Hostelworld Android App
Fresh out of college, I joined Hostelworld’s Product team, immersing myself in a dynamic, collaborative environment. We embarked on a transformative journey, establishing human-centred design principles that helped shape our product development processes.
Fresh out of college, I joined Hostelworld’s Product team, immersing myself in a dynamic, collaborative environment. We embarked on a transformative journey, establishing human-centred design principles that helped shape our product development processes.
tl;dr
tl;dr
tl;dr
Post-rebrand, our product screens online were transformed and we ditched the bunk bed logo for something fresher 🍊
Like many designers, I started my career in the world of CMYK, captivated by grids, typography, and the intricate challenges of print design. In 2013, I traded paper for pixels and joined Hostelworld’s Product team, where I quickly became enamored with the digital realm. After a year of coding emails and creating designs for various departments across the company, I was invited to collaborate with our Android team.
Like many designers, I started my career in the world of CMYK, captivated by grids, typography, and the intricate challenges of print design. In 2013, I traded paper for pixels and joined Hostelworld’s Product team, where I quickly became enamored with the digital realm. After a year of coding emails and creating designs for various departments across the company, I was invited to collaborate with our Android team.
Our Android app was used by travellers worldwide to browse and book hostels, and it had facilitated millions of transactions across the globe. But as new functionalities were being haphazardly integrated into outdated layouts, the experience had become bloated. There was an undeniable need for a design overhaul. Though I had no prior mobile app development experience, Google’s recently-released Material Design had captured my attention, and I seized the opportunity to redesign our app using Android’s new patterns.
Our Android app was used by travellers worldwide to browse and book hostels, and it had facilitated millions of transactions across the globe. But as new functionalities were being haphazardly integrated into outdated layouts, the experience had become bloated. There was an undeniable need for a design overhaul. Though I had no prior mobile app development experience, Google’s recently-released Material Design had captured my attention, and I seized the opportunity to redesign our app using Android’s new patterns.
Around the same time, Hostelworld was undergoing a rebrand. This helped to distil what we’re all about — hostelling and the unique social experience it offers — and how to best present it to our increasingly mobile, dominantly youthful audience. With stacks of market research and usage analytics, we had some understanding of which elements of our existing experiences resonated with people, and which features they found confusing or frustrating as we started planning the redesign.
Around the same time, Hostelworld was undergoing a rebrand. This helped to distil what we’re all about — hostelling and the unique social experience it offers — and how to best present it to our increasingly mobile, dominantly youthful audience. With stacks of market research and usage analytics, we had some understanding of which elements of our existing experiences resonated with people, and which features they found confusing or frustrating as we started planning the redesign.
Where to begin?
Equipped with a revitalised brand identity, our primary objective in redesigning the app was to create a fresher and more intuitive user experience, leveraging the full potential of Material Design while upholding our brand’s essence. Our core functionalities remained unchanged:
Equipped with a revitalised brand identity, our primary objective in redesigning the app was to create a fresher and more intuitive user experience, leveraging the full potential of Material Design while upholding our brand’s essence. Our core functionalities remained unchanged:
Explore hostels and save for future reference
Filter options based on price, reviews, and location
Effortlessly select, book, and complete payments
Conveniently manage multiple reservations
Explore hostels and save for future reference
Filter options based on price, reviews, and location
Effortlessly select, book, and complete payments
Conveniently manage multiple reservations
With this in mind, I began dismantling the existing app, analysing the booking process and visual patterns employed. Initially, I approached the task with trepidation, over-analysing minor details with the assumption that each element served a purpose, so any unnecessary alterations were dangerous. However, as my confidence grew, I identified fundamental flaws in the flow. Stepping away from the existing constraints and embarking on a blank-slate journey, I used pen and paper to start afresh, which forced me to consider each set of screens as cohesive units rather than collections of isolated elements.
