Android Mobile App Design
Android Mobile App Design
The Passport Program
From a pocket-sized booklet passport to a digital passport app by offering 2-for-1 deals of local establishments in Denver, CO.
From a pocket-sized booklet passport to a digital passport app by offering 2-for-1 deals of local establishments in Denver, CO.
UX Designer • UI Designer • Researcher
UX Designer • UI Designer • Researcher
2.5 weeks
2.5 weeks
Marianne, Arista and Holland
Marianne, Arista and Holland
Visit Project
Visit Project
Context
Context
The Passport Program is a seasonal initiative designed to encourage locals and visitors alike to explore Denver’s vibrant food and beverage scene. Participants purchase a pocket-sized booklet, the Denver Passport, which offers 2-for-1 deals at a curated list of local bars, restaurants, breweries, wineries, and coffee shops. It’s more than just discounts, it's about discovery, community, and adventure.
The Passport Program is a seasonal initiative designed to encourage the exploration of Denver's vibrant food and beverage scene by offering 2-for-1 deals at a curated selection of local establishments. Participants purchase a pocket-sized booklet, known as the Denver Passport, which provides access to these exclusive offers at various bars, restaurants, breweries, wineries, coffee shops, and more throughout the city.
The Challenge
The Challenge
My team and I were challenged to reimagine the Passport experience: how could we transform the charm of the physical booklet, complete with its collectible stamps, into a digital product without losing its soul? We were tasked with designing an app that enhances the Passport journey. It needed to provide logistical support (like redemption tracking) and offer engaging experiences (like a digital map or gamification), all while staying true to the tactile joy of the original booklet.
My team and I were challenged to reimagine the Passport experience: how could we transform the charm of the physical booklet, complete with its collectible stamps, into a digital product without losing its soul? We were tasked with designing an app that enhances the Passport journey. It needed to provide logistical support (like redemption tracking) and offer engaging experiences (like a digital map or gamification), all while staying true to the tactile joy of the original booklet.
Solution
Solution
Throughout a three-week design sprint, we conceptualized and prototyped a mobile app that reflects the spirit of the Passport. We focused on gamification, ease of use, and exploration to motivate and excite users. By prioritizing features and centering the design around the user journey, we created a digital experience that invites people to discover new places while preserving the Passport’s adventurous and social energy.
Throughout a three-week design sprint, we conceptualized and prototyped a mobile app that reflects the spirit of the Passport. We focused on gamification, ease of use, and exploration to motivate and excite users. By prioritizing features and centering the design around the user journey, we created a digital experience that invites people to discover new places while preserving the Passport’s adventurous and social energy.
The Design Journey
To kick off the design sprint, I wanted to get a clear understanding of the opportunities and limitations of turning the Passport booklet into a digital product.
So, I initiated an early exercise where I outlined the pros and cons of a digital Passport app. This step helped me and my team anticipate the benefits we could leverage and the challenges we might face, ultimately helping us align our goals before jumping into feature ideation.
This exploration helped me understand which aspects of the analog experience could be enhanced digitally, and which ones needed to be respected and preserved.
To kick off the design sprint, I wanted to get a clear understanding of the opportunities and limitations of turning the Passport booklet into a digital product.
So, I initiated an early exercise where I outlined the pros and cons of a digital Passport app. This step helped me and my team anticipate the benefits we could leverage and the challenges we might face, ultimately helping us align our goals before jumping into feature ideation.
This exploration helped me understand which aspects of the analog experience could be enhanced digitally, and which ones needed to be respected and preserved.
Digital Passport App
Digital Passport App
Pros
Can integrate GPS tracking, notifications, and real-time updates (new locations)
Digital Check-ins (QR codes, NFC scans).
Automatically tracks user activity and redemptions
Users don’t risk losing progress.
Data can be backed up and retrieved anytime.
Can gamify experiences with leaderboards, digital badges, or social media sharing.
