CrewSync

Mobile, Requirements Engineering
A supportive app aimed for planning group trips.

Background

In the Requirements Engineering lecture at the PFH Göttingen, the task was to find out the user requirements for a new, invented app. Through research and my own experience, I came up with the idea of CrewSync. There are already numerous apps available to support users during the planning and execution of a trip. Initially, it is irrelevant whether it is an individual or group trip. The problem is that the user can easily lose the overview if the required information can be found in different apps. Users encounter this challenge particularly when traveling in groups. By coordinating with several people, it is necessary to communicate and document the current status so that all fellow travelers are informed at all times.

Introduction

The CrewSync app makes it easier for groups to plan and carry out trips. It combines various functions from other apps into one to enhance the user experience. This results in easier and clearer operation. When planning a trip with more than two people, it can quickly lead to disagreements between fellow travelers. The app offers various functions to eliminate these discrepancies.

Method

In accordance with the user-centered design process, the context of use of the CrewSync app was first examined, understood and described. To do this, five semi-structured interviews were conducted with test subjects who had already undertaken group trips, i.e. trips with more than two people. In addition, an open observation of a group planning a group trip was conducted. The needs and tasks of users when planning and carrying out group trips were analyzed and usage requirements derived from this.

01 Personas

Charlie

"Companion"
41 years | Coach
Status: Single
Residence: Baden-Baden
“I like to travel with my friends or family. Others usually do the planning for me. I then document the important information either by hand or on my tablet.”

Travel behavior

  • travels in groups of 3-4 people
  • Hiking or wellness vacation

Likes

  • Social interactions
  • to gather shared experiences

Concerns

  • Scheduling
  • Differences in activity selection

Goals

  • Learn from the experiences of others
  • varied vacation

Apps used

  • Mail
  • Splitwise
  • Whatsapp
  • Booking
  • Komoot
tech-savvy
structured

Ornella

"Organizer"
26 years | Student
Status: Single
Residence: Cologne
“I love spending time with my friends because some of them come from further away. Whether it's a city break, a weekend trip or a ski vacation. We always have so much fun together! I'm always involved in the organization.”

Travel behavior

  • travels in groups of 4-7 people
  • City trip, ski vacation or weekend getaway

Likes

  • to save money
  • to manage time well

Concerns

  • Problems on arrival

Goals

  • Good overview for planning and implementation
  • Time & exchange with friends

Apps used

  • Splitwise
  • AirBnB
  • Whatsapp
  • Booking
tech-savvy
progressive

02 User Journey Maps

Ornella "Organizer"

Charlie "Companion"

03 Requirements

From the tasks listed in the user journey maps and the problems and challenges described by the personas, the requirements and subsequently the necessary requirements for the CrewSync app can be derived.

The app must offer the possibility...