With this in mind, I began dismantling the existing app, analysing the booking process and visual patterns employed. Initially, I approached the task with trepidation, over-analysing minor details with the assumption that each element served a purpose, so any unnecessary alterations were dangerous. However, as my confidence grew, I identified fundamental flaws in the flow. Stepping away from the existing constraints and embarking on a blank-slate journey, I used pen and paper to start afresh, which forced me to consider each set of screens as cohesive units rather than collections of isolated elements.
My expectations
Prior to diving into the redesign process, it’s helpful to consider that due to my background in print design, I had developed a familiar workflow: research, mockup, refine, and deliver. Inherently I tried to apply this structured approach to the product design process as well.
Prior to diving into the redesign process, it’s helpful to consider that due to my background in print design, I had developed a familiar workflow: research, mockup, refine, and deliver. Inherently I tried to apply this structured approach to the product design process as well.
As I came to realise, the product design process is a little more complex:
As I came to realise, the product design process is a little more complex:
Unlike the linear approach I had anticipated in print design, we found ourselves continuously revisiting and refining ideas. As I navigated an iterative design process, I learned this back-and-forth dynamic was an integral aspect of product design, transforming the development process into an ongoing puzzle-solving endeavour. Unlike the traditional print design workflow where the final product is sent to print, product design necessitates a collaborative approach involving engineers and product managers to identify and address issues throughout the development cycle. This ongoing iterative process, akin to playing Whac-a-Mole with design challenges, drives continuous improvement and ensures the delivery of a refined and user-centric product.
Unlike the linear approach I had anticipated in print design, we found ourselves continuously revisiting and refining ideas. As I navigated an iterative design process, I learned this back-and-forth dynamic was an integral aspect of product design, transforming the development process into an ongoing puzzle-solving endeavour. Unlike the traditional print design workflow where the final product is sent to the printer, product design necessitates a collaborative approach involving developers and product managers to identify and address issues throughout the development cycle.
Unlike the linear approach I had anticipated in print design, we found ourselves continuously revisiting and refining ideas. As I navigated an iterative design process, I learned this back-and-forth dynamic was an integral aspect of product design, transforming the development process into an ongoing puzzle-solving endeavour. Unlike the traditional print design workflow where the final product is sent to print, product design necessitates a collaborative approach involving engineers and product managers to identify and address issues throughout the development cycle. This ongoing iterative process, akin to playing Whac-a-Mole with design challenges, drives continuous improvement and ensures the delivery of a refined and user-centric product.
This ongoing iterative process, akin to playing Whac-a-Mole with design challenges, drives continuous improvement and ensures the delivery of a refined and user-centric product. Immersing myself in knowledge gained from regular interactions with users, product managers, developers, and various stakeholders, we emerged with an intuitive, visually appealing app, rooted in Material Design and adorned with the Hostelworld brand identity.
The journey was an eye-opening experience, marked by numerous missteps that, surprisingly, propelled us forward. The story is best told through some key lessons I learned along the way, which still resonate in my process today.
This ongoing iterative process, akin to playing Whac-a-Mole with design challenges, drives continuous improvement and ensures the delivery of a refined and user-centric product. Immersing myself in knowledge gained from regular interactions with users, product managers, developers, and various stakeholders, we emerged with an intuitive, visually appealing app, rooted in Material Design and adorned with the Hostelworld brand identity.
The journey was an eye-opening experience, marked by numerous missteps that, surprisingly, propelled us forward. The story is best told through some key lessons I learned along the way, which still resonate in my process today.
LESSON 1
Question everything
My initial days in this new role were marked by an insatiable curiosity. I bombarded my colleagues and stakeholders with questions, eager to grasp the intricacies of my responsibilities, identify potential problems, and understand user preferences. This relentless inquisitiveness spurred me to explore a multitude of potential solutions. Now, when people approach me with similar queries, I can confidently address them, drawing upon the knowledge gained from my own questioning.