Personalization allows recommendations based on user preferences and habits.
Cons
Lack of satisfaction of flipping pages and collecting tangible stamps.
Less special compared to a physical souvenir.
Users may face app crashes, and glitches.
Older generations or less tech-savvy individuals may struggle with app navigation.
After identifying these key insights, we considered a high level of functionality and engagement that could be captured through an app. Our next step was to conduct a competitive and comparative analysis of current apps that offer potential features, which could help inform our Design Studio methodology.
After identifying these key insights, we considered a high level of functionality and engagement that could be captured through an app. Our next step was to conduct a competitive and comparative analysis of current apps that offer potential features, which could help inform our Design Studio methodology.
Strengths
Very detailed previews and rating system
Very Strong local business category for food and service.
A lot of visual content to help users make a decision.
Weaknesses
No reward system
Feels cluttered due to excessive.
Strengths
Very personalized customization based on users' needs.
Location Driven Insights
Keeps the users engaged with hidden gems and unique experiences.
Weaknesses
There are not as many users, which reduce the amount of reviews
Fewer photos and visual elements.
Strengths
Strong focus on rewards and cash back.
The platform is easy to navigate.
Offers cash back incentives to encourage repeat business.
Weaknesses
Does not have community-driven reviews like Yelp.
More focus on online shopping than in-person experiences.
Getting into the “Passporters”
To understand our audience better, I took a qualitative approach by conducting four user interviews. My goal was to dig into how people discover local businesses, their motivations, and the challenges they face when exploring new spots.
To understand our audience better, I took a qualitative approach by conducting four user interviews. My goal was to dig into how people discover local businesses, their motivations, and the challenges they face when exploring new spots.
Passporter 1
"I discovered places by social media (Instagram) and mostly Yelp. Big yelper family."
Passporter 2
"It would be nice to have, you know, more options to try new coffee shops and other places."
Passporter 3
Passporter 3
"I like the idea of having business directory for different businesses like a list of coffee shops"
Passporter 4
"I love a reward system because of the engagement and sense of accomplishment"
These conversations revealed patterns in user behavior and expectations. Therefore, I proposed using a Design Studio methodology, where our team could collaboratively diverge and converge ideas through structured brainstorming. But before jumping in, I suggested that each of us create an individual affinity map. This step allowed us to compare findings and synthesize insights, keeping everyone aligned when defining who our "passporters" really are.
Through this exercise, we uncovered four key insights:
These conversations revealed patterns in user behavior and expectations. Therefore, I proposed using a Design Studio methodology, where our team could collaboratively diverge and converge ideas through structured brainstorming. But before jumping in, I suggested that each of us create an individual affinity map. This step allowed us to compare findings and synthesize insights, keeping everyone aligned when defining who our "passporters" really are.
Through this exercise, we uncovered four key insights:
Here are the insights from the affinity map:
Availability: I would like to try new places with good drinks on my free time.
Availability: I would like to try new places with good drinks on my free time.
"I don't mind driving that far, as long as it has the features that I like"
"I go to new places at least one a week"
"Explores local businesses once or twice a week, mostly restaurants and coffee shops."
As a result, our product needs to highlight variety and ensure the discoverability of unique locations.
As a result, our product needs to highlight variety and ensure the discoverability of unique locations.
Guidance: I feel overwhelmed by too many options and not having tailored recommendations.
Guidance: I feel overwhelmed by too many options and not having tailored recommendations.
"When I feel overwhelmed by too many choices, I just to stick to familiar spots."
"I’m overwhelmed by too many options. I just decide by making the call and if it’s disappointing I don’t go back"
"Too many businesses rely on social media popularity instead of focusing on customer experience."
"I just kind of get sick and tired of not having tailored recommendations"
Therefore, personalization and filters became critical features we prioritized in our early ideation.
Therefore, personalization and filters became critical features we prioritized in our early ideation.
