Web Application
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Influencer-driven

travel planning & accommodation booking platform

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Canada
Travel
11-50 employees
12 experts
Product Delivery Manager, Account Manager, Tech Lead, 4 Developers, QA, Design Lead, 2 Designers, DevOps Engineer
March 2023 - Present
logo
Canada
Travel
11-50 employees
12 experts
Product Delivery Manager, Account Manager, Tech Lead, 4 Developers, QA, Design Lead, 2 Designers, DevOps Engineer
March 2023 - Present

The Client & The App

Plannin is a web portal and a booking engine designed to integrate influencer-generated content with travel planning. Users can explore destinations through the eyes of their favourite influencers, accessing authentic reviews and experiences tied to specific hotels and locations.

The app aims to enhance travel decision-making by leveraging trusted influencer insights, offering a new level of engagement and reliability.

Plannin is backed by funding from the CEO of Booking.com (former Priceline executive), highlighting its strategic support within the travel industry.

Our Role and Involvement

Initially, the client entrusted us with designing and developing the minimum viable product (MVP) of a web portal from scratch. The goal was to launch the core version portal in an assumed time frame, and after the release, the app’s functionalities were planned to be expanded.

Our exceptional consultative approach and readiness to lead the whole project were the main reasons we started the project together. The client needed a partner to help them build the solution from the ground up.

As we continue to refine and expand the app’s capabilities, our ongoing efforts focus on enhancing user engagement and satisfaction. Currently, we’re working on extending the system’s capability to provide users with attractions booking possibilities.

Our Role and Involvement

Initially, the client entrusted us with designing and developing the minimum viable product (MVP) of a web portal from scratch. The goal was to launch the core version portal in an assumed time frame, and after the release, the app’s functionalities were planned to be expanded.

Our exceptional consultative approach and readiness to lead the whole project were the main reasons we started the project together. The client needed a partner to help them build the solution from the ground up.

As we continue to refine and expand the app’s capabilities, our ongoing efforts focus on enhancing user engagement and satisfaction. Currently, we’re working on extending the system’s capability to provide users with restaurant and attractions booking possibilities.

Results

We designed and developed a robust web platform that seamlessly integrates creators’ content, providing users with reliable travel insights. To make the publication as easy and effortless for creators as possible, we integrated social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram for automatic content aggregation.

The app features personalised content recommendations, significantly enhancing user engagement and satisfaction.

Since its launch, Plannin has garnered positive feedback, with users appreciating the personalised travel suggestions and authentic influencer reviews. Moreover, since the initial promotion of the app, it has already attracted hundreds of travel-focused influencers eager to join the platform and become active users. .

Plannin exemplifies our ability to blend innovative concepts with practical solutions, offering modern travellers trusted insights and a personalised experience. The successful launch underscore our expertise in delivering cutting-edge travel solutions.

The app has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, attracting hundreds of travel influencers, enhancing user experience and bringing key results:

+70% month-over-month revenue growth

+30% month-over-month increase in bookings

38% of new users make a booking

The Process

Discovery & Design

We started by conducting a discovery phase that laid the foundation for the next stages. We defined the initial functionality of the application following discussions with the client. Based on our travel expertise and the vast client’s experience in the travel industry, we defined proto-personas and started by understanding the target audience’s needs and preferences. This informed our development strategy and feature prioritisation.

Our responsibilities encompassed creating a seamless user experience and stunning interface. We began by constructing user flows and wireframes. Then, we focused on designing the app’s attractive and differentiating interface using Figma. The initial design was created in a style that was based on the marketing presentation provided by the client at the beginning of our cooperation. With time, the initial design concept was expanded to accommodate additional features and functionalities.

During the process, the client’s marketing team grew, and the marketing strategy changed. Therefore, the client decided to rebrand the Plannin, and we were challenged to redesign the platform entirely shortly before the release. Because we had a design system implemented, we managed to do that smoothly within 2 months.

Development

Hand in hand with design, we started the development of the portal. Our designers and developers were in touch and supported each other throughout the project. Upon finishing each larger piece of work, designers were handing off screens mockups to the developers and focused on the next phase. Such iterative organisation of work allowed us to speed up the development process and ensured the final product maintained a high level of quality.

During the development phase, we had a strategic approach aimed at delivering a seamless and secure user experience. Our primary focus included integrating multiple social media platforms to aggregate influencer content effectively. This required addressing technical complexities such as API compatibility and data synchronisation, ensuring a unified experience across different channels.

Simultaneously, we developed a robust backend infrastructure capable of handling large amounts of video content. This involved leveraging scalable cloud solutions and optimising data processing workflows to maintain performance and reliability under varying loads. Data security and compliance with privacy regulations were top priorities, achieved through strict encryption protocols and regular audits.

Additionally, we implemented a sophisticated algorithm for personalised content recommendations based on user behaviour and preferences. Our backend, powered by the Priceline API, facilitated real-time access to travel data, enhancing the app’s functionality and user engagement.

Launch and Further Development

Looking ahead, we are committed to continually enhancing Plannin’s capabilities and user experience. We already released the trip boards feature and the future plans include expanding the functionality and introducing booking of attractions. We also aim to empower influencers further with enhanced content management tools through improvements to our creator panel.

Although we started as the only team leading the project collaborating with a Tech Lead on the Plannin side, their internal team expanded over time and helped us to deliver the end product. Currently, we’re responsible for delivering new functionalities and expanding the system, while the Plannin team is focused on ongoing maintenance.

Operating with a dual-team structure, we seamlessly integrate with our client’s workforce, collaborating effectively remotely. This setup ensures strong communication and project management skills as we innovate new features and functionalities, continuously refining Plannin based on user feedback for optimal performance and user satisfaction.