My initial days in this new role were marked by an insatiable curiosity. I bombarded my colleagues and stakeholders with questions, eager to grasp the intricacies of my responsibilities, identify potential problems, and understand user preferences. This relentless inquisitiveness spurred me to explore a multitude of potential solutions. Now, when people approach me with similar queries, I can confidently address them, drawing upon the knowledge gained from my own questioning.
The detailed specs and abundant visual examples provided by Material Design were invaluable resources, but striking a harmonious balance between the guidelines and the Hostelworld brand identity proved to be a complex challenge. I found myself grappling with questions about technical feasibility, user expectations, intuitive user flows, and the app’s future evolution. These inquiries continue to shape my design decisions, and the answers I uncover are constantly evolving, reflecting the dynamic nature of product design.
The detailed specs and abundant visual examples provided by Material Design were invaluable resources, but striking a harmonious balance between the guidelines and the Hostelworld brand identity proved to be a complex challenge. I found myself grappling with questions about technical feasibility, user expectations, intuitive user flows, and the app’s future evolution. These inquiries continue to shape my design decisions, and the answers I uncover are constantly evolving, reflecting the dynamic nature of product design.
As a staunch Android enthusiast, I’ve spent years navigating the nuances of both the Android and iOS platforms. While my initial cross-platform experience instilled a natural familiarity with each system’s patterns and quirks, it was through rigorous interrogation, research, and spirited debates with our iOS team that I truly examined the underlying reasons behind these differences. This inquisitive approach, initially driven by personal interest and learning, has proven to be an invaluable asset throughout my product design career.
As a staunch Android enthusiast, I’ve spent years navigating the nuances of both the Android and iOS platforms. While my initial cross-platform experience instilled a natural familiarity with each system’s patterns and quirks, it was through rigorous interrogation, research, and spirited debates with our iOS team that I truly examined the underlying reasons behind these differences. This inquisitive approach, initially driven by personal interest and learning, has proven to be an invaluable asset throughout my product design career.
LESSON 2
Know your audience
During the rebranding process, Hostelworld conducted extensive research, including interviews, surveys, and conversations with hostel owners and travellers around the world. This data provided invaluable as we sought to understand our customers’ preferences, habits, pain points, and desires.
During the rebranding process, Hostelworld conducted extensive research, including interviews, surveys, and conversations with hostel owners and travellers around the world. This data provided invaluable as we sought to understand our customers’ preferences, habits, pain points, and desires.
We knew our customers primarily based their hostel choices on photos, followed by price, and then reviews. These elements, therefore, needed to be prominently featured throughout the search interface. In the property listings screen, each card serves as a dynamic canvas, incorporating informational and interactive elements while showcasing each property’s high-quality photos.
We knew our customers primarily based their hostel choices on photos, followed by price, and then reviews. These elements, therefore, needed to be prominently featured throughout the search interface. In the property listings screen, each card serves as a dynamic canvas, incorporating informational and interactive elements while showcasing each property’s high-quality photos.
By 2015, Google’s apps had embraced Material Design, and its influence extended to third-party applications. The material components were becoming de facto system standards, and we aimed to adopt them judiciously to maintain an intuitive user experience for our Android users. Moreover, the prospect of incorporating floating action buttons elicited a palpable sense of excitement in our meetings (as an aside, our property listings screen is internally known as the FAB or Find-A-Bed screen, which occasionally led to puzzling discussions about implementing FABs on the FAB 😵).
By 2015, Google’s apps had embraced Material Design, and its influence extended to third-party applications. The material components were becoming de facto system standards, and we aimed to adopt them judiciously to maintain an intuitive user experience for our Android users. Moreover, the prospect of incorporating floating action buttons elicited a palpable sense of excitement in our meetings (as an aside, our property listings screen is internally known as the FAB or Find-A-Bed screen, which occasionally led to puzzling discussions about implementing FABs on the FAB 😵).
LESSON 3
Know your team
I was fortunate to have a strong support system within Hostelworld. Collaborating closely with our exceptional iOS designer Carlos Yllobre provided me with invaluable insights into his design process, from sketching to prototyping, iterating, and refining designs. We strove to maintain consistency across both iOS and Android apps while incorporating unique native elements wherever possible.