Opportunity: I would like an app that provides options and reviews when discovering new places.
Opportunity: I would like an app that provides options and reviews when discovering new places.
"I don’t have an app to help me to find new places"
"Have an app where people find places, ambiance and good atmosphere"
"if I'm just looking for coffee, I just want a list of local coffee shops. I don't want to see Starbucks. Like, if I can filter out Starbucks"
"It would be nice to have an app that gives you popular places in town or popular events going on that week."
However, existing apps didn’t quite meet this need — opening the door for our app to fill this gap with curated and community-driven content.
However, existing apps didn’t quite meet this need — opening the door for our app to fill this gap with curated and community-driven content.
Accomplishment and rewards: I value a reward system to keep me motivated and maintain a crucial engagement with the app. Importance of badges and celebration
Accomplishment and rewards: I value a reward system to keep me motivated and maintain a crucial engagement with the app. Importance of badges and celebration
"I love a reward system, I'll do anything to maintain a streak, God forbid I ever lose a streak"
"I’m always motivated to return to a place that offers rewards or discounts"
"It’s a nice bonus to the experience, especially when I’m a regular at certain spots"
"I'll get, like, a buy one, get one half off, or buy something, some type of incentive"
As a result, I focused on integrating rewards or badges to boost engagement and make progress feel exciting.
As a result, I focused on integrating rewards or badges to boost engagement and make progress feel exciting.
These insights were fundamental in shaping a solution that bridges the original Passport Program’s essence with a digitally engaging experience, tailored to the needs of modern-day "passporters."
These insights were fundamental in shaping a solution that bridges the original Passport Program’s essence with a digitally engaging experience, tailored to the needs of modern-day "passporters."
Onboarding our modern-day explorer
As we wrapped up user interviews and began synthesizing the insights, I realized we needed a clear representation of who we were designing for, someone we could refer back to throughout the entire process. I took the lead in developing our user persona and proposed building a user journey map to better visualize Jasmine’s experience before she ever encounters our app.
As we wrapped up user interviews and began synthesizing the insights, I realized we needed a clear representation of who we were designing for, someone we could refer back to throughout the entire process. I took the lead in developing our user persona and proposed building a user journey map to better visualize Jasmine’s experience before she ever encounters our app.
As we wrapped up user interviews and began synthesizing the insights, I realized we needed a clear representation of who we were designing for, someone we could refer back to throughout the entire process. I took the lead in developing our user persona and proposed building a user journey map to better visualize Jasmine’s experience before she ever encounters our app.
Jasmine, The Explorer
26 years old • Denver, CO | Designer • A Curious Explorer
Bio:
Jasmine is a 26-year-old designer based in Denver, Colorado. He enjoys discovering places, she has enough time in her day to checkout some local spots but she tends to go to the familiar options. She likes to find new restaurants, bar and coffee shops.
Scenario:
It’s International Women’s Month, and Jasmine with her friends needs to find places in her area that has good deals to redeem their day.
Pain Points:
She feels overwhelmed by untailored options, fears missing nearby deals, and gets frustrated by irrelevant or untimely app info.
Needs:
She needs an incentive to explore, specific local spots instead of vague suggestions, and clear info on where the deals are so she doesn’t miss out.
Goals:
Her goals are to feel confident and motivated to try new places, enjoy the social aspect by connecting with like-minded people, and discover spots worth returning to with friends.
Pain Points:
She feels overwhelmed by untailored options, fears missing nearby deals, and gets frustrated by irrelevant or untimely app info.
Needs:
She needs an incentive to explore, specific local spots instead of vague suggestions, and clear info on where the deals are so she doesn’t miss out.
Goals:
Her goals are to feel confident and motivated to try new places, enjoy the social aspect by connecting with like-minded people, and discover spots worth returning to with friends.
