Responsive Web Design
This project was part of a 65-hour capstone focused on responsive web design — a common challenge in freelance and agency work. The brief asked us to create a product that worked seamlessly across devices while addressing a real user need. I chose the travel brief, inspired by my own exploration of solo travel and the gaps I noticed in tools for women traveling alone. The result is Sola, a platform designed to help solo female travelers find safe accommodations, plan confidently, and feel supported throughout their journey.
Research
To inform the design, I conducted a competitive analysis of TripIt, Google Travel, and Wanderlog. Each offered planning tools, but none focused specifically on the needs of solo female travelers—particularly around safety and emotional reassurance.
I also interviewed five women, including both experienced and first-time solo travelers. Key themes included safety concerns, a need for step-by-step planning help, and a desire for community-driven advice. These insights shaped the core features and overall tone of the product.
Research Analysis
Using insights from the interviews, I created an affinity map to identify key patterns across user needs. Safety, emotional support, and clear planning tools emerged as top priorities. This analysis led to the creation of two distinct personas: Sarah, a first-time solo traveler seeking guidance and reassurance, and Priya, an experienced traveler looking for curated, safe experiences. These personas grounded all design decisions moving forward.
Designs
Conclusion
This project allowed me to explore how responsive design can directly support the safety and confidence of solo female travelers. By focusing on the key task of helping users find secure stays, I designed a clear, supportive flow across both mobile and desktop. Research insights shaped everything from layout choices to the tone of content, ensuring the experience felt not only functional, but emotionally reassuring. This project reinforced my belief that good design isn’t just about usability—it’s about trust. Moving forward, I’d like to continue building on this work by expanding features like safety alerts, local guides, and community support tools.