I was fortunate to have a strong support system within Hostelworld. Collaborating closely with our exceptional iOS designer Carlos Yllobre provided me with invaluable insights into his design process, from sketching to prototyping, iterating, and refining designs. We strove to maintain consistency across both iOS and Android apps while incorporating unique native elements wherever possible.
As a newcomer to the intricacies of both the process and the platform, I gained a wealth of knowledge simply by interacting with my team. The product managers unveiled the roadmap, explained their workflow and the extensive network of stakeholders they needed to engage with to fulfil its objectives. Chats, calls and occasional trips with the engineers helped me gain a deeper understanding of their methodologies. This exposure helped me clearly define my roles within the project, and ensured we all contributed to the same objectives.
As a newcomer to the intricacies of both the process and the platform, I gained a wealth of knowledge simply by interacting with my team. The product managers unveiled the roadmap, explained their workflow and the extensive network of stakeholders they needed to engage with to fulfil its objectives. Chats, calls and occasional trips with the engineers helped me gain a deeper understanding of their methodologies. This exposure helped me clearly define my roles within the project, and ensured we all contributed to the same objectives.
LESSON 4
Start messy, tidy as you go
A few weeks into the project, we held our first design review. Carlos presented an impeccably crafted prototype on his stunning new iPhone 6+, dazzling the room with pixel-perfect designs and mesmerising transitions. Meanwhile, I sheepishly unveiled some faded printouts (we were running low on cyan ink that day 😳), adorned with handwritten notes. Thankfully, no one seemed bothered by my amateurish presentation, and there was plenty of substance to discuss before fine-tuning the visuals.
A few weeks into the project, we held our first design review. Carlos presented an impeccably crafted prototype on his stunning new iPhone 6+, dazzling the room with pixel-perfect designs and mesmerising transitions. Meanwhile, I sheepishly unveiled some faded printouts (we were running low on cyan ink that day 😳), adorned with handwritten notes. Thankfully, no one seemed bothered by my amateurish presentation, and there was plenty of substance to discuss before fine-tuning the visuals.
I found this initial approach to be quite effective, perhaps due to my familiarity with print media. It enabled me to establish the logical elevations of various components, a crucial aspect of Material Design. During that first review, a significant portion of the discussion centred on dissecting UI details, while more fundamental issues remained overlooked. While I emerged from the review armed with valuable feedback from a diverse array of stakeholders—gaining a clearer understanding of how we could achieve our goals—Carlos left with a list of refinements to make to his already impeccable designs.
I found this initial approach to be quite effective, perhaps due to my familiarity with print media. It enabled me to establish the logical elevations of various components, a crucial aspect of Material Design. During that first review, a significant portion of the discussion centred on dissecting UI details, while more fundamental issues remained overlooked. While I emerged from the review armed with valuable feedback from a diverse array of stakeholders—gaining a clearer understanding of how we could achieve our goals—Carlos left with a list of refinements to make to his already impeccable designs.
LESSON 5
Prototypes are invaluable
The best way to ensure everyone involved is on the same page, is to prototype potential solutions. They simplify the task of verifying that designs function as intended before seeking approvals. Product managers can confidently endorse screens after experiencing them firsthand on a device. Engineers gain a clearer understanding of how things work, facilitating faithful translations to code. Testers can effectively compare anticipated and actual behaviours across a diverse range of devices and versions. While I initially struggled with creating more elaborate prototypes, their benefits far outweigh their challenges, making the investment worthwhile.
The best way to ensure everyone involved is on the same page, is to prototype potential solutions. They simplify the task of verifying that designs function as intended before seeking approvals. Product managers can confidently endorse screens after experiencing them firsthand on a device. Engineers gain a clearer understanding of how things work, facilitating faithful translations to code. Testers can effectively compare anticipated and actual behaviours across a diverse range of devices and versions. While I initially struggled with creating more elaborate prototypes, their benefits far outweigh their challenges, making the investment worthwhile.