Meet Jasmine, a 26-year-old designer based in Denver, who enjoys discovering new places but struggles with the overload of irrelevant content on existing platforms. She needs an app that offers incentives, personalized suggestions, and up-to-date deals that align with her available free time and social lifestyle.
Meet Jasmine, a 26-year-old designer based in Denver, who enjoys discovering new places but struggles with the overload of irrelevant content on existing platforms. She needs an app that offers incentives, personalized suggestions, and up-to-date deals that align with her available free time and social lifestyle.
Meet Jasmine, a 26-year-old designer based in Denver, who enjoys discovering new places but struggles with the overload of irrelevant content on existing platforms. She needs an app that offers incentives, personalized suggestions, and up-to-date deals that align with her available free time and social lifestyle.
To go even deeper, I proposed creating a user journey map, not just to show how Jasmine uses the app, but what happens before she even knows it exists. This "prequel" helped us step into her shoes and understand the friction she faces with current solutions.
To go even deeper, I proposed creating a user journey map, not just to show how Jasmine uses the app, but what happens before she even knows it exists. This "prequel" helped us step into her shoes and understand the friction she faces with current solutions.
To go even deeper, I proposed creating a user journey map, not just to show how Jasmine uses the app, but what happens before she even knows it exists. This "prequel" helped us step into her shoes and understand the friction she faces with current solutions.
In the journey I mapped out, Jasmine finishes a gym session and feels hungry. She opens a competitor app but is immediately overloaded with irrelevant options. She turns to Instagram for help and accidentally stumbles upon The Passport Program. The concept of rewards and curated local spots intrigues her, and she decides to give the app a shot. That moment of accidental discovery becomes a turning point, and now she’s excited, engaged, and ultimately delighted when she finds a great local spot using our app.
In the journey I mapped out, Jasmine finishes a gym session and feels hungry. She opens a competitor app but is immediately overloaded with irrelevant options. She turns to Instagram for help and accidentally stumbles upon The Passport Program. The concept of rewards and curated local spots intrigues her, and she decides to give the app a shot. That moment of accidental discovery becomes a turning point, and now she’s excited, engaged, and ultimately delighted when she finds a great local spot using our app.
In the journey I mapped out, Jasmine finishes a gym session and feels hungry. She opens a competitor app but is immediately overloaded with irrelevant options. She turns to Instagram for help and accidentally stumbles upon The Passport Program. The concept of rewards and curated local spots intrigues her, and she decides to give the app a shot. That moment of accidental discovery becomes a turning point, and now she’s excited, engaged, and ultimately delighted when she finds a great local spot using our app.
Clarifying My Focus: Aligning Vision Through Collaboration
Clarifying My Focus: Aligning Vision Through Collaboration
Once I had a clearer understanding of our users, especially Jasmine, I shifted gears and began translating her goals into design decisions. I wanted to make sure that our app didn’t just reward users but also guided them, provided clear opportunities, and gave them a strong sense of accomplishment along the way.
Once I had a clearer understanding of our users, especially Jasmine, I shifted gears and began translating her goals into design decisions. I wanted to make sure that our app didn’t just reward users but also guided them, provided clear opportunities, and gave them a strong sense of accomplishment along the way.
In one of our early design studio sessions, I found myself reflecting on how people interact with the physical passport booklet—flipping through pages, collecting stamps, and feeling a growing sense of progress. That behavior felt playful, even game-like. I started asking: What if we tapped into that emotional payoff digitally?
That insight led me to introduce gamification as a core principle, not as a trick, but as a way to support our users' motivation. I believed this approach could drive deeper engagement and create momentum, especially for users like Jasmine, who thrive when they can see their progress.
In one of our early design studio sessions, I found myself reflecting on how people interact with the physical passport booklet—flipping through pages, collecting stamps, and feeling a growing sense of progress. That behavior felt playful, even game-like. I started asking: What if we tapped into that emotional payoff digitally?
