Capstone: Peer Review

Stephanie Swink is a fellow classmate in my Interactive Design Capstone class. I want this post to serve as a reflection of her hard work so far on her capstone project.

What is it?

Stephanie has chosen to create a mobile application designed to provide resources for those who wish to backpack. Resources will include informational guides that helps the user plan for their trip as well as give access to tips and tricks shared by other users. The app’s purpose is to make traveling less stressful for the user.

Click here to read more about her Capstone!

Stephanie plans to target those with an adventurous spirit in their early 20s as well as couples who are in their mid 30s. After conducting research, she has concluded that these groups of people are the most frequent travelers. They are the kind of people who like exploring new environments, learning about different cultures, and finding themselves along the way. Stephanie wants to make sure that no user feels unprepared or anxious. This is an exciting time in their lives; it shouldn’t be wasted frantically looking on the internet for answers to their questions.

Click here to read more about Stephanie’s personas!

Why Am I Doing This?

I chose to highlight Stephanie’s work because I am amazed at her skills in research and am curious to learn more about traveling. I am one of those people who get stressed out by the unknown. I usually overpack because I am anxious about being unprepared for a trip. I believe it is smart of Stephanie to create a product that takes away that stress for people. Traveling seems to be a great passion of hers. Stephanie is excited to share her knowledge she has gained over the years to help those seize every moment of their backpacking experience.

What suggestions do you have for them?

I suggest that as Stephanie moves forward with her app, she thinks about how she can display her guides in the best way for her user’s to understand and read quickly. People are more likely to skim information than actually read a whole article. I would advise her to think about how she can make her blocks of text easier to skim for users and less visually heavy.

In conclusion…

I am excited to see where Stephanie’s passion for travel takes her next as she tackles her Capstone. Stephanie is a organized, determined, and thoughtful designer. I have no doubts that this app of hers will be something to behold.