Rediscovering Tranquility: Crafting a Digital Façade for El molí de Can Aulet
Engaging with Nature in UX/UI Design for Rural Tourism
Introduction:
Nestled in the serene embrace of Montseny, El molí de Can Aulet unfolds a story of tranquility, offering rustic cabins that whisper tales of nature’s beauty. Join us on a journey through the digital realms, as we reimagine the Mill’s (El molí de Can Aulet) online façade to echo the essence of “enjoy nature” and redefine rural tourism. This is the case study of our second group project assigned at the Iron Hack, Berlin-UX/UI Design bootcamp.
Unveiling the Landscape:
In the quiet corners of the internet, El molí de Can Aulet’s presence was modest, missing the vibrant hues needed to captivate the modern wanderer. The absence of online payment and booking via contact form created a void, leaving undiscovered gems like the Mill in the shadows.
To understand users’ pains and gains, we initiated a comprehensive UX/UI research process. This included conducting an online survey with 40 participants. Additionally, we engaged in a series of interviews with potential users and previous guests of the Mill. Furthermore, we performed a competitive analysis focused on more than 5 similar business models in rural tourism within the region.
The Soulful Edge:
Distinctive in its commitment to eco-farming and offering intimate escapes, the Mill held a secret weapon — a soulful edge. Our design endeavor sought to elevate and unveil this essence, setting the Mill apart from the uniformity of competitive landscapes. The stakeholder defines the main differences, as follows:
The mill is special. It has a stream full of trees, and the houses have their own intimate space. The charm is a mixture of rustic and very comfortable. The price is in the middle, and we have excellent reviews on booking.
Meeting Maria:
At the heart of our design process was Maria, a mother yearning for a family escape immersed in nature’s arms. As we crafted pixels, we envisioned Maria navigating the website, seeking not just accommodation but an intimate dance with the mill’s eco-friendly spirit.
A Stroll Through Nature:
The meticulously mapped digital journey became a stroll through Montseny’s green expanse. Earthy palettes, sustainable visuals, and echoes of eco-friendly stories painted each page, inviting users to wander through the very landscapes they sought to explore physically.
Crafting a Visual Symphony: The Moodboard Exploration:
Before the pixels danced and the design journey unfolded, our team embarked on a visual exploration to capture the spirit of El molí de Can Aulet. The stakeholder’s description of the Mill’s unique charm — a stream amidst trees, rustic yet comfortable cabins, and intimate space — served as our compass. We delved into creating a moodboard that became a canvas of inspiration, blending earthy tones, cozy textures, and glimpses of Montseny’s greenery. This moodboard not only guided our design decisions but also became a visual manifesto, ensuring that every element echoed the soulful essence of the Mill. A creative compass navigated us through the digital forest, ensuring that each design choice resonated with the tranquility and warmth that defines El molí de Can Aulet.
Booking Bliss:
Revitalizing the booking experience became the crescendo of our design symphony. A harmonious blend of availability calendars, vivid cabin narratives, and a secure payment haven awaited our users, transforming the transactional into a blissful journey from discovery to reservation.
Echoes of Success:
As the digital brushstrokes settled, a new chapter unfolded. Online bookings soared, echoing the success of a design strategy that had seamlessly woven nature’s charm into every pixel. The Mill emerged as a getaway and a testament to the power of visual storytelling in the digital age.
Embarking on the Next Chapter: The Future Vision:
As we savor the success of El molí de Can Aulet’s digital rediscovery, our journey doesn’t end here; it merely turns the page to the next chapter. The Mill’s future vision unfolds with an exciting blend of innovation and commitment to nature’s embrace. We envision expanding our online presence, reaching more seekers of tranquility worldwide. Collaborations with local artisans, immersive virtual tours, and an enriched mobile experience are on the horizon. Our commitment to eco-friendly practices will deepen, ensuring that each virtual and physical footprint aligns with the serene landscapes of Montseny. Join us as we continue this narrative, where pixels and nature coalesce, inviting you to not just witness but actively participate in the unfolding tale of El molí de Can Aulet.
Hi-fi Prototype:
My Roles:
Our design team consisted of three members coming from different backgrounds, marketing, research, and the music industry. One of us got in contact with the stakeholder, as she has visited the space and has still connections. Since the stakeholder wanted to have the interview in Catalan, she also had to take over it, including translated transcriptions. As I drafted the online survey, the other conducted interviews with potential users. Accordingly, we were working on the competitive analysis, where I illustrated their site maps and sketched low-fi wireframes. In the next step, we brainstormed all the data we gathered, discussed our analysis with the stakeholder, and decided on user persona, problem statement, and user flow. Accordingly, I illustrated the site map, wrote the story of the user persona, gathered the moodboard, and finally, put the final first draft of the presentation. Additionally, I joined the vivid discussions about the hi-fi wireframes and prototypes with my teammates, as they were working on them in Figma.
Reflecting on the Journey: Key Learnings and Takeaways:
Throughout the transformative process of redefining El molí de Can Aulet’s digital presence, our design team encountered invaluable lessons that extend beyond the pixels. Embracing the unique soul of the Mill and translating it into a digital experience taught us the art of storytelling in design. Understanding the nuances of rural tourism, we realized the profound impact of authenticity and connection. Collaboration across diverse backgrounds within our team enriched our perspectives, demonstrating the power of multidisciplinary approaches.
Conclusion:
The tale of El molí de Can Aulet unfolded in the quiet hum of the digital forest. This wasn’t just a redesign; it was a rediscovery. A dance between pixels and nature, crafting a haven where the tranquility of Montseny could be felt through a screen, beckoning travelers to embark on their own digital escape.