That insight led me to introduce gamification as a core principle, not as a trick, but as a way to support our users' motivation. I believed this approach could drive deeper engagement and create momentum, especially for users like Jasmine, who thrive when they can see their progress.
While some teammates concentrated on the mechanics of deal redemption, I took a more user-centered path, pushing to design an experience that felt intuitive, encouraging, and rewarding at every step. To help us align our ideas and make informed decisions, I suggested we prioritize features based on their value to the user and the effort required to implement them.
I created a pared-down version of the product that focused on essential features only—those that would help us learn quickly and evolve thoughtfully. These included:
QR code scanning, allowing for seamless deal redemption
Geolocation integration, so users could discover nearby deals with minimal friction
Offline functionality, to ensure the app remained useful even in low-connectivity environments
While the rest of my team focused on creating an app that rewards users when they redeem deals, I prioritized a user-centric design that emphasized guidance, redemption opportunities, and accomplishment to differentiate The Passport Program.
The design studio session was challenging but offered valuable opportunities for collaboration and growth. I implemented a user-centric approach, ensuring that the app’s primary function stayed true to the unique concept. To foster alignment within the team, I proposed using a feature prioritization framework.
These choices weren’t just technical, they were intentional. Each one supported our vision of making the Passport Program functional, usable, and reliable, while also weaving in moments of delight and emotional payoff.
These choices weren’t just technical, they were intentional. Each one supported our vision of making the Passport Program functional, usable, and reliable, while also weaving in moments of delight and emotional payoff.
Through sketching, user flows, and wireframes, I encouraged my team to embrace visual storytelling as a way to refine ideas and ground our decisions in user behavior. I believed that by collaborating visually, we could find clarity and rally around a shared direction, one that stayed true to the spirit of the Passport Program while addressing our users’ real needs.
Through sketching, user flows, and wireframes, I encouraged my team to embrace visual storytelling as a way to refine ideas and ground our decisions in user behavior. I believed that by collaborating visually, we could find clarity and rally around a shared direction, one that stayed true to the spirit of the Passport Program while addressing our users’ real needs.
Sketch first, design later.
Before jumping into digital design, I knew it was important to ground our ideas in visual exploration. With our key features and user flow in mind, my team and I decided to begin by researching and sketching individually, so we could bring fresh perspectives to each screen in the journey.
Before jumping into digital design, I knew it was important to ground our ideas in visual exploration. With our key features and user flow in mind, my team and I decided to begin by researching and sketching individually, so we could bring fresh perspectives to each screen in the journey.
For my sketches, I took inspiration from popular apps that help users discover local spots, especially focusing on how they handle login and sign-up flows. I also outlined a guided onboarding experience, a feature I felt was critical for helping first-time users navigate the app with confidence. My flow walked users through essential areas like search, stamp tracking, passport history, and their profile.
For my sketches, I took inspiration from popular apps that help users discover local spots, especially focusing on how they handle login and sign-up flows. I also outlined a guided onboarding experience, a feature I felt was critical for helping first-time users navigate the app with confidence. My flow walked users through essential areas like search, stamp tracking, passport history, and their profile.
I also made sure to include geolocation and notification permission prompts, knowing these would be necessary to deliver timely, location-based deals and personalized recommendations. I wanted to ensure users felt supported and engaged from the very first interaction.
I also made sure to include geolocation and notification permission prompts, knowing these would be necessary to deliver timely, location-based deals and personalized recommendations. I wanted to ensure users felt supported and engaged from the very first interaction.
I also made sure to include geolocation and notification permission prompts, knowing these would be necessary to deliver timely, location-based deals and personalized recommendations. I wanted to ensure users felt supported and engaged from the very first interaction.
Once everyone had completed their sketches, we came together to review them frame by frame. This collaborative session helped us identify the strongest ideas, and we began to merge our best concepts into a cohesive flow. This process was more than just merging drawings, it was about aligning with user needs and making sure every sketch supported the core journey from discovery to redemption. These collaborative sketches became the foundation for our wireframes.