During the initial phase, when my design file resembles a tangled mess of artboards, I narrow down the most promising solutions for further development. Depending on the desired outcome, I work with a range of tools. Once the prototype is ready, I share a clickable version or export a video walkthrough. These visual representations effectively convey intricate animations and state transitions, surpassing the limitations of verbal explanations.
During the initial phase, when my design file resembles a tangled mess of artboards, I narrow down the most promising solutions for further development. Depending on the desired outcome, I work with a range of tools. Once the prototype is ready, I share a clickable version or export a video walkthrough. These visual representations effectively convey intricate animations and state transitions, surpassing the limitations of verbal explanations.
LESSON 6
‘Try it in German’
Our app supported thirteen languages, meaning every piece of text needed to adapt to a wide range of character lengths. If a design functions flawlessly in English but falls apart when translated to French, Japanese, Ukrainian, or any other supported language, it’s promptly discarded. I often encountered the phrase ‘try it in German’ while presenting potential designs, which is an invaluable exercise regardless of whether your product is targeted at a German-speaking audience. It compels designers to adopt a flexible approach, which is beneficial when adding or removing elements, as is inevitably the case. This focus on functionality can easily be overlooked when one is solely preoccupied with maintaining a perfectly balanced layout.
Our app supported thirteen languages, meaning every piece of text needed to adapt to a wide range of character lengths. If a design functions flawlessly in English but falls apart when translated to French, Japanese, Ukrainian, or any other supported language, it’s promptly discarded. I often encountered the phrase ‘try it in German’ while presenting potential designs, which is an invaluable exercise regardless of whether your product is targeted at a German-speaking audience. It compels designers to adopt a flexible approach, which is beneficial when adding or removing elements, as is inevitably the case. This focus on functionality can easily be overlooked when one is solely preoccupied with maintaining a perfectly balanced layout.
Product design should be evaluated based on alignment with objectives and strategies, and the most effective solution should be implemented regardless of its aesthetic appeal. One of the most intriguing challenges in designing for Android lies in the vast array of device sizes and resolutions supported by the system. Flexibility is paramount, whether it’s accommodating varying character counts or ensuring that elements maintain their functionality as proportions and dimensions change. If the design hinders or confuses a customer seeking to book a bed on any device or in any language, it’s underserving.
Product design should be evaluated based on alignment with objectives and strategies, and the most effective solution should be implemented regardless of its aesthetic appeal. One of the most intriguing challenges in designing for Android lies in the vast array of device sizes and resolutions supported by the system. Flexibility is paramount, whether it’s accommodating varying character counts or ensuring that elements maintain their functionality as proportions and dimensions change. If the design hinders or confuses a customer seeking to book a bed on any device or in any language, it’s underserving.
LESSON 7
Take it one step at a time
Due to the intricate and sometimes chaotic nature of the product development process, incremental releases are the most effective approach. While I was initially hesitant about pushing out work that wasn’t perfectly refined, the feedback we receive from genuine users is invaluable in determining the best course of action. Things often veer off in directions we didn’t anticipate—people react positively to changes we weren’t sure about, or completely ignore features we were confident they’d engage with. At times, previously undetected bugs emerge that impact the design, leading to an overall superior solution.
Due to the intricate and sometimes chaotic nature of the product development process, incremental releases are the most effective approach. While I was initially hesitant about pushing out work that wasn’t perfectly refined, the feedback we receive from genuine users is invaluable in determining the best course of action. Things often veer off in directions we didn’t anticipate—people react positively to changes we weren’t sure about, or completely ignore features we were confident they’d engage with. At times, previously undetected bugs emerge that impact the design, leading to an overall superior solution.
