We introduced advanced autocomplete and refined search results, significantly reducing the issue of relevant properties not appearing. This improvement decreased user frustration and abandonment rates.
By improving the accuracy and relevance of search results, we addressed the issue of irrelevant properties appearing in search results. This enhancement ensures that users find precisely what they are looking for, reducing confusion and increasing engagement.
These changes resulted in a notable increase in user retention and conversion rates, addressing key pain points and supporting property-specific searches more effectively.
Hotel Engine inc, an upcoming corporate travel booking platform.
As a Senior Product Designer, I directed end-to-end design, including leading design sprints, crafting UX strategy, mapping customer journeys, and developing both UX/UI designs and a new design system palette. I was also responsible for user research, ideation, and overseeing the implementation of design solutions.
Worked closely with the Product Manager and a team of six engineers to design customer-focused experiences that align with business goals.
Autocomplete and Search Results Enhancement: 3 months
Tailored Search Experience: 2 months
Note: Timeline overlaps between both projects
We introduced advanced autocomplete and refined search results, significantly reducing the issue of relevant properties not appearing. This improvement decreased user frustration and abandonment rates.
The current autocomplete feature doesn't activate until at least three letters are typed. This delay can hinder user engagement, as many users expect immediate suggestions to guide their search.
The autocomplete suggestions can sometimes be confusing, leading users to irrelevant or unexpected results, which frustrates their search experience.
When users search for a specific property, it often doesn't appear in the search results, even when it is in the inventory. Instead, the search returns properties in the surrounding area, which confuses users and detracts from their search intent.
The confusion caused by irrelevant or poorly differentiated search results often leads users to abandon their search, negatively impacting conversion rates.
To tackle the Autocomplete and Search Results Enhancement, I led a design workshop that brought together the engineering, product, and design teams. This collaborative session was crucial for aligning on our design goals and ensuring that all teams were on the same page regarding the user experience we wanted to deliver.
For the Tailored Search Experience, the focus was on solving a very specific problem:
When a user searches for a specific property, and we have an exact match (happy path), we ensure that the search result prominently highlights this match.
We identify the user’s search with a banner that immediately confirms the match, providing reassurance and clarity.
The design and content are tailored to inform the user about their search results clearly and concisely, ensuring a smooth user experience.
Alongside the matched property, we also display a curated list of other properties that might interest the user, enhancing the overall search experience by offering relevant alternatives.
Designing the Details
Focus on creating distinct and intuitive icons that clearly represent each category, enhancing user navigation.
Ensure compatibility with both US and International address formats, allowing for seamless user input and validation.
Improve the search bar experience by refining animations and feedback mechanisms, making interactions smoother and more responsive.
Establishing precise rules for triggering autocomplete with the first letter typed.
Implement a dark overlay on the background during key interactions. This reduces cognitive load and directs user focus to the primary task at hand.
Addressing Different Scenarios: Property Match
When a user searches for a specific property and we find a match, we guide them seamlessly through a positive ("happy path") experience.
Display a prominent banner confirming that the search has successfully identified the property the user was looking for.
Utilize clear and engaging design elements and content to inform the user about their search results, ensuring they know their query was successful.
Alongside the primary result, provide a curated list of other properties that may also interest the user, enhancing their exploration options.
Search Autocomplete Interaction
The search begins as soon as the user types the first letter.
The results update in real-time with each subsequent letter, refining the suggestions to match the user's input.
Upon selection, the search automatically advances to the next step, streamlining the user’s journey..
Search Property Results
The "Search Autocomplete Interaction" and "Tailored Search Experience: Property Match" were critical elements in our broader initiative to personalize the search experience. These improvements played a significant role in reducing friction within the core booking process, resulting in a 30% increase in conversion. While there are still opportunities for further enhancement, these changes mark a meaningful step forward.
Tackling autocomplete was the first step in our journey toward search personalization. As the user's initial interaction point, ensuring a smooth and seamless experience was essential. Although the "first letter trigger" was the final piece we implemented, earlier improvements—such as refining result formats, updating icons, enhancing micro-interactions, and applying a dark overlay during searches significantly boosted user engagement and conversion rates.
Improved overall Core booking Experience, beginning with Search.
New & updated UI Components, that enhanced the current search interactions.
Improved Micro-Interactions to remove frictions, in turn increasing conversion.
Reduced overall Product Friction.
As we focused on the "Search for Specific Property" challenge, we uncovered and addressed several friction points within the product. By refining both macro and micro interactions, we achieved notable improvements.
The search process is now more personalized and better aligned with user needs.
Enhanced clarity in result formats has improved overall usability.
Users can now effortlessly search for specific properties and find matches.
Clear communication guides users through the next steps when restricted by travel policies or limited inventory.