Once everyone had completed their sketches, we came together to review them frame by frame. This collaborative session helped us identify the strongest ideas, and we began to merge our best concepts into a cohesive flow. This process was more than just merging drawings, it was about aligning with user needs and making sure every sketch supported the core journey from discovery to redemption. These collaborative sketches became the foundation for our wireframes.
Once everyone had completed their sketches, we came together to review them frame by frame. This collaborative session helped us identify the strongest ideas, and we began to merge our best concepts into a cohesive flow. This process was more than just merging drawings, it was about aligning with user needs and making sure every sketch supported the core journey from discovery to redemption. These collaborative sketches became the foundation for our wireframes.
From pencil and paper to wireframes.
As we moved from sketching into wireframing, I advocated for a bold decision: designing our app for Android, not iOS. While most of our peers were focused on iPhone users, I convinced my team to take on the unique challenge of designing for Android devices using the Material 3 Design Kit.
I argued that this would not only give us a chance to reach a wider audience, since many top apps have grown by being more accessible but also allow us to differentiate our portfolios by demonstrating versatility in platform design. Plus, with fewer restrictions on the Google Play Store, we saw long-term benefits in terms of faster deployment and flexibility.
As we moved from sketching into wireframing, I advocated for a bold decision: designing our app for Android, not iOS. While most of our peers were focused on iPhone users, I convinced my team to take on the unique challenge of designing for Android devices using the Material 3 Design Kit.
I argued that this would not only give us a chance to reach a wider audience, since many top apps have grown by being more accessible but also allow us to differentiate our portfolios by demonstrating versatility in platform design. Plus, with fewer restrictions on the Google Play Store, we saw long-term benefits in terms of faster deployment and flexibility.
Once we committed to Android, I took the lead on diving into the Material Design Kit. I made it my responsibility to learn the system thoroughly and then walk my teammates through the process of pulling components from the assets panel and using elements from the library.
This phase brought out the educator in me. I genuinely enjoyed the opportunity to teach and guide my teammates through the framework. It felt great to share what I learned and contribute to building a shared understanding of Android’s design principles, ensuring we were all working with consistency and confidence.
Once we committed to Android, I took the lead on diving into the Material Design Kit. I made it my responsibility to learn the system thoroughly and then walk my teammates through the process of pulling components from the assets panel and using elements from the library.
This phase brought out the educator in me. I genuinely enjoyed the opportunity to teach and guide my teammates through the framework. It felt great to share what I learned and contribute to building a shared understanding of Android’s design principles, ensuring we were all working with consistency and confidence.
Our designs spoke for themselves.
To ensure our app's flow was intuitive from the start, we conducted a usability test on our low-fidelity wireframes. Our goal was to evaluate the functionality and usability of core features, specifically around finding stamps and navigating the redemption process.
To ensure our app's flow was intuitive from the start, we conducted a usability test on our low-fidelity wireframes. Our goal was to evaluate the functionality and usability of core features, specifically around finding stamps and navigating the redemption process.
Usability Testing: Low-Fidelity Wireframes
We gave participants a simple set of tasks:
Navigate to the Discover Screen.
Find a Stamp/Deal
Access to the Stamp Booklet
Check the number of stamps
Unlock Stamp 3
Usability Test: Low-Fidelity Wireframes
Goals: Evaluate the functionality and usability of finding stamps and the redemption process
Tasks:
Navigate to the Discover Screen.
Find a Stamp/Deal
Access to the Stamp Booklet
Check the number of stamps
Unlock Stamp 3
Usability Test: Low-Fidelity Wireframes
Goals: Evaluate the functionality and usability of finding stamps and the redemption process
Tasks:
Navigate to the Discover Screen.
