through a user-friendly interface
User Persona
User Journey Map
Persona: Antonia
Goal: To navigate her sailing trips effectively
Information Architecture
Sketches / Low Fidelity Wireframes
High Fidelity Wireframes & App Features
Calendar
The Calendar section features a user-friendly interface, allowing hostesses to input their working weeks with color-coded distinctions for clarity;
working weeks are displayed both on the calendar and in a list format below, providing easy access to specific weeks for further details and management.
Intuitive screen where hostesses craft personalised preference lists, with added functionality to seamlessly share the completed list with guests. Drawing from familiar form-building applications, it simplifies the process of enhancing guest experience while ensuring efficient communication between host and guests.
From preference list creation and sharing to recipe generation…
Money Tracker
The Money Tracking feature offers a transparent view of expenditure, displaying remaining budget alongside spent amounts. Additionally, hostesses can upload receipts for transparent expense tracking, visible to both guests and the hostess. The expense tracking option allows hostesses to list all their expenditures for comprehensive financial management.
Other screens
Styleguide
Color Palette
Typography
Iconograpghy
Material Design Icons
Through this project, I've gained valuable insights into the unique needs of sailing hostesses and the absence of dedicated tools tailored to their requirements. As my first UX endeavor, I've recognised the possibility of creating a solution where none exists.
I've come to realize the vastness of the sailing industry and the potential it holds for further growth and development. I believe there's plenty of opportunities to collaborate with charter companies and expand the functionality of the app.
Learning this is such a big project, I've identified potential enhancements for the app.
If I had more resources and time, features such as a community space for hostesses to share provisioning tips, market locations and other useful information fostering a supportive network and improving the overall experience for both hostesses and guests would be added to the app.