Our first major release focused on addressing a critical pain point in the existing build: the search experience caused users to overlook crucial steps and encounter irrelevant results. Our solution was straightforward: once the destination is entered, the toolbar expands to reveal the check-in and check-out dates, which influence price and availability. Users can modify as desired and continue searching.
Our first major release focused on addressing a critical pain point in the existing build: the search experience caused users to overlook crucial steps and encounter irrelevant results. Our solution was straightforward: once the destination is entered, the toolbar expands to reveal the check-in and check-out dates, which influence price and availability. Users can modify as desired and continue searching.
This was a significant modification to one of the app’s most critical functionalities, but we were aware that the existing patterns caused confusion. The first iteration that went live had a few rough edges, but it achieved its objectives and even exceeded expectations, instilling confidence for the next phase of the project. I could have spent more time polishing the designs, but the outcomes would have been the same; it just would have taken longer to achieve them. It was reassuring to read positive reviews of the new design and see that nobody mentioned the text was a few pixels off-kilter (although I still made sure it was corrected in a subsequent release 👼).
This was a significant modification to one of the app’s most critical functionalities, but we were aware that the existing patterns caused confusion. The first iteration that went live had a few rough edges, but it achieved its objectives and even exceeded expectations, instilling confidence for the next phase of the project. I could have spent more time polishing the designs, but the outcomes would have been the same; it just would have taken longer to achieve them. It was reassuring to read positive reviews of the new design and see that nobody mentioned the text was a few pixels off-kilter (although I still made sure it was corrected in a subsequent release 👼).
LESSON 8
Pull your weight
This isn’t so much a lesson learned as it is a fundamental principle of teamwork: contributing actively leads to a more successful product. While it’s easy to stay engaged when you’re juggling multiple deliverables, it’s during quieter periods that your contributions can have an even greater impact. I use my downtime in various ways depending on the project phase and upcoming tasks, typically by reading extensively, organising files or planning for future possibilities.
This isn’t so much a lesson learned as it is a fundamental principle of teamwork: contributing actively leads to a more successful product. While it’s easy to stay engaged when you’re juggling multiple deliverables, it’s during quieter periods that your contributions can have an even greater impact. I use my downtime in various ways depending on the project phase and upcoming tasks, typically by reading extensively, organising files or planning for future possibilities.
Stepping away from the product design process, even temporarily, can also be beneficial to refresh your perspective. When I find myself stuck on a challenge, having interrogated a range of potential avenues, taking a day or two away often reveals new opportunities when I return. There’s always an email campaign worth revamping or some slides that need polishing. While engaged in other tasks, my subconscious continues to analyse my previous explorations, and before I realise it, I’ve envisioned a whole new solution. Taking advantage of downtime offers an opportunity to exercise your creative muscles and leads to overall improved design.
Stepping away from the product design process, even temporarily, can also be beneficial to refresh your perspective. When I find myself stuck on a challenge, having interrogated a range of potential avenues, taking a day or two away often reveals new opportunities when I return. There’s always an email campaign worth revamping or some slides that need polishing. While engaged in other tasks, my subconscious continues to analyse my previous explorations, and before I realise it, I’ve envisioned a whole new solution. Taking advantage of downtime offers an opportunity to exercise your creative muscles and leads to overall improved design.
LESSON 9
Test relentlessly
Each feature undergoes rigorous scrutiny across a diverse array of devices before being deployed. Every element is thoroughly tested in all supported languages through a broad spectrum of use cases aligned with product requirements. Given our customer base’s tendency to travel, we conduct impaired connectivity tests to ensure seamless operation even on unreliable Wi-Fi connections. The outcomes of these tests often influence the design, as unforeseen issues arise, prompting ideas for subtle adjustments that could enhance the structure across all devices. I’ve come to embrace the quality assurance cycle as a means to enhance the adaptability of my designs.