Find a Stamp/Deal
Access to the Stamp Booklet
Check the number of stamps
Unlock Stamp 3
Despite the simplicity of the prototype, we gained valuable insights. For example, users mentioned that “the design would make more sense when color comes in” and “I didn’t know which stamps were active based on the black-and-white icons.” These small comments helped us uncover visual and usability gaps early on, shaping how we would approach the next version of the app.
Usability Test: Low-Fidelity Wireframes
Goals: Evaluate the functionality and usability of finding stamps and the redemption process
Tasks:
Navigate to the Discover Screen.
Find a Stamp/Deal
Access to the Stamp Booklet
Check the number of stamps
Unlock Stamp 3
Usability Test: Low-Fidelity Wireframes
Goals: Evaluate the functionality and usability of finding stamps and the redemption process
Tasks:
Navigate to the Discover Screen.
Find a Stamp/Deal
Access to the Stamp Booklet
Check the number of stamps
Unlock Stamp 3
Usability Test: Mid-Fidelity Wireframes.
With updated designs and improved fidelity, we ran a second round of usability testing—this time focusing on the overall layout, visual hierarchy, and navigation.
Here, the tasks were:
Navigate to the Discover Screen.
Go to Cheluna Brewing CO
Show us the Stamp
Find out what you earn in your offer
Claim your offer.
Usability Test: Mid-Fidelity Wireframes.
Goals: Gather user feedback on the overall design and layout
Tasks:
Navigate to the Discover Screen.
Go to Cheluna Brewing CO
Show us the Stamp
Find out what you earn in your offer
Claim your offer.
Usability Test: Mid-Fidelity Wireframes.
Goals: Gather user feedback on the overall design and layout
Tasks:
Navigate to the Discover Screen.
Go to "Cheluna Brewing CO"
Show us the Stamp
Find out what you earn in your offer
Claim your offer.
At this stage, the app felt more alive but we were still identifying friction points and fine-tuning clarity. This round of feedback further confirmed the importance of color, feedback states, and intuitive navigation which helped address the way for high-fidelity prototyping.
After our testing rounds, we split into two groups: one preparing the final presentation, and the other translating our designs into a high-fidelity prototype. I joined the hi-fi team, where I collaborated with one teammate to bring color, consistency, and interactivity into the app.
While my teammate explored color palettes that matched the tone and personality of the Passport brand, I focused on building a design system; creating styles, defining variables, and building consistent components using the Material 3 Design Kit.
Together, we refined the interface to create a more polished and engaging user experience, carefully layering in visual hierarchy, clear navigation, and a sense of playful exploration that supported our gamified concept.
At this stage, the app felt more alive but we were still identifying friction points and fine-tuning clarity. This round of feedback further confirmed the importance of color, feedback states, and intuitive navigation which helped address the way for high-fidelity prototyping.
After our testing rounds, we split into two groups: one preparing the final presentation, and the other translating our designs into a high-fidelity prototype. I joined the hi-fi team, where I collaborated with one teammate to bring color, consistency, and interactivity into the app.
While my teammate explored color palettes that matched the tone and personality of the Passport brand, I focused on building a design system; creating styles, defining variables, and building consistent components using the Material 3 Design Kit.
Together, we refined the interface to create a more polished and engaging user experience, carefully layering in visual hierarchy, clear navigation, and a sense of playful exploration that supported our gamified concept.
The Final Design
At this point, our prototype not only looked beautiful, but it also closely aligned with the needs of our persona, Jasmine; someone who wanted to explore her city more, but needed a little push to do it. We made sure each feature supported the app's core goal: incentivizing exploration through local rewards.
At this point, our prototype not only looked beautiful, but it also closely aligned with the needs of our persona, Jasmine; someone who wanted to explore her city more, but needed a little push to do it. We made sure each feature supported the app's core goal: incentivizing exploration through local rewards.
Discover Page: This screen gave users quick access to local spots, showing key info like location, hours, and redeemable rewards. This was directly inspired by one of our affinity map insights, that users like Jasmine needed more guidance and clarity when trying new places.