Each feature undergoes rigorous scrutiny across a diverse array of devices before being deployed. Every element is thoroughly tested in all supported languages through a broad spectrum of use cases aligned with product requirements. Given our customer base’s tendency to travel, we conduct impaired connectivity tests to ensure seamless operation even on unreliable Wi-Fi connections. The outcomes of these tests often influence the design, as unforeseen issues arise, prompting ideas for subtle adjustments that could enhance the structure across all devices. I’ve come to embrace the quality assurance cycle as a means to enhance the adaptability of my designs.
One of my college lecturers frequently quoted Samuel Beckett: “Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.” Through testing my own work, I’ve refined my design sensibilities and discovered that past failures serve as stepping stones to future successes. Nowadays, I find myself mentally navigating flows and spotting potential issues with layouts even at a conceptual stage. Certain aspects have become instinctual, enabling me to naturally avoid pitfalls while exploring solutions. If my work wasn’t subjected to relentless testing, problems would be more challenging to identify, and any solutions I’d devise might inadvertently introduce new complexities.
One of my college lecturers frequently quoted Samuel Beckett: “Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.” Through testing my own work, I’ve refined my design sensibilities and discovered that past failures serve as stepping stones to future successes. Nowadays, I find myself mentally navigating flows and spotting potential issues with layouts even at a conceptual stage. Certain aspects have become instinctual, enabling me to naturally avoid pitfalls while exploring solutions. If my work wasn’t subjected to relentless testing, problems would be more challenging to identify, and any solutions I’d devise might inadvertently introduce new complexities.
LESSON 10
Do it all again
The continuous feedback we gather from customers shapes the app’s future development, ensuring that our work is never truly complete. Balancing business objectives with evolving native patterns and user-requested features presents numerous challenge, but they keep me enthralled with the product development process. When revisiting aspects of the app that haven’t been touched in a while, I often find myself perplexed by my past choices. I notice flaws in the flows that I would never overlook today, or UI blunders that make me squirm.
The continuous feedback we gather from customers shapes the app’s future development, ensuring that our work is never truly complete. Balancing business objectives with evolving native patterns and user-requested features presents numerous challenge, but they keep me enthralled with the product development process. When revisiting aspects of the app that haven’t been touched in a while, I often find myself perplexed by my past choices. I notice flaws in the flows that I would never overlook today, or UI blunders that make me squirm.
Questioning everything, revisiting designs I once considered flawless and discovering elementary issues that I was ignorant to just months prior, all serve as valuable lessons. Priorities shift, objectives change, and trends fade, and when we return to the drawing board, we encounter new sets of deliverables and fresh perspectives on how to achieve them. One unifying goal should remain steadfast, but the surrounding elements are so dynamic that we need to repeat the process multiple times to make informed decisions. Embrace redesigns as opportunities to learn and grow; there are valuable lessons in every step. Find motivation in failure, and fail better next time.
Questioning everything, revisiting designs I once considered flawless and discovering elementary issues that I was ignorant to just months prior, all serve as valuable lessons. Priorities shift, objectives change, and trends fade, and when we return to the drawing board, we encounter new sets of deliverables and fresh perspectives on how to achieve them. One unifying goal should remain steadfast, but the surrounding elements are so dynamic that we need to repeat the process multiple times to make informed decisions. Embrace redesigns as opportunities to learn and grow; there are valuable lessons in every step. Find motivation in failure, and fail better next time.
Hostelworld’s Android endeavours expanded significantly since an initial hybrid mobile app in 2011, paving the way for our first native app in 2014. The first rollout of the material redesign occurred in 2015, and completely rolled out over the next year. Along the way, we were bestowed with the Play Store’s Editors’ Choice accolade, and our engineers rightfully acquired their ‘Top Developer’ status for unwavering commitment to the platform.
Hostelworld’s Android endeavours expanded significantly since an initial hybrid mobile app in 2011, paving the way for our first native app in 2014. The first rollout of the material redesign occurred in 2015, and completely rolled out over the next year. Along the way, we were bestowed with the Play Store’s Editors’ Choice accolade, and our engineers rightfully acquired their ‘Top Developer’ status for unwavering commitment to the platform.