Stamps Page: Here, users could see their progress toward collecting rewards. This page supported our gamification strategy by making it fun to track stamps, and offered an alternative way to explore places based on reward offerings.
Rewards Page: Based on the insight around users craving a "sense of accomplishment," we planned a rewards system where users could trade stamps for deals. While limited time kept us from fully building it out, we included at least one reward preview to show the concept.
Profile Page: Users could view their visited places, stamp count, and saved spots, helping reinforce the sense of progress and discovery that gamification thrives on.
Showcasing Technical Potential
To demonstrate the technical viability of the app, we included features like:
Geolocation prompts, offering suggestions based on the user’s live location
A notification system to alert users of deals nearby
The ability to save stamps offline, so they could be redeemed later without needing connectivity
A simulated integration with Google Wallet, allowing users to store digital stamps for future use
Discover Page: This screen gave users quick access to local spots, showing key info like location, hours, and redeemable rewards. This was directly inspired by one of our affinity map insights, that users like Jasmine needed more guidance and clarity when trying new places.
Stamps Page: Here, users could see their progress toward collecting rewards. This page supported our gamification strategy by making it fun to track stamps, and offered an alternative way to explore places based on reward offerings.
Rewards Page: Based on the insight around users craving a "sense of accomplishment," we planned a rewards system where users could trade stamps for deals. While limited time kept us from fully building it out, we included at least one reward preview to show the concept.
Profile Page: Users could view their visited places, stamp count, and saved spots, helping reinforce the sense of progress and discovery that gamification thrives on.
Showcasing Technical Potential
To demonstrate the technical viability of the app, we included features like:
Geolocation prompts, offering suggestions based on the user’s live location
A notification system to alert users of deals nearby
The ability to save stamps offline, so they could be redeemed later without needing connectivity
A simulated integration with Google Wallet, allowing users to store digital stamps for future use
Product Success
Usability test insights and feature prioritization were crucial during our 3-week design sprint, helping us focus on the key features that would create a richer user experience.
Personally, I enjoyed applying active listening when users provided feedback on our designs, and even more so, being able to make meaningful adjustments to better meet their needs and goals.
Our team’s research and progress during this sprint suggest that future design iterations could explore deeper gamification strategies to keep users engaged, as well as ways to encourage more local establishments to join the program through the partner side of the app.
Usability test insights and feature prioritization were crucial during our 3-week design sprint, helping us focus on the key features that would create a richer user experience.
Personally, I enjoyed applying active listening when users provided feedback on our designs, and even more so, being able to make meaningful adjustments to better meet their needs and goals.
Our team’s research and progress during this sprint suggest that future design iterations could explore deeper gamification strategies to keep users engaged, as well as ways to encourage more local establishments to join the program through the partner side of the app.
What I learned
This design sprint was one of the most enriching learning experience so far. Collaborating with a diverse team challenged me to grow, not only as a designer but as a listener and problem-solver. I was impressed on how each of us approached the same problem from different perspectives and how our ideas came together to create a meaning full app.
This project helped me to see design in a different way. It reminded me that good design isn’t about personal attachment, it’s about empathy, adaptability, and always keeping the user at the center. Embracing collaboration was an opportunity for growth.
This design sprint was one of the most enriching learning experience so far. Collaborating with a diverse team challenged me to grow, not only as a designer but as a listener and problem-solver. I was impressed on how each of us approached the same problem from different perspectives and how our ideas came together to create a meaning full app.
This project helped me to see design in a different way. It reminded me that good design isn’t about personal attachment, it’s about empathy, adaptability, and always keeping the user at the center. Embracing collaboration was an opportunity for growth.
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Contact
Let's Get in Touch
Let's connect and start with your project ASAP.
Contact
Let's Get in Touch
Let's connect and start with your project